U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice Introduces Bill to Rename Seminole Post Office after Army Sgt. Bret D. Isenhower

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Rep. Stephanie Bice introduced legislation to rename the post office at 120 E. Oak Ave. in Seminole, Oklahoma after Army Sgt. Bret D. Isenhower. Isenhower grew up in Seminole, Oklahoma, graduating from Seminole High before attending East Central University. He served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before being killed in action. Isenhower was posthumously granted several awards, including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star medal, Oklahoma Meritorious Service medal, and a Global War on Terrorism Medal. This legislation has the support of the entire Oklahoma House Delegation. Oklahoma U.S. Senators James Lankford and Jim Inhofe introduced the companion bill in the United States Senate in April.

“Sgt. Bret D. Isenhower dedicated his life to service and protecting the ones he loved,” Rep. Bice said. “He was a model citizen, even heroically saving the life of one of his fellow service members in Afghanistan. Tragically, he lost his life while serving his country. It is my honor to introduce legislation to name the post office in Seminole in Sgt. Bret D. Isenhower’s honor.” “Bret was the best brother a sister could ask for,” Krysten Isenhower said. “He showed up whenever he was needed, and I’m sure I speak for more than myself when I say that. Bret loved Seminole, he loved being a chieftain, and he loved serving his community and country. A servant’s heart would definitely describe my brother. To have the post office in his hometown named after him is such an honor and a tribute to remember the sacrifice he made on September 9, 2011.” Sgt. Bret Isenhower was one of Oklahoma’s finest who gave his life for our state and nation,” Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, said.”By naming this post office in his honor, we remind ourselves how precious our freedoms are. When we name public places like a post office or a park for our fallen service members, we ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten and we honor our Gold Star families.” “Sgt. Bret Isenhower was a true American hero,” Sen. Inhofe said. “After joining the Oklahoma National Guard in 2006, he valiantly served his nation in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Sgt. Isenhower embodied the Oklahoma standard, making Seminole, our state and our nation proud. I am glad we were able to recognize him by introducing legislation that would rename this Seminole post office after him.” Designating this Seminole Post Office in honor of Sgt. Bret D. Isenhower will ensure the last full measure he gave is remembered for generations,” Sen. Lankford said.

“I know the Isenhower family and the Seminole community will continue to grieve this heavy loss of such a bright spark in their lives. But we also remember that we are safer and freer today because of Bret’s service to our nation. Cindy and I extend our deepest gratitude and continued prayers to his family and friends for sharing in the sacrifices he made halfway around the world to protect us.”

Editor’s Note: Congresswoman Bice’s commentaries will return later this year, after a hiatus during the campaign cycle.