Sunrise Way post office officially renamed in honor of late tribal leader Richard Milanovich

The U.S. Postal Service facility on Sunrise Way was renamed the “Chairman Richard Milanovich Post Office” in honor of the late leader of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Thursday. During the dedication ceremony, Milanovich’s contributions to his tribe and the broader community were celebrated.

Congressman Raul Ruiz, who introduced the legislation to dedicate the building, presided over the event. His bill was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. The renaming coincides with National Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates indigenous contributions.

“It’s a fitting tribute to a remarkable leader who dedicated his life to the empowerment of his people, the advancement of his community, and the protection of his ancestral lands,”  Ruiz said during his remarks, adding that there was nowhere else he’d rather be than here today to honor this legendary pillar in the community. “His story is one of dedication, resilience and visionary leadership.”

Milanovich served as tribal chairman from 1984 until his passing in 2012. Under his leadership, the tribe saw significant economic growth, becoming a powerhouse for the Coachella Valley and the nation.

The renamed facility was opened in December 2022, replacing an aging post office near downtown. Similar to that building, the new facility is located on Section 14 of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. That fact was highlighted by current Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich, son of the late chairman.

“I think the real significance is that we are here on the historic Section 14 of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and have a United States federal building named after an Agua Caliente tribal member,” Reid Milanovich said.

The ceremony featured traditional Agua Caliente Bird Singers and Dancers who performed a number of sacred songs honoring tribal culture.

“Their music and dance will fill this space with the spirit and culture of the Cahuilla peoples,” said Ruiz as he introduced them.

Representatives from neighboring tribes, local government officials, and community members attended the event.

“It will be an honor for us to report to work every single day in this facility dedicated in his honor,” said Tim Vasquez, manager of post office operations, as he spoke about the impact the dedication of the facility will have on employees who work there.  “His legacy of service will remind us of our own mission to serve our communities.”

The younger Milanovich shared personal memories of his father, emphasizing his dedication to doing the right thing, no matter how great the task, how much time it would take, or how difficult it may be.

“I remember dad just always having that sense of direction. He knew what he was doing, and if he didn’t know, he could point you at least in the right direction. I miss that very deeply,” Milanovich said of his father, joking that he might not always do exactly as his father said, but that he always followed his guidance.

Both Ruiz and Milanovich took time to acknowledge Melissa Milanovich’s support of her late husband. Her son noted that whenever he struggled to make a decision, she would advise him to “Go with your heart.”

In what Ruiz called “a beautiful love story,” both speeches acknowledged her unwavering support for her husband — standing by his side as he made tough decisions and helping him bring his visions to life. Current Chairman Milanovich told the crowd he now leans on his mother for that same support and advice.

“And Mom, I don’t think you get enough credit,” said Milanovich to his mother as she sat in the audience. “Not that you asked for it, but everything that you did to help dad get to be the man who he was and to help him be a better man – a lot of that has to do with you.”

Richard Milanovich’s legacy includes economic development initiatives such as investments in casinos, resorts, and golf courses. He also played a crucial role in cultural preservation, founding the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in 1991.

During his tenure, Milanovich negotiated numerous land use agreements with local governments, creating partnerships with cities like Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage. These agreements provided a framework for collaboration and growth in the region. He was a familiar face in Washington D.C., Sacramento, and local city halls, earning a reputation as both an accommodating and outspoken leader.

Milanovich’s influence extended beyond the Coachella Valley. He served on various national committees, including the Advisory Committee to the Office of the Special Trustee for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The ceremony concluded with flags flown over the U.S. Capitol presented in honor of the occasion, along with the unveiling of a plaque inside the post office. In a touching moment, Congressman Ruiz handed the flags to the Milanovich family, who were visibly moved as they accepted the gift. He also presented them with the signed bill celebrating the post office’s renaming.

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