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The Mastic Post Office was officially renamed and dedicated in honor of Army Specialist Thomas J. Wilwerth, a William Floyd High School graduate who died in 2006 while on patrol in Iraq from an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
“Specialist Wilwerth’s name and legacy will live on forever through the dedication of his hometown post office in his name,” said Suffolk County Legis. Rudy Sunderman.
Since Wilwerth’s death, his parents, Terry and Elaine Wilwerth, have been active in the community advocating for those who serve in the Armed Forces. They have been a staple at the Mastic Fire Department Memorial Day Ceremony, which they always attend in recognition of their son.
At the ceremony in 2018, Terry approached Sunderman, who is also the chief of the Mastic Fire Department, and they discussed ways in which they could honor Wilwerth’s memory. Terry Wilwerth suggested having the Mastic Post Office dedicated in his son’s name.
“Terry brought the idea to my attention and I said, ‘Let’s make it happen,’” said Sunderman. “My office contacted Rep. Lee Zeldin and the Congressman took on this issue and introduced legislation to rename the post office.”
On Tuesday, friends and family of Wilwerth joined together to unveil the plaque that reads, “THIS BUILDING IS NAMED IN HONOR OF ARMY SPECIALIST THOMAS J. WILWERTH BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS PUBLIC LAW 116-44 AUGUST 21, 2019.”
