Senate passes bill to rename Thermopolis post office after lifelong resident, former postmaster

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation to rename the Thermopolis, Wyo., post office after former Postmaster Robert Brown, who passed away on September 11, 2020. Brown’s career with the U.S. Postal Service spanned 44 years, including 18 years as the postmaster.

U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Tom Carper, D-Del., introduced the legislation earlier this year. U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who was Brown’s son-in-law, cosponsored the legislation.

“Renaming the post office after Bob Brown is a fitting tribute to his service – first in the military and later as the Thermopolis postmaster,” Enzi said. “He was born and raised in Thermopolis and exemplified Wyoming values. I’m glad the Senate passed this bill to honor and remember him.”

“Bob Brown was an American hero who inspired everyone who knew him. Renaming the Thermopolis post office after him is a perfect way to honor his memory,” Barrasso said. “Bob, my late father-in-law, served as postmaster in Thermopolis for many years after returning from his service in WWII and Korea. Many knew him as the nicest guy in town. I am deeply appreciative of Senator Enzi and Senator Carper’s work to get this bipartisan bill passed in the Senate. This is a wonderful way to honor Bob’s memory and service to Thermopolis and our nation.”

“While I was never fortunate enough to meet Robert Brown, I know he was a man who dedicated his life to his country. He didn’t just serve in the Army; he served with courage and distinction in combat in both World War II and later in the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star and later returned to his community where he continued to serve his fellow citizens for years as a postmaster in the U.S. Postal Service. I know that our country is better for his lifetime of service to others,” said Carper. “I want to thank my colleague, Senator Enzi, for graciously allowing me to be his wingman in this effort to rename the Thermopolis post office in Mr. Brown’s honor. I know that his memory will live on for generations in the community he served so well.”

The bill calls for the post office in Thermopolis to be officially named the Robert L. Brown Post Office. The bill must now be passed by the House of Representatives.

After graduating from Thermopolis High School, Brown was inducted into the Army in 1944 and served in both the Europe and the Pacific theaters. In 1950, when he was part of the National Guard, Brown deployed to Korea where he was a member of the 300th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. Along with a unit citation, he received the combat infantry badge and the Purple Heart. After his service, he returned to Thermopolis and began working at the post office.