Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford was on hand last week during a ceremony to rename the Hawthorne Post Office after fallen local soldier Kenneth Eric Bostic.
On Dec. 21, 2018 at the request of U.S. Representative Ruben Kihuen, President Donald J. Trump signed into legislation, Public Law 115-354, renaming the Hawthorne Post Office as the “Sergeant Kenneth Eric Bostic Post Office”. Friends and family of Bostic and representatives gathered outside the post office of Bostic’s hometown to witness the ceremony to one of Mineral County’s fallen heroes.
Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford who is a representative for the 4th District spoke about Sgt. Bostic.
“Kenneth Eric Bostic was born on June 3, 1985 in Hawthorne, Nevada. From a young age, he exhibited signs of leadership and he was a talented athlete playing both varsity baseball and football. Deciding to forgo college, he instead enlisted in the United states Army in June of 2003,” Congressman Horsford would tell those in attendance.
“After completing basic training, Kenny realized his dream when he was awarded the primary MOS of military police officer. His time in the Army was meritorious and just three years he was promoted to the rank of sergeant where he served with the 204th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colorado. Sgt. Bostic was initially deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan and upon his return from a yearlong deployment he requested to be deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On Oct. 24, 2006 the ‘Blade Runners’ were called into action in Baghdad to find an American soldier who had disappeared. On Oct. 31, 2006, Sgt. Bostic stationed at a perimeter check point when he came across a vehicle which he considered to be suspicious. He ordered his troops back to safety and approached the vehicle himself. Sgt. Bostic was killed in the action by an enemy sniper as he searched the vehicle,” the congressman said when telling the story of the fallen soldier.
“It’s been 13 years since Sgt. Bostic’s death and his presence is still felt in Hawthorne today,” Congressman Horsford would conclude.
The representative would be joined by Ray Proctor, Post Office Operations Manager and Lynn Holmes, Sparks Postmaster as well as Kyle George from the Nevada Attorney General’s Office who would honor Sgt. Bostic in the tribute.
Bostic’s sister in law, Jaime would thank those in attendance from the family and thanked Kenny for “doing the right thing, even when no one was looking.”
Today, a plaque commemorating Sgt. Kenneth Eric Bostic hangs inside the post office and a commemorative stamp was on hand for those who wished to have their program stamped.
The dedication of the building in “America’s Patriotic Home” the week prior to Armed Forces celebration honored not only Sgt. Bostic but all those who honorably serve their country and give selflessly of themselves.
This is such an honor for Kenny and his family. Fantastic!