Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Tom Reed today announced legislation to name the U.S. Post Office in Corning after Army Specialist Ryan Jayne, an Elmira native who died while serving in Afghanistan.
“Specialist Jayne served with truly heroic bravery,” Senator Gillibrand said. “He answered the highest call, and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Naming the Corning Post Office after him will honor his legacy in the community he loved for all to proudly remember his life and his service.”
“We honor and remember Specialist Jayne, who gave everything for his country at such a young age,” Rep. Reed said. “His sacrifice – and the sacrifice of his family – is what makes our freedom possible and can never be forgotten. I am proud to join with Senator Gillibrand to keep Specialist Jayne and his heroism fresh in our minds each and every day.”
“Ryan joined the military because he wanted to go to Afghanistan. He hoped to save some money and return back to Corning and start a business,” said the family of Specialist Jayne. “He had a smile that would light up a room. Ryan loved his hometown and his family very much. He was the biggest cheerleader for his seven younger brothers and sisters. Ryan is greatly missed and naming the Corning post office after him will be a real honor for his family.”
Specialist Jayne was born in Elmira before moving with his family to the Corning area. He was a 2008 graduate of Corning East High School, where he was awarded the Judi McCort Memorial Scholarship for courage, hard work and responsibility. Jayne attended Corning Community College before enlisting in the Armed Forces in 2010.
Specialist Jayne was in Afghanistan for his second deployment. Along with fellow New Yorkers Staff Sergeant Dain Taylor Venne and Sergeant Brett Gornewicz, Jayne died from wounds sustained when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in the Paktia Province of Afghanistan. All three were assigned to the 444th Engineer Company based in Oswego.
The legislation would rename U.S. postal facility located at 198 Baker Street in Corning the “Specialist Ryan P. Jayne Post Office Building.”