What:

U.S. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), in partnership with the United States Postal Service will host a dedication and plaque presentation ceremony for the renaming of the Broadway Post Office to the Benny Martinez Post Office. The United States Postal Service welcomes the public to attend this free event.

Who:

The Honorable Sylvia Garcia, U.S. Representative (TX-29)
Domingo Garcia, National LULAC
Dr. Andres Tijerina, Keynote Speaker
Julia Wilbert, Postmaster, Houston, TX, USPS
Sultry Stovall-Harris, Manager, Customer Relations, USPS
Family and Friends of Benny Martinez

When:

November 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Where:

Broadway Post Office
4020 Broadway Street
Houston, TX 77087

Background:

On December 27, 2022, President Biden signed into law H.R.203. (P.L. 117-265) designating the facility located at 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas, as the “Benny Martinez Post Office.” This legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Representative Sylvia Garcia (TX-29).

Benny C. Martinez was born on January 4, 1934, in Goliad, Texas and was one of eleven children born to Placido Lozano Martinez and Paula Cabrera Cortinas. Benny served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1957–58 and from 1958–1962. He also served in the Reserves as a medic at Fort Hood, Texas. All seven brothers would serve in the US Army, with four brothers serving in WWII.

Martinez, a prominent community leader, served the Houston area through numerous organizations and advocacy groups, worked as a Harris County nurse for 30 years, served as a Deputy Sheriff for five years, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Martinez was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 8930 in Houston, TX.

Martinez was an election judge for thirty years in voting Precinct 79 in Denver Harbor, Houston, Texas. A renowned LULAC member, he has received numerous awards, including the LULAC National Man of the Year in 1996 and the LULAC Elderly Person of the Year in 2017. He was also recognized by the Texas Education Agency in 2007 for his Child Hero Award. Benny served as a past president and member of LULAC Council 21 in Goliad.

Martínez's commitment to helping others did not go unnoticed, as he frequently organized events to support local charities and provided assistance to those in need. He was also an honorary member of the Goliad Rotary Club.

Martinez passed away on December 29, 2019, in Olmito, Texas, at Sunshine Haven Special Care Facility with his ever-devoted daughter, Melinda Ortega, by his side. 

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