For Immediate Release: November 14, 2011

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The U.S. Post Office at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park could soon officially become the “Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building”, following the passage today of legislation in the U.S. House by Congressman John Carter (TX-31).  H.R. 298 was approved unanimously by voice vote under House suspension calendar rules.  The bill must now be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President before becoming law.

Carter told fellow House Members that SPC Morris deserved the honor by making the ultimate sacrifice after a distinguished combat record.  “I believe there is no greater sacrifice that one can make than to give his or her life in defense of our great country, and Specialist Morris made this sacrifice after repeatedly putting himself in harm’s way, in the highest tradition of the American soldier.”

Mrs. Lisa Morris, mother of SPC Morris, said “Our family is honored that Matthew is being recognized for his service by this legislation. He was an amazing son, a dedicated soldier, and a great representative of the United States. He is missed but not forgotten by those who have known and loved him.”  Mrs. Morris also thanked Carter and all involved in the re-naming project.  
 
Specialist Morris, U.S. Army, 23, was killed when his vehicle hit a makeshift bomb on April 6, 2008, in Balad, Iraq.  Prior to his death he had been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Action Ribbon.

Morris was a native of Fairfax, Virginia.  He attended Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Virginia, where he earned an ROTC leadership award, and later attended Cedar Park High School.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 2005 and attended Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. He graduated from AIT in June 2006 as a Power Generation Equipment Mechanic and was assigned to Howitzer Battery, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. SPC Morris served as a Generator Mechanic and Driver for the battery executive officer and most recently as a Driver in support of Military Transition Team 0511.