Swalwell Bill to Name Dublin, CA Post Office Signed into Law

DUBLIN, CA – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) announced that H.R. 1671, his bill to rename the U.S. Post Office in Dublin, CA for Tri-Valley public servant and 30-year Army veteran Dr. Jim Kohnen, passed the Senate and was signed-into law by President Obama. Dr. Kohnen passed away on May 29, 2012. This is Swalwell's second bill to be signed into law, the most of any first-term Member of the House of Representatives.

"From this day forward, the Dublin Post Office will be known as the ‘James "Jim" Kohnen Post Office,' honoring a man who dedicated his life to enhancing our community," said Swalwell. "Dr. Kohnen served our country in the Army, and he never stopped serving the Tri-Valley when he retired, becoming a public school teacher and a member of local boards. Through this Post Office, Jim will always continue to be part of his beloved community."

The post office facility is located at 6937 Village Parkway in Dublin, CA. There will be a formal naming ceremony with the U.S. Postal Service at a later date.

Dr. Kohnen retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Colonel after over 30 years of service in the Corps of Engineers. During his service, he graduated from the U.S. Army War College, the Air War College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, earning his doctorate in education.

He completed his career by serving as a high school teacher at San Leandro High School, as an elected or appointed official on five local boards, and as a volunteer with a variety of organizations including the Boy Scouts and Dublin Historical Preservation Association. Dr. Kohnen was married to his wife Pat for almost 47 years, and they had two sons, Bill and Mark.