SEEKONK — The Seekonk Post Office will be renamed Sunday in honor of a local soldier who was killed in the Iraq War.
On Sunday at 2 p.m., the Seekonk Post Office, 156 Taunton Ave., will be renamed the Marine LCpl. Eric Paul Valdepeñas Post Office. The bill to rename the building was introduced by Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA) and enacted by Congress.

Valdepeñas, an honor student and accomplished lacrosse player, put his studies on hold at the College of Engineering at UMass, Amherst to serve his country when his reserve unit was activated in December 2005 and deployed to Iraq March, 2006. U.S. Marine LCpl. Valdepeñas, 21, had one month left to complete his tour in Iraq when he was tragically killed by an IED (roadside bomb) in Fallujah, in the province of Al Anbar on Sept. 4, 2006.
A trained machine gunner, Valdepeñas was on patrol with three comrades in a Victor 5 Humvee when the bomb exploded. Cody Hill, the lone survivor of the attack, is expected to speak at the ceremony.
Valdepeñas may also be remembered for his valiant joint effort with Navy Medic Chris Walsh (also killed with Valdepeñas) for saving the life of a baby they found dying from a severe birth defect.  As a result of their swift and humanitarian actions, Baby Mariam, as she was called, was airlifted to the U.S. for urgent surgery. Their altruistic story was recounted in People Magazine and the Boston Globe, among others.
The son of Dr. Jesus and Mrs. Anne-Marie Valdepeñas, Valdepeñas was one of eight children, all of whom will be present at the ceremony. John W. (Mike) Powers, III, USPS Southeast New England District Manager will
See Valdepeñas, Page A-2
serve as master of ceremonies. Honorable James P. McGovern, U.S. Congressman (MA) was Keynote Speaker.  Other speakers include: Eric’s sister Teresa, Jack Reed, U.S. Senator (RI), Congressman James Langevin (RI), Tim Murray, Lt. Governor, MA, Michael J. Carroll, Seekonk Town Administrator, Major General Darrell L. Moore, Commanding General 4th Marine Logistics, and Army Specialist Daniel Pita. 
Music at Sunday’s ceremony will be provided by The Marine Forces Reserve Band Brass Quintet. Several tributes will be provided, including: 1st BN 25th Marines providing the Color Guard. Thirty to 40 Wpns. Co. 1st BN 25th Marines providing a Formation, East Providence Fire Department Captain Ron Caulder, who will play a moving bagpipes rendition of Amazing Grace.  The Massachusetts and Rhode Island State Police will provide Honor Guards, USPS union representatives will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, The Bishop Hendricken Boy’s Choir  will sing the National Anthem.  Commander Sgt. Major Manuel DaPonte, U.S. Army (ret.) will present an Honor Table to remember all fallen POWs and MIAs. The Patriot Guards will be on hand, and the RI National Guard will provide a fly-over of UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.
“We were very moved by Eric’s story and happy to honor him and his family by renaming the Post Office for him,” said USPS Southeast New England District Manager John W. (Mike) Powers, III, “and we are thankful to Congressman McGovern for giving us all an opportunity to support Eric’s family.”