Bill to Honor Mount Vernon Fallen Soldier Passes House

The U.S. Post Office in Mount Vernon could soon have a new name, as Representative Rick Allen’s bill to rename the post office after Second Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun has unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

'I rise today to recognize the life of an American patriot, Vietnam veteran, and amazing man who couldn’t be more deserving of having his name displayed on the U.S. Post Office in Mount Vernon, Georgia,” Allen told the House during his presentation.

Allen presented a narrative biography of Calhoun’s life, as he highlighted the native’s personal and professional victories. “Second Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun, a native of Mount Vernon, Georgia – located in the 12th District – was born on March 19, 1941,” Allen continued from page

explained. “After graduating from Montgomery County High School in 1959, Second Lieutenant Calhoun attended the University of Georgia where he joined R.O.T.C and earned his pilot's license while finishing his junior year of college. That next year, Calhoun graduated and enrolled in his first year of law school at the University of Georgia where he met the love of his life, Jane Dunham, whom he later married in 1963. That same year, Jane and Patrick’s only child – Catherine Ruth Calhoun – was born on November 29.”

He continued, “Shortly after Catherine was born, Second Lieutenant Calhoun answered the call to serve and willingly put down his books and put on his uniform – joining the United States Army where he was first stationed at Fort Benning, now known as Fort Moore, near Columbus, Georgia. Later, after completing flight training in Mineral Wells, Texas, Calhoun was deployed on his first assignment in Vietnam in 1964. A born leader, Calhoun served as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander in South Vietnam where his helicopter was tragically shot down under hostile fire while dropping off troops in the Spring of 1965. Calhoun was declared Missing in Action before being declared deceased at the young age of only 24 years old. Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievements while engaged in aerial flight.”

Allen concluded his address by highlighting Calhoun’s personality, saying he “never met a stranger and always enjoyed cutting a rug.”

The bill, H.R. 3944, will now go to the Senate to be voted upon. If approved, the bill will be signed into law, officially renaming the post office. If denied, the bill will return to the House of Representatives for further action to be determined.