Congressman Turner's Bill Honoring Xenia Hero Gil Whitney Passes House

Dayton, OH - Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) today announced that the House of Representatives passed his bill (H.R. 8193) to rename the United States Post Office in Xenia, Ohio, as the "Gil Whitney Post Office Building," honoring the longtime WHIO broadcaster whose warning helped save lives during the devastating 1974 Xenia tornado.

"More than fifty years ago, as one of the deadliest storms in our region's history closed in on Xenia, Gil Whitney identified the imminent danger and took action to warn his neighbors," said Rep. Turner. "People in Xenia still remember that warning and the lives Gil saved. Naming this post office after him ensures that the community he protected will always remember the heroism he showed when it mattered most."

On April 3, 1974, a dangerous tornado tore through Xenia during a "Super Outbreak," destroying large portions of the city, injuring more than 1,000 people and claiming over 30 lives. As the storm approached, Whitney broke into programming to warn residents to take cover and specifically identified Xenia as being directly in the tornado's path.

Rep. Turner introduced H.R. 8193 earlier this year with the support of every member of Ohio's House delegation. The legislation designates Xenia's post office as the "Gil Whitney Post Office Building (read WHIO's coverage here). The legislation passed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on April 29, 2026.

"This began as an effort to honor someone who became an important part of Xenia's history," Rep. Turner said. "I was proud to bring that effort to Congress and secure the support of Ohio's entire House delegation to introduce and pass this bill."

Whitney spent much of his career at WHIO Television and Radio, serving as a reporter, anchor, sportscaster and weather specialist. Beyond broadcasting, he volunteered as a firefighter, served as master of ceremonies for community events and was one of the founders of the Dayton Air Show.