WASHINGTON, September 29, 2004 -- A bill introduced by Cong. Charles Rangel to name a post office in Washington Heights in honor of Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda, the first Dominican killed in the Iraq War, was passed by the House of Representatives this week.

"This is a recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives of Sergeant Tejeda's contribution to this country," Cong. Rangel said.  "The goal now is to transform the post office that serves his community into a lasting memorial of his sacrifice."

The aim of the legislation, which was passed by voice vote on Tuesday night, is to attach Sgt. Tejeda's name to the U.S. Post Office located at 555 West 180th Street in Washington Heights, the neighborhood where he lived and where his family continues to reside. 

Sgt. Tejeda was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and was killed during combat operations in Baghdad on April 11, 2003, at the age of 26.   He had joined the Marine Corps at the age of 18 after graduating from the Fashion Industries High School.  During his eight years of service, he had been deployed to Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, East Timor and Iraq.  He was awarded the Silver Star for his valor in the line of fire.

The matter will now move to the U.S. Senate for consideration and a vote, which will be required in order to become law.