SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2015, 4:18 PM
BY RODRIGO TORREJON
STAFF WRITER |
WALDWICK SUBURBAN NEWS
Waldwick – As the community this week awaits the final step in a three-year effort to rename its post office in honor of fallen Marine Staff Sgt. Joseph D’Augustine, his father on Tuesday, Sept. 29, characterized it as “a mixed blessing.”
On Sept. 24, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to rename the post office at 1 Walter Hammond Place the “Staff Sergeant Joseph D’Augustine Post Office Building.” The bill had already been approved in the Senate in an effort spearheaded by Rep. Scott Garrett (R-5th District) and co-sponsored by the entire New Jersey Congressional Delegation.
The bill now sits before the president, whose deadline to sign it into law is Monday, Oct. 5.
The post office would become the 16th in the sate to be dedicated to an individual, and the fourth in Bergen County.
The long wait has tempered excitement about the tribute, but has also engendered appreciation. D’Augustine’s father, Anthony, spoke to the bittersweet nature of the effort’s route to success.
“On the one hand, we still lost our son,” he said in an interview. “That’s a hole in your heart that can never be healed.”
But, he added, “It is nice to know that people recognize his sacrifice. He’ll be honored in that regard. That makes my family feel happy as far as it could be happy. We’re pleased that Joey is being recognized for his service and his sacrifice.”
D’Augustine, 29, was killed in the Helmand province of Afghanistan on his second tour of duty March 27, 2012. He had departed for boot camp at Camp Lejeune, N.C., the day after graduating from Waldwick High School. In addition to his father, D’Augustine is survived by his mother Patricia and sisters Nicole, Jennifer and Michelle.
