Bill to honor Eastern Iowa soldier advances

DES MOINES - Legislation to name the Cedar Rapids Post Office to honor an Eastern Iowa soldier killed in Afghanistan has been approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and now goes to the full Senate.

The legislation to name the post office the 'Sergeant First Class Terryl L. Pasker Post Office Building” previously was approved by the House. The legislation is co-sponsored by the six members of the Iowa congressional delegation.

'Pasker gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country in defense of our freedoms, and this is one way we can recognize his heroism and service to our country,” said Sen. Joni Ernst, who sits on the Homeland Security Committee.

An Anamosa native, Pasker, 39, was killed at a checkpoint in Panjshir province, Afghanistan, July 9, 2011, only days before the end of his combat tour. He is survived by his wife, Erica; parents, Mary and David; brother, Andrew, and two sisters, Christine and Rebecca.