House Passes Carbajal Bill to Rename Goleta Post Office for Decorated Central Coast Veteran

Brigadier General Frederick Lopez, A Santa Barbara County Native And Cal Poly Graduate, Served More Than 30 Years In The U.S. Marine Corps, Including During The Vietnam War

This week, the House of Representatives passed U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal’s (D-CA-24) legislation to rename a post office in Goleta for Frederick Lopez, a retired Brigadier General in the U.S. Marine Corps with a 30-year career of distinguished service. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

“General Lopez represents the best of the Central Coast and of our nation’s armed forces,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m proud that the House has voted to honor his legacy by renaming the South Patterson Avenue Post Office in Goleta in his name, ensuring that future generations will be reminded of his extraordinary contributions to our community and our country.”

“I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Congressman Carbajal in drafting and sponsoring this bill renaming the Patterson Post Office. And I appreciate and thank all those members of Congress who approved this bill going forward. I am deeply honored to have my name on the bill,” said Brigadier General Frederick R. Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (ret.).

General Lopez, a Santa Barbara County native, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967 following his graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His service as a platoon commander during the Vietnam War earned him a Bronze Star and Combat Action Ribbon.

Over his three decades as a Marine, General Lopez also earned a Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and other decorations prior to his retirement in 1998.

In retirement, General Lopez has continued to advocate for his fellow veterans as an active member of the Military Order Of The World Wars – including as its former Commander in Chief – and other veterans groups.

In November 2024, Carbajal, a Marine Corps veteran himself, joined General Lopez, his family and friends, and representatives from Central Coast veterans organizations at the Santa Barbara Veterans’ Memorial Building to announce the post office renaming effort.