WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) reintroduced legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office in downtown Amarillo, Texas as the “Mayor Jerry H. Hodge Post Office Building” in honor of former Amarillo mayor, Jerry Hodge. Jerry was a devoted public servant who was committed to improving the Amarillo community. Senator Cruz (R-TX) is introducing companion legislation in the Senate.
"Jerry Hodge’s impact on Amarillo extended far beyond his titles," said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “He was the youngest mayor in the city’s history, a successful businessman, and a proud rancher. Jerry’s personality was larger than life, and he worked tirelessly each day to make life better for the people of the Texas Panhandle. I’m proud to have called him a friend and am honored to introduce this piece of legislation to recognize his enduring legacy.”
“Mayor Hodge was a pillar of the Amarillo community and a true servant leader to the Panhandle,” said Sen. Ted Cruz. “He transformed a local pharmacy into a national enterprise, served his community as the youngest mayor of Amarillo’s history, and was instrumental in establishing the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. I am proud to introduce legislation to name the Amarillo post office in honor of his legacy.”
“Jerry was an extraordinary leader, businessman, and philanthropist who made an incredible impact on the people of Amarillo and the surrounding area,” said Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. “A true trailblazer, he took risks and never hesitated to stand tall for the causes he believed in. Jerry and his wife, Margaret, have been instrumental supporters of the Texas Tech University System and our universities. Without the Hodges, Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center would not have such a crucial presence in Amarillo today. I want to thank Congressman Jackson for his efforts to recognize Jerry’s tremendous contributions to this community.”
“Jerry Hodge was a man of many facets – a lover of land and longhorns, an admirer of good horses, and above all, a person with sincere devotion to mankind,” said Vance Reed, Chairman of Reed Beverage. “His legacy is etched not only in the businesses he built, but also in the lives he touched. The impact of Jerry and his wife Margaret’s generosity is visible across Amarillo and the states of Texas and Oklahoma, with numerous buildings bearing their names. In a fitting tribute, thanks to District 13 Congressman Ronny Jackson, there are plans to rename the Downtown Post Office in Jerry’s honor. This gesture will serve as a lasting reminder of Jerry Hodge’s contributions and his choice to call Amarillo, Texas his home.”
“Jerry Hodge was an extraordinary human being,” said Alex Fairly, Executive CEO of the Fairly Group. “He loved his community and he shared his time, influence, and wealth in a passionate pursuit of improving it. Amarillo is better because of Jerry’s unselfish leadership and generosity, and Congressman Jackson is right to mark Jerry’s impact on our community with this honor so that we do not forget his example and impact.”
“Amarillo has been blessed and honored to have Jerry Hodge as our leading citizen since the inception of the town,” said Richard Ware, Chairman of Amarillo National Bank. “Jerry has served successfully in more positions than anyone – each of these bringing growth and advancement to Amarillo. He was a man of his word and a true friend to many. The Post Office would be a fitting memorial to all that Jerry has done for Amarillo and West Texas.”
Bill text can be found here.
