Legislation introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Altadena/Pasadena) to honor Altadenan Oliver Goodall, one of the Tuskegee Airmen, has passed the Senate and is awaiting the signature of President Barack Obama.
There was some alteration from the original plan of renaming the Altadena Post Office on N. Lake Ave. after Goodall, but this plan was scuttled, according to Schiff’s office, because that location is leased rather than owned by the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The historic Beaux Arts post office at 281 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, was chosen instead as the “First Lieutenant Oliver Goodall Post Office.” Not only is this a permanent location, it is located in the civic center area near city hall and the Pasadena main library, both historic buildings. The busts of two other Pasadena-area African-American heroes, Mack and Jackie Robinson, are also located in that area.
“I am so pleased that legislation to pay tribute to Oliver Goodall, a great patriot who always exhibited perseverance in the face of adversity, is one step closer to becoming law,” Rep. Schiff said. “Once signed by President Obama, this bill will honor the more than 50 years of public service that Goodall provided as a Tuskegee Airman, public information officer and postal worker. Goodall’s courageous life story, as well as his legacy of service, lives on and inspires us all. His dedication to helping others had a truly positive impact on our community, and for that we are very fortunate.”
Goodall was graduated from Tuskegee training in Oct., 1944 as a multi-engine pilot and was assigned to the 477th Bomber Group at Godman Field, Kentucky the following January. He was among 60 African American U.S. Army Air Corps officers arrested for trying to peacefully integrate an all-white officers’ club, which came to be known as the Freeman Field Mutiny. This action was a step toward full integration of all U.S. armed forces worldwide in June 1949.
“For more than 50 years, my grandfather served our community as a Tuskegee Airman, public information officer and postal worker, and dedicating the post office in his name is a great joy and an honor for our family,” said Tony Goodall. “I hope that by paying tribute to my grandfather, this will serve as a reminder, not only to our family and friends, but also to our neighbors about the importance of service, as well as an inspiration for young men and women that their contributions to society really will make a difference.”
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