Florida news

April 11, 2025

Casselberry Post Office building to be dedicated in honor of Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger II

Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger II

What:

Local elected officials, postal representatives, and family and friends will all join to celebrate the dedication of the Casselberry Post Office building in honor of Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger II. The public is invited to attend this free event.

Who:

The Honorable Cory Mills, U.S. Congressman (FL-7)
Family of Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger II
Christina Walker, USPS Florida 1 District Manager, Post Office Operations

When:

Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m. EST

Where:

Casselberry Post Office
109 Live Oaks Blvd
Casselberry, FL 32707

RSVP:

Please RSVP to: tiffany.c.rowland@usps.gov by Monday, April 14, 2025.

Background:

On October 2, 2023, U.S. Representative Cory Mills introduced H.R. 5867, a bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 109 Live Oaks Blvd, Casselberry, FL as the “Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger II” Post Office.

The bill was signed by the President on January 2, 2025, and became P.L. 118-216.

Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger, II, commander of the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, was credited with shooting down one MiG21 on March 1st,1972 while flying a F-4D which is currently on display at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado. He is a retired US Air Force Colonel, former POW and a highly decorated United States Air Force Command Pilot.

Colonel Joseph Kittinger II, a legendary figure in aviation and space history, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to high-altitude balloon flights and parachuting. Known for his record-setting jump from 102,800 feet in 1960 during Project Excelsior, Kittinger's remarkable feats have not only pushed the boundaries of human endurance but have also provided invaluable data for the development of aerospace safety measures. He was the first man to make a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in a helium ballon. His remarkable career inspired generations of adventurers and scientists alike.

Colonel Kittinger has received several prestige awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross for Project Man High, Project Excelsior (Parachute jump from 102,800 feet), and 4 Oak Leaf Clusters – Vietnan, as well as the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. Colonel Kittinger also received recognition in several Hall of Fames including the Aviation Hall of Fame in 1997, the National Ballooning and the National Skydiving Hall of Fames in 2010.

Colonel Kittinger, will always be remembered as a distinguished veteran and a pioneer in the field of aviation and space exploration, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire and influence future generations.

# # #

The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

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