Congressman Castro Leads CHC Members in Push to Retain the Name of Fort Cavazos
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Castro (TX-20), Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion, led the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) delegation in urging Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to retain the name of Fort Cavazos — recently renamed after General Richard E. Cavazos, the first Mexican American to reach the rank of four-star general. This letter comes after Secretary Hegseth’s order to rename Fort Moore, a military base in southwest Georgia, back to Fort Benning. Secretary Hegseth has expressed interest in renaming others.
“When Congress tasked the bipartisan Renaming Commission with replacing Confederate names across military bases, they thoughtfully selected General Richard E. Cavazos to replace Fort Hood's designation. Throughout his distinguished 33-year military career, General Cavazos demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership that epitomizes the values our armed forces always seek to uphold. His achievements and service to our country have earned him this lasting recognition, which must be upheld,” the lawmakers wrote.
“After retiring in 1984, he continued to serve in public leadership roles, including on the Board of Regents for Texas Tech University. His legacy is one of exceptional bravery, visionary leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the country he served,” the lawmakers continued.
“Keeping the military installation in Killeen, Texas as Fort Cavazos would be an ongoing tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to our nation. Maintaining his name ensures that our military installations honor those who served with distinction and upheld this country’s highest values. We urge you to uphold the Renaming Commission’s decision and ensure that Fort Cavazos continues to bear the name of this distinguished American hero,” the lawmakers concluded.
Background:
In 2021, the Commission on the Naming of Items of the Department of Defense was established to remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor the Confederate States of America from all assets of the Department of Defense.
Congressman Castro and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus delegation successfully recommended for General Richard E. Cavazos to be honored in the renaming process of Fort Hood, a military base in Texas. In 2023, the base was officially renamed in honor of General Cavazos.
The full letter can be read here.