Local Post Office Renamed For Local Soldier Killed In Vietnam
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Local Post Office Renamed For Local Soldier Killed In Vietnam
A dedication ceremony Saturday marked the official renaming of a local post office in honor of a decorated Central Texas soldier who was killed in action in 1969 in Vietnam.
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(October 25, 2008)—A dedication ceremony Saturday morning marked the official renaming of the Clay Avenue Post Office in Waco to honor Pfc. Juan Alonso Covarrrubias, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill in January authored by Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco to rename the post office in honor of the decorated paratrooper who was reared in Waco and who was drafted in 1968 when he was 20.

He was killed on Mar. 24, 1969 and was buried on April 4, 1969 at Waco Memorial Park, leaving behind a then-infant daughter, Tammy.

Tammy Covarrubias was expected to attend the ceremony Saturday.

“Juan Alonso Covarrubias is an American hero who gave his life defending our country in Vietnam,” Edwards said.

“We humbly recognize that we can never fully repay him or his family for their loss, but I hope and pray that honoring him in this way will celebrate his dedicated service and preserve his memory,” he said.

Covarrubias was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Bronze Star Medal during his short tenure in the military.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Delores Location: Waco on Oct 26, 2008 at 01:38 PM

I attended the dedication ceremony for my cousin Johnny and I would like to thank all that made this possible. What an honor for all of our family and for Waco. It was beautiful, and I am so very proud. Again, we thank you.
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Posted by: Dorothy Location: Elm Mott on Oct 25, 2008 at 06:09 PM

Juan's brother, Gilbert Covarrubbias, an excellent baseball player,was in my Waco High School Class of 1964. My sister Sue was in Juan's class. Juan is buried near my grandparents & other family members in the Rose Garden section, an older part of Waco Memorial Park. All of the Covarrubias family were good people. It is a privilege to know them. Thank you for this honor for Juan, a hero who gave his life in Vietnam.
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