LAKELAND, FL—Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) today held a dedication ceremony to rename a Lakeland Post Office in honor of 23-year-old fallen U.S. Marine, Corporal Ronald Payne Jr. of Polk County, who was killed in action during a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Tawara, Afghanistan on May 7, 2004.
“Today Lakeland honors one of our own who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America,” Rep. Franklin said. “Corporal Payne was a shining example of the best America has to offer. The impact of his selfless service on this country and on those who knew him continues to this day. It is an honor to rename this post office in his honor, so his legacy and sacrifice lives on for current and future generations in our community.”
Ronald Payne Jr. was born on December 31, 1980, in Lakeland. Payne graduated from Mulberry High School in 1999 before enlisting in the Marines Corps. He deployed with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance battalion in 2003 during the initial invasion of Iraq. As an experienced combat leader, he volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan. On May 7th, 2004, while on a mission in Tawara, Afghanistan, Ronald was tragically killed during a firefight, making him the first Marine killed in ground combat in Tawara.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for saving the life of Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, who was surrounded after being wounded during the exchange. Ron was brought home to Lakeland where he was given a hero’s welcome and was buried with full military honors at Oakhill Cemetery.
At today’s event, remarks were provided by Rep. Scott Franklin; Robert Gaskin, USPS District Manager; Ron Payne Sr., Ronald Payne Jr.’s father; and Col. John Kinitz, Ronald Payne Jr.’s Platoon Commander. The invocation was provided by Chaplain Gregory Robinson, USN, Ret. The 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion Color Guard presented the colors and Lyndsay Naranjo performed the National Anthem. The Polk County Veterans Council coordinated a large team of generous community volunteers who helped with needed beautification projects in advance of today’s ceremony.
In the 117th Congress, Rep. Franklin introduced H.R. 7638 directing the U.S. Postal Service Building located at 6000 South Florida Ave. in Lakeland be renamed in honor of Cpl. Payne. On December 27, 2022, President Biden signed Rep. Franklin’s bill into law (Public Law 117-307).