November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference Shaun E. Mossman Southern Area Vice President A Season of Thankfulness This is the time of year we begin to reflect on the things for which we are thankful. Just last week, we expressed our thanks and gratitude to the veterans who served our nation, and next week, we will gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. One of the things for which I am most thank- ful is the incredible spirit of service and commitment shown by Southern Area postal employees to the communities they serve. Your service takes several forms, starting with the hard work you do every day to safely, efficiently and accurately process and deliver mail and packages to millions of customers. We just closed out another extremely successful election cycle, deliver- ing democracy with our handling of voter registration materials, absentee ballots and political campaign mail. This was an especially challenging year and I want to thank everyone for ensuring this important mail was properly handled. Community service is also a big part of the role we play in the communities of which we are a part. October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Southern Area, once again, per- formed very well. Final sales figures for the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp are still pending, and I’m confident of our success in promoting this stamp which, since 1998, has had sales of more than 1 billion stamps nationwide and raised more than $83 million. This is also the time of year we serve the community through participation in the annual Com- bined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC, the world’s largest charity drive, allows federal employees to contribute to more than 20,000 organizations. I’ve always been impressed by the generosity of postal employees and your willingness to meet the needs of these organiza- tions. This year’s campaign theme is “Show Some Love” and I know you will do just that. As we head into our busiest time of the year, remember that you also need to focus on your own needs and those of your family. The 2016 Open Season enrollment period began on Nov. 14 and continues through Dec. 12. This is the annual period when employees can enroll, or if already enrolled, change their medical, dental and vision benefits. This year, the Postal Service is providing free access to Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans to all employees and retirees. This guide will take you through a few simple steps and help you find the best health plan for you and your family. Thank you for all you do every day to serve our customers and the community. Don’t forget to ensure your own personal safety and the safety of your coworkers and colleagues, by work- ing safely and reporting potential hazards immediately. In this season of thankfulness, let’s work hard, let’s work smart and let’s work safely – together. I would also like to wish every Southern Area employee, a Happy Thanksgiving!
Transcript
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
Shaun E. MossmanSouthern AreaVice President
A Season of ThankfulnessThis is the time of year we begin to reflect on the things for which we are thankful. Just last week, we expressed our thanks and gratitude to the veterans who served our nation, and next week, we will gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. One of the things for which I am most thank-ful is the incredible spirit of service and commitment shown by Southern Area postal employees to the communities they serve.
Your service takes several forms, starting with the hard work you do every day to safely, efficiently and accurately process and deliver mail and packages to millions of customers. We just closed out another extremely successful election cycle, deliver-ing democracy with our handling of voter registration materials, absentee ballots and political campaign mail. This was an especially challenging year and I want to thank everyone for ensuring this important mail was properly handled.
Community service is also a big part of the role we play in the communities of which we are a part. October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Southern Area, once again, per-formed very well. Final sales figures for the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp are still pending, and I’m confident of our success in promoting this stamp which, since 1998, has had sales of more than 1 billion stamps nationwide and raised more than $83 million.
This is also the time of year we serve the community through participation in the annual Com-bined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC, the world’s largest charity drive, allows federal employees to contribute to more than 20,000 organizations. I’ve always been impressed by the generosity of postal employees and your willingness to meet the needs of these organiza-tions. This year’s campaign theme is “Show Some Love” and I know you will do just that.
As we head into our busiest time of the year, remember that you also need to focus on your own needs and those of your family. The 2016 Open Season enrollment period began on Nov. 14 and continues through Dec. 12. This is the annual period when employees can enroll, or if already enrolled, change their medical, dental and vision benefits. This year, the Postal Service is providing free access to Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans to all employees and retirees. This guide will take you through a few simple steps and help you find the best health plan for you and your family.
Thank you for all you do every day to serve our customers and the community. Don’t forget to ensure your own personal safety and the safety of your coworkers and colleagues, by work-ing safely and reporting potential hazards immediately. In this season of thankfulness, let’s work hard, let’s work smart and let’s work safely – together. I would also like to wish every Southern Area employee, a Happy Thanksgiving!
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
AREA
Select the Right Plan for You Compare your available options
As a federal employee, you have the ability to choose from the widest selection of health plans in the country. That can make selecting the right plan feel overwhelm-ing.
Checkbook's Guide to Health Plans
To make the selection process a little easier, the Postal Service has subscribed to Checkbook's Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. This online tool takes you through a few simple steps to find the best health plan for you and your family. Find every plan available to you ranked by estimated out-of-pocket costs and more.
• See plans ranked by your specific coverage needs• Compare limits on out-of-pocket costs• See data on plan quality and enrollee satisfaction with each plan's service
The Checkbook's Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees summarizes thousands of facts about the plans to simplify your choice. And it's free to you as a Postal employee.
OPM Plan Comparison Tool
If you already have an idea of the plan you want, or are deciding between just a few plans, OPM offers a Plan Compari-son Tool, which can help you compare up to four plans at one time. Through this tool you can:
• Find health plans available in your Zip Code™• Choose plans to compare; and• See a simple summary of benefits.
The Plan Comparison Tool can also help you understand if anything has changed with your current plan (including deductibles). When you use the tool, remember to select your employee type to see the correct rates. If you are a bargain-ing unit employee, you should select U.S. Postal Service Category 1 (APWU, IT/ASC, NPPN, NRLCA) or Category 2 (NALC, NPMHU, PPO). Non-bargaining employees should select Non-Postal Service. You can learn more about using the tool by viewing the Step-by-Step Reference to Comparing Plans.
Understanding Health Plans
• Test your benefits vocabulary with the Benefits Terms Quiz.• Check out the Health Plans Infographic and HDHP/HSA Video to learn more about different types of health plans.
2016 Benefits Open SeasonNovember 14 - December 12, 2016
Mobile, AL, Postmaster Paul Birge, Jr., (right) presented Prichard, AL, Letter Carrier Angelo English (left) with a Letter of Appreciation for a customer compliment on his customer service.
The Prichard, AL, Branch received the traveling trophy for Expe-dited Performance. Pictured (from left) Manager, Customer Ser-vices Sharon Shelter; Retail Associates Michael Hamilton and Derenda Morrissette; and Mobile, AL, Postmaster Paul Birge, Jr.
Mobile, AL, Postmaster Paul Birge, Jr., (right) presented Prichard, AL, Letter Carrier Joaquin Pruitt (left) with his 35-year Service Award and Pin.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
ALABAMAAlabama District Manager Susan Aronson (pictured left) recently hosted a Congressional briefing with staff members of U.S. Senators Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), along with staff members of U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Gary Palmer (R-AL). Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact (CIC) April Williams (not pictured) moderated the briefing that included the Alabama District Leadership Team. Aronson delivered a message on the current state of the U.S. Postal Service, Government Re-lations Representative Timothy Grilo provided a legislative update and U.S. Postal Inspector Tony Robinson addressed mail theft and fraud prevention.
In 1967, Billy Burke (pictured right) began his postal career at the Annis-ton, AL, Post Office. He has deliv-ered mail on the same Anniston, AL, route for 29 of his 49 ½-year career. Burke has accumulated over 4,100 hours of sick leave. In the photo, Burke proudly displayed his Retire-ment Certificate.
Summerdale, AL, Postmaster Krystle Mansolino (second right) was recently presented with an Appreciation Award for volunteering to assist the Baton Rouge, LA, Post Office after the mass flooding in August/September 2016. She helped with the daily functions of the office and helped establish mail delivery for customers. Mansolino is origi-nally from the area and still has family there. She started her career at the Baton Rouge, LA, Post Office. Pictured above (from left) Alabama District Manager Susan Aronson; Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Area 5 David Dilbeck; Mansolino; and Senior Plant Manager Mark Hogan.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
ARKANSASManagers and co-workers say Fort Smith, AR, Letter Carrier Charles Foster is a great ambassador of good will for the Postal Service, always going the extra mile with a smile. Foster gave one of his young customers a toy mail truck to make his day after a recent therapy session. His mother posted a message on social media (below) about her joy and appreciation for their mail-man.
Omaha, AR, Postmaster Rob Miner (center, kneeling) recently taught local first-graders how to write, address and mail a letter during their visit to the Post Office.
October 2016 Gold Star Awards Congratulations to the following Arkansas District Retail Associates who had perfect Retail Customer Ex-perience (RCE) scores and earned a Gold Star Award:
Cabot - Annette Garstka
Conway - Jacob Gregersen
Heber Springs - Stephanie Giunta
Hope - Sharonda Randle
Forest City - Carla Hughes
Little Rock P&DC - Caberta Bates
Lowell - Phillip Maness
Siloam Springs - Diane Buck
Mail Handler Assistant Jason Huffmaster (pictured, above) was at home in Fayetteville, AR, recently when his neigh-bors ran outside seeking medical help for their 11-month-old baby.
The infant was in respiratory arrest due to dry drowning - a delayed response to inhaling water that can strike children long after bathing or swimming.
He performed CPR on the baby until paramedics arrived.
One paramedic hailed Huffmaster as an “absolute hero” who was an “integral part of saving the child’s life.”
Postmaster General/CEO Megan Brennan also cited Huff-master by letter for his efforts.
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
DALLAS
Dallas District Pilot Site Sales Retention Team (SRT) Agent Linda Brooks (left) was presented her 30-year Service Award by Manager, Consumer & Industry Contact (CIC) Vanessa Wallace (right). Brooks began her postal career as a Let-ter Carrier. She was proud to serve her customers on the routes that she carried and always tried to represent the Postal Service in a professional manner. Brooks has enjoyed working in different ca-pacities during her career with the USPS. Some of her duties included Driver Safety Instructor, Accident Investigator, Growth Coordinator, Peg Audit Coordinator, Rural Route Inspector and Counter, Postal Exam Monitor, serving on the Accident Review Board and the Joint Safety and Health Committee. Brooks remarked, “I appreciate the experi-ence of working in different areas and I cherish the experience of working with the different employ-ees I have met along the way. Every day I have the privilege of coming to work as an SRT Agent, where I’m proud to represent USPS and serve the various customers who I come in contact with.”
McKinney, TX, Linkside Park Retail Associate Shauna Johns (second left) received a Gold Star Award from A/Manager Post Office Operations (MPOO) Richard Smith (far left); Officer In Charge Clarence Henderson (far right); and Supervisor, Customer Services Gerald Hamilton (second right). Johns is a 14-year postal veteran who received her third Gold Star Award for providing exceptional customer service. She loves the oppor-tunity to serve people & help them get the services they need. Johns com-mented, “I work with some great people.”
Over 1,000 Retail Associates from all over the Dallas District recently attended the “Delivering the Brand” training at the North Texas Processing and Distri-bution Center (P&DC). This training encompassed multicultural awareness, customer interactions, assessing correct postage & the impact of social media on business. The goal of the course was to prepare Retail Associates to provide ex-cellent customer service. Trainees were provided with the knowledge and skills to effectively and efficiently perform their retail responsibilities.
Dallas, TX, Network Distribution Center (NDC) employees show their #Postal-Proud smiles. Pictured (from left) Operations Support Specialists Quincy Daniel and Jackie Aleem; Operations Industrial Engineers Shawn Aloor and Brandy Finney Dawson; and General Clerk Tareska Medlock Hairston.
Longview, TX, Northwest Station Letter Carrier John Harris (right) was recognized with a 40-year Service Award by Officer In Charge (OIC) Anthony Young (left).
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
DALLAS
Canton, TX, Retail Associate Valen-cia Gipson (center) earned her first Gold Star Award which was presented by Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Brandi Smith (left) and Postmaster Dana Hoffman (right) for giving exceptional customer service during a recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE). She has been with the Postal Service for 11 years and appreciates interacting with customers. She enjoys getting to know the people around Canton and they appreciate what she does. Gipson commented, “My family and my co-workers are very supportive. We are a great team with a good system in place.”
Corsicana, TX, Retail Associate Thomas Raley (center) was presented his third Gold Star Award by MPOO Brandi Smith (right) and Postmas-ter Jeffery Lloyd (left) for providing superb customer service. He has been a Postal employee for 31 years and used to have a landscaping business before starting to work for the Post Of-fice. That is why he also likes to work maintenance and does the yard work on the grounds. Raley remarked, “I enjoy dealing with people and promot-ing our brand. I love my job and my wife of 29 years.”
Ennis Retail Associate Frank Kubena (pictured below) received his first Gold Star Award for providing outstanding customer service during a recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE). He likes meeting different people and providing great service to satisfy their needs. Kubena commented, “I do my job to the best of my knowledge. I provide the best possible service that I can because I take pride in what I do.”
Ennis, TX, Retail Associate Frank Kubena (center) was presented a Gold Star Award by MPOO Brandi Smith (right) and Supervisor, Cus-tomer Services Maria Rosales (left).
Ennis, TX, Retail Associate Frank Kubena (center) received his 30-year Service Award from MPOO Brandi Smith (right) and Postmaster Jerry Gentry (left).
Duncanville, TX, Retail Associate Crystal Richie (center) earned her first Gold Star Award for a perfect score on a recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE). MPOO Brandi Smith (left) and Postmaster Stacey Taplin (right) presented the award. She started her Postal career in the Rio Grande Dis-trict then transferred to the Dallas, TX, Network Distribution Center (NDC). This August, she was awarded the Duncanville Retail Associate posi-tion. Richie was still in training when the RCE transaction took place and she succeeded with flying colors. She remarked, “I’m proud to be able to assist my customers and help satisfy their needs.”
Sulphur Springs, TX, Distribution Clerk Karl Warnstedt (above) scanned and loaded 10 wire cages and three hampers of books from a nonprofit or-ganization established by a New York Times™ best-selling author, who is a local Sulphur Springs resident. They ship 2,500 to 5,000 packages a month and Warnstedt’s job is crucial in mak-ing sure they all go out on time and correctly. Warnstedt is a 13-year mili-tary veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and is grateful to the Postal Service for the warm welcome of employment he received after the time served in the military.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
Grand Prairie, TX, Westchester Station Retail Associate April Johnson (right) was presented her first Gold Star Award by Manager, Customer Ser-vices Patti Walker (left) for providing excellent customer service on a recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE). She has worked for the Post Office for 12 years. Johnson says the best part of her job is helping customers and meeting new people. She remarked, “I work with a great group of people. We have a great team.”
DALLAS
Coppell, TX, Retail Associate Maria Wells (center) was awarded her third Gold Star Award from Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Randall Joines (right) and Postmaster Lisa Mathis (left) for a perfect score on a recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE). This is her second Gold Star Award in a three-week time frame. Wells commented, “I’m so excited that I did my best and I got recognized.”
Coppell, TX, Retail Associate Baljinder “PQ” Mann (center) was awarded her 30-year Service Award by MPOO Randall Joines (right) and Postmaster Lisa Mathis (left).
Sulphur Springs, TX, Retail Associ-ate Darin Deaton (above) received his seventh Gold Star Award. Postmaster Michael Arrambidez (not shown) presented the award in front of all the Sulphur Springs Post Office employees and stated, “Darin continuously provides superb customer service, going above and beyond, to increase and promote sales daily.”
Waxahachie, TX, Postmaster Pat Beets (center) displays the water themed stamps at the Chautauqua “World of Water” booth. This is an annual event and this year’s theme was a daylong celebration of water through history, science, art, and music.
Waxahachie, TX, kids, parents and grandparents enjoyed the stamps displayed by Postmaster Pat Beets (far right) at the Chautauqua water themed festival, held on the last Saturday of September. The keynote speaker was Fabien Cousteau, Jacques Cousteau’s grandson who is a world-renowned oceanographer. The Waxahachie Chautauqua celebrates the Chautauqua history and heritage of Waxahachie.
Mineola, TX, Officer In Charge Gary Choice (right) received his 35-year Service Award from Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Randall Joines (left).
Mineola, TX, Rural Carrier Jacquetta S. Reynolds (center) was presented her 35-year Service Award by MPOO Randall Joines (left) and Officer In Charge Gary Choice (right).
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
FORT WORTH
Aledo, TX, Retail Associates Amber Morgan (second left) and Rebecca Hannum (second right) were recog-nized by District Retail Specialist Javonna Tunstall (far left) and Post-master Diana King (far right). The Aledo Post Office continues to provide excellent customer service to its cus-tomers by conducting two perfect con-secutive Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions. Retail Associates Amber Morgan and Rebecca Hannum received Certificates of Appreciation, Lapel Pins, and Name Plates for their workstation.
Granbury, TX, Acton Station con-ducted three perfect Retail Custom-er Experience (RCE) transactions in FY16. Postal Support Employee (PSE) Luis Colon-Correa (cen-ter) was recognized by Manager, Customer Services Tan Rhoten-Coleman (left) and District Manager, Retail Christopher Coghill (right). Colon-Correa received his second Gold Star, a Certificate of Apprecia-tion, and a Lapel Pin.
Granbury, TX, Lead Retail Associate Dewain “Roger” Yarborough (center) was recognized by Supervisor, Cus-tomer Services Christina Martin (left) and District Manager, Retail Chris-topher Coghill (right).The Granbury Post Office has conducted four perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) shops in FY16. Yarborough earned his first Gold Star in FY16 and received a Certificate of Appreciation, Postal Lanyard, Lapel Pin, and a new Gold Star Name Plate.
Canyon, TX, Supervisor, Customer Services (SCS) Lisa Ward (right) recognized employees who provide great service while driving safely. The professional drivers in the Canyon Post Office have contributed 280 years of safe driving. Ward was proud to present Rural Carrier Billy Houchin (left) with the National Safety Coun-cil’s Million Mile Safe Driver Award Plaque and Pin. Donuts were provided as part of the celebration. Ward also took the opportunity to explain the Huddle Boards, a communications tool, while the employees were gath-ered.
Canyon, TX, Post Office Retail Associate Ray Martinez (left) was recognized by SCS Lisa Ward (right) for conducting a perfect transaction on a Retail Customer Experience (RCE). The Canyon Post Office retail team has received 14 gold stars and Marti-nez has contributed to six of them.
Bangs, TX, Rural Carrier Sabrina Tibbetts (above) was delivering mail on a recent 112 degree day, when she heard a faint call for help. Look-ing in her rearview mirror, she saw someone lying beside the house to which she had just delivered. She ran back to help and realized the person was an older gentleman who could not get up on his own. Her EMT training kicked in and she decided not to move him in case of other injuries. She called 911, stayed by his side, and encouraged him not to try to get up. Postmas-ter Jennifer Smith received a call from the daughter of the customer and wanted to thank Tibbetts for her help. The injured customer had already been lying outside for an hour in the excessive heat when she discovered him. He suffered a concussion and a dislocated shoulder. Tibbett’s attention to her surroundings probably saved this man’s life.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
FORT WORTH
Manager, Post Office Operations 1 Gerald Hannum (far left) recognized Downtown Station employees for “Representing the Brand.” Pictured (from left) A/Manager, Customer Services Amie Gutierrez; Custodian Daniel Deleon; A/Supervisor, Cus-tomer Services (SCS) Lester Williams; Rural Carrier Larry Largent; Letter Carri-ers Ernest Brawley, Hignio Martinez, Sherri Tiption and Jonathan Ramos; Retail Associate Frank Siaz; Letter Carriers Veronica Torres, Monica Torres, Linda Cantu, Timothy Harris, Aaron Hernandez and Brian Alvarado, Rural Carrier Leonard Cas-tillo; Letter Carriers Jacob Penton, Charles Peterman, Derrin Tucker and Daniel Torres, Distribution Clerk Janet Hall; A/RSS Coordinator Michael Caballero; Letter Carrier Victor Roberson; Postmaster Steven Olguin and (back row from left): Rural Carrier Eric Reid; Retail Associate Michael Sulaica; Letter Carrier Baldo Longoria; Rural Carrier Associates (RCA) Jeremy Cox and Eric Ortiz; Letter Carriers Michael Mindieta, Troy Robles, Edward Leaney, Brandy Lowrance, Donald Firkins, Robert Gooch and Aaron Garza; RCA Keary Jerden; Rural Carrier Clare Willingham; PSE Heather Luna and Letter Carrier Julian Montez.
Lubbock, TX, Downtown Sta-tion employees (shown right) were recently recognized by Headquarters Manager, De-livery Strategy and Planning Scott Hooper for being one of the cleanest and most effi-cient offices in the Fort Worth District. Hooper commended all the employees of the station for their superior appearance and work ethic. The station was presented with a “Repre-senting the Brand” plaque and treated to breakfast burritos by Lubbock Postmaster Steve Ol-guin. During a recent visit by Fort Worth District Manager Brenda Baugh, the station was presented with a #PostalProud banner, tote bags, and caps in appreciation of this commen-dation.
Lubbock, TX, Processing and Distri-bution Facility (P&DF) Review Clerk Ron Marricle (above) was recog-nized for going above and beyond to retrieve missing items dropped in the mail or items missing from dam-aged packages. Marricle receives numerous calls each day and is courteous and helpful to every customer. He takes great pride in his job. “If I was missing something that I mailed, I would want someone to make every effort to find it, and that is what I do for the customers,” stated Marricle. “We appreciate that Ron brings his best to the job each and every day and encourage him to keep up the great work,” said Plant Manager Skip French.
The flag (shown above in both photos) was flown over a combat outpost in Afghanistan in 2011, during Operation Enduring Freedom. The plaque states that it was flown in honor of and dedicated to the Lubbock, TX, Louisville Carrier Annex in appreciation for the sta-tion’s support and patriotism. The picture below the flag features Rural Carrier Gabe Arrizaola (shown at right), a Staff Sergeant in the U. S. Army Reserve who was deployed to the Afghanistan Outpost.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
FORT WORTH
Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) 1 Gerald Hannum (left) administers the oath of office to Weatherford, TX, Post-master Melvin Arps (center) as his wife Patricia (right) looks on.
Melvin Arps’ daughter, mother and wife (shown from left) Denielle Spain, Lovie Arps and Patricia Arps join Melvin C. Arps, Jr.; MPOO 1 Gerald Hannum; Weatherford, TX, Mayor Craig Swancy and Colleyville, TX, Covenant Church Pastor Ricky Texada at the Oath of Office ceremony.
Melvin Arps received the oath of office as Postmaster, Weatherford, TX, among family, friends and co-workers. Arps began his postal career in 1986, as a Letter Sorting Machine (LSM) Clerk at the St. Louis, MO, P&DC. His manage-ment career began in 1991, and in 1992, he was promoted to Supervisor, Customer Services. Arps was promoted to Manager, Customer Services in 2006, and in 2011, was promoted to the position of Manager, Customer Service Operations. In 2013, Arps was selected as the 19th Postmaster of the Killeen, TX, Post Office. He was the first African American to hold the position. Six months later, in 2014, he was promoted to the position of Manager, Post Office Operations. Most currently he has served as the Arlington, TX, Bardin Road Station Manager, Customer Services. Melvin is a Management Leadership Program (MLP) graduate. He is also Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt Certified.
Fort Worth, TX, Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) Tour 2 Flat Sorter Clerk Don Burris (right) received his 30-year Service Award and Pin from Supervisor, Distribution Operations (SDO) Stacey Whatley (left). “We congratulate Don on his many years of service,” said Whatley.
Floydada, TX, Postmaster Altie Nelson (left) retired the United States Flag for a presentation to Tracy Turner (right) who retired, after 30 years of service. Nelson also presented Turner with his 30-year Service Award and Pin, and thanked him for his dedica-tion to the Postal Service. Turner plans to get in some golf after he com-pletes a long list of “honey dos.”
Lubbock, TX, Louisville Carrier Annex Letter Carrier Wade Davis (left) was presented with his 30-year Service Award by Postmaster Steve Olguin (right).
Lubbock, TX, Rural Carrier Terry Roberts (right) was presented with a 14-year Safe Driver Pin by Post-master Steve Olguin (left).
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
GULF ATLANTICThe Gainesville, FL, Post Office, along with Gainesville’s Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) have had a busy month of celebrations and recognitions for the employees. Postmaster Dan Becker and Plant Manager Carl Downing rec-ognized several employees for their achievements.
Receiving acknowledgements were: Electronic Technician Lawrence Jennings, 35-year Service Award; Postmaster Sec-retary Teressa Rollins-Reynolds, 40-year Service Award; Mail Handler Richard Graham, Certificate of Appreciation; and celebrating retirement were Maintenance Manager William “Bill” Coleman and Maintenance Mechanic William Whalen. Also, Plant Manager Carl Downing and the management staff provided and served an End-of-Year Appreciation Lun-cheon to all craft employees on all three tours to thank them for their support and performance throughout the year includ-ing assisting hurricane-affected plants in the Gulf Atlantic District.
Management staff prepared to serve at the Gainesville P&DF’s employee appreciation luncheon. Pictured (from left) A/Manager, Maintenance Kevin Smith; Supervisors, Maintenance Operations Matt Sapp and Carl Broughton; and Operations Support Specialist Mark Sagendorf.
Former Manager, Maintenance William “Bill” Cole-man (left) and Maintenance Mechanic William Whalen (right) enjoyed their retirement celebration.
Mail Handler Richard Graham (right) received a Certificate of Apprecia-tion from Supervisor, Distribution Operations (SDO) David Santa (left).
Gainesville, FL, Postmaster Secretary Teressa Rollins-Reynolds (center) holding her 40-year Service Award was also presented with flowers from her granddaughter Bri’Yonna Hill (far left) and joined by her brothers, Gen-eral Expeditor Johnny Rollins (second left) and retired Manager, Customer Services Angelo Rollins (far right) who was accompanied by his wife, Synester Rollins (second right).
Electronic Technician Lawrence K. Jenney (left) received his 35-year Service Award from Gainesville Plant Manager Carl Downing (right).
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
GULF ATLANTICOn October 8, the day after Hurricane Matthew hit St. Au-gustine, FL, City Carrier Eileen Mangino was one of many postal employees who voluntarily returned to work to serve customers. Mangino was busy delivering mail on her route and surveying the damage to the neighborhood in one of the hardest hit areas of the city. As she walked her route, a cus-tomer approached her to inquire about how she was handling the experience of working in the aftermath of the storm. Mangino responded that her heart was very heavy as she de-livered to each customer because devastation was everywhere and many of her customers were stunned at the damage that had occurred. She described how she was going door to door, even if the customer did not have mail for delivery, to ensure her customers were all okay. She wanted to be their strength, to show them that she cared and was there for them if needed, and in some cases, just to give them a hug. She explained that she was being strong for her customers but at the end of the day, because she cares so much for her customers, she will have to relax her heartfelt emotions.
St. Augustine, FL, Letter Carrier Eileen Mangino
When Hurricane Hermine blew through Tallahassee, FL, in September, it left much of the city without power, including over 47,500 customers. The Tallahassee Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) was left in the dark. However, it did not dampen the dedication and spirit of over 30 employees who arrived at the P&DC ready to connect the mail with customers. Although many of the employees suffered damage to their homes and streets were impassable with downed trees and debris, Tallahassee P&DC em-ployees braved the aftermath of the storm and performed, without hesitation, in a less than comfortable environment. Senior Plant Manager Henry Dominguez and Manager, In-Plant Support (IPS) Janet Mills made the three-hour drive to Tallahas-see from Jacksonville to support the efforts of the employees and assist Tallahassee Plant Manager Angelene Rainey and Postmaster Edward Miller in bringing as much normalcy to operations as possible. Dominguez was so proud of the employees and their enthusiasm that he treated them to a pizza lunch.
Several days later, the employees were treated to an appreciation lunch by management for exceptional performance during the
aftermath. Various desserts were donated for the luncheon and a contest was held for top honors for the best dessert. The judges were Tallahassee Postmaster Secretary Sarah Carraway; Supervisor, Customer Services, Kim Crawford; and Man-ager, Customer Services, Rodney Waller.
Tallahassee FL, management helped in the des-sert judging contest during the employee appre-ciation luncheon. Pictured (from left) Postmaster Secretary Sarah Carraway; Supervisor, Customer Services Kim Crawford; and Manager, Customer Services Rodney Waller.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
HOUSTON
North Houston Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) Electronic Technician Arturo Lozano, Sr.,(left) received a Letter of Appreciation, a Certificate of Appreciation and a Spot Award from Manager, Maintenance Operations (MMO) Paul Wheeler (right) for performing preventive, corrective and operational maintenance on the facility’s Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS) and Delivery Barcode Sorter with Input Output Sub-System (DIOSS) platform machines.
Deweyville, TX, Retail Associate Wanda Captain (above) helped her community continue to receive their mail after the Post Office experienced severe flooding. She worked at the Mauriceville, TX, Post Office with help from Post-master Sandy Dartez. A mail truck was later moved to Deweyville until the Post Office was ready to be occupied again. The dedication she showed was appreciated by both the customers and employees as well. “Wanda is a pleasure to work with and needed to be recognized for a job well done,” stated Deweyville Postmaster Algie Holmes. Wanda was given a letter of appreciation by Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Teresa Brady.
On October 20, 2016, the Houston Postal Customer Council (HPCC) hosted a “lunch and learn” at the North Houston P&DC. The educational presentation was presented by USPS Senior Sales Executive Ken-neth Lenzy (above, standing). Lenzy shared informa-tion about “Irresistible Mail.” The “lunch and learn” was attended by the HPCC board members as well as many industry members, who enjoyed a great presen-tation along with a catered lunch.
The HPCC “lunch and learn” attendees (above) listened closely as USPS Senior Sales Executive Kenneth Lenzy (not pictured) presented the topic of “Connecting Cus-tomers to Digital Experience with Physical Mail”.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
HOUSTONThe North Houston Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) recently presented and honored plant employees with let-ters of appreciation, gift cards and awards for their excellent work performance. Recognizing the honorees were Senior Plant Manger Karlett Gilbert (pictured in all photos below on the left) and Lead manager, Maintenace William Gilbert (pictured in all photos below on the right).
North Houston P&DC Electronic Technicians Cheuck Yee (second left) and Minh Bui (second right) both received a Letter of Appreciation and a gift card for outstanding per-formance as automation technicians.
North Houston P&DC Maintenance Mechanic Philip Joe (center) was presented with a Letter of Appreciation and a gift card for helping to keep the automation ma-chines running by performing preventive and correc-tive maintenance.
The stars were certainly aligned for North Houston P&DC Electronic Technician Jack Haymes (center). Coincidently, Haymes was recognized with three separate awards. He re-ceived a Letter of Commendation and Certificate of Appre-ciation from his immediate supervisor, A/Supervisor, Main-tenance Operations Desai Abdul-Razzaaq (not pictured). He was also the first recipient of the Houston District “Shining Star” trophy for excellent performance. Lastly, he received a spot award for his contributions to the successful deploy-ment of the new state-of –the-art package sorting system, the Small Parcel Sorting System (Euro-Sorter).
North Houston P&DC Tour 2 Custodian Group Leader Russell Stewart (center) accepted a Letter of Apprecia-tion and a gift card for outstanding performance and leadership. Stewart is a dedicated worker who takes pride and holds a standard of excellence in the perfor-mance of his duties.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
HOUSTON
In-Plant Support Administrative Assistant Barbara Pierce (left) was having lunch on a typical Friday when she began choking. She tried using her Army train-ing to dislodge the food by forcing herself down on a chair. Manager, In-Plant Support Harold Speights (right) leaped into action and began performing the Heimlich maneuver on Pierce. After the fourth attempt, the food finally dislodged and Pierce was able to breathe again. Speight brushed off the credit, but all the In-Plant Sup-port employees who witnessed the heroic act knew that he saved Barbara’s life.
The North Houston P&DC maintenance department recently acknowledged the enduring commitment and achievements of retiring Supervisor, Maintenance Op-erations (SMO) David Hinson (right). After 39 years of dedicated service, Hinson retired from the Postal Ser-vice. He was treated with an onsite retirement dinner party. Senior Plant Manager Karlett Gilbert (left) and Manager, Maintenance William Gilbert (center) thanked Hinson for his contributions to the success of the facil-ity and honored him with a Retirement Certificate and a Houston District “Shining Star” trophy. Hinson thanked management and the maintenance workers for all the years of support in making his career a grand success.
Magnolia, TX, Rural Carrier Thomas Newman (not pictured) knows how important it is to build a relationship with our customers. Newman is “all business” when it comes to deliver-ing the mail. He had a customer on his route who invented a product which caught the atten-tion of the sharks on the TV show Shark Tank™. Newman knew that once the product was shown on the television show that the customer’s sales were going to increase, and increase they did. He recognized the increase as an opportunity for the Postal Service to ship his customer’s product while helping to grow the business as well. Magnolia, TX, Officer In Charge (OIC) Denise Lucas (not pictured) entered the lead for Newman and Senior Sales Executive Wally Gonzalez (not pictured) contacted the customer and explained the benefits of shipping his product with the Postal Service. The result was an estimated $1,400,000 in projected revenue.
When Newman was asked what advice he would give to other carriers in recognizing leads, he responded by saying, “You have to build a relation-ship with your customers and get to know what they do.” The Magnolia Post Office employees enjoyed a congratulatory breakfast from the Hous-ton District Management team and OIC Lucas.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
LOUISIANA
Lake Charles, LA, Drew Station Let-ter Carrier John Guillory (right) was presented with a Gift Certificate from Manager, Customer Services (MCS) Kevin Verrett (left) for his exemplary work.
Lake Charles, LA, Drew Station Letter Carrier Kevin Verrett (right) received a Gift Certificate for outstanding service to his Lake Charles customers from MCS Kevin Verrett (left).
Ringgold, LA, Retail Associate Judy Childs (left) was presented with a Let-ter of Appreciation and a gift certifi-cate from Postmaster Susan Longino (right) for her excellent service to the Postal Service. Childs has been an employee with the USPS since 2001.
Stonewall, LA, Postmaster Jay Oakes (left) presented Rural Carrier Patty Russell (right) with her Retire-ment Certificate after 16 years of service.
Stonewall, LA, employees posed to take a picture with recent retiree, Patty Russell. Pictured, front row (from left) Rural Carriers Janet Boyter and Jennifer Stringfellow, Retail Associate Susan Woods, Rural Carrier/Retiree Patty Russell; Retail Associate Su-Lin Campbell; and Rural Carrier Vanessa McGin-nis. Second Row (from left) Rural Carriers Mary May and Tisha Wil-liams; Retail Associates Johnny Bonyfield and Kellie Smith.
Newllano, LA, Retail Associate Amy Caradine (right) received a flyer from her son, Sam (center), a Junior High School student encouraging her to par-ticipate in the 5K Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness. After reading the flyer, Caradine said she was motivated to participate stating, “I don’t think there’s enough light to shed on the issue of domestic violence, so I was glad to take part in the event.”
Boutte, LA, Letter Carrier Jonathan Naquin (center, in uniform) was re-cently invited to the Boutte Christian Academy for their Career Day. He demonstrated how he protects him-self from dog bites while delivering the mail, provided coloring books, back packs, and a “my first letter” kit. Naquin also taught the children about their own ZIP Codes. He demonstrated the different hats he wore for each seasoning and the children guessed the seasons. Naquin stated, “I now feel like a super hero when kids wave at me enthusiastically on my route.”
The Ringgold, LA, Post Office re-cently celebrated the birthday of two co-workers, Rural Carrier Roy Conly (left) and Rural Carrier Kevin Conly (right). The two are brothers and share the same birthday, but different years. This was Kevin’s 50th birthday.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
LOUISIANAShreveport, LA, Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) employees were recently recognized and awarded with Letters of Appreciation and gift cards for their outstanding work performance.
Mail Processing Clerk Robert Villa (left) received his Appreciation Letter from Manager, In-Plant Support James Ventre (right).
Mail Processing Clerk Avery Wade (center) was presented with his Award from A/Plant Manager Denise Cam-eron (right) and Manager, Distribution Operations Wanda Procell (left).
Electronic Technician David Morse (left) was recognized by Manager, Maintenance Operations Mike Green (right).
Custodian Rickey Love (left) accepted his Letter of Appreciation from Manager, Maintenance Opera-tions Mike Green (right).
Mail Handler Kevin Perry (right) received his Award from Supervisor, Distribution Operations (SDO) Jeff Parker (left).
Electronic Technician Bruce Walton (left) was presented with his award Manager, Maintenance Operations Mike Green (right).
General Clerk Sharon Deyoung (right) was honored with her Letter of Appre-ciation from Plant Manager Jonathan Carver (left).
Shreveport, LA, Main Post Office, Lead Retail Associate Monya Turner (second left) and Retail Associate Rosie Hanna (second right) were presented with Certificates of Appreciation from Supervisor, Customer Ser-vice Support Chinnesa Horace (far left) Supervisor, Customer Services Alisa Adams (far right).
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
LOUISIANA
On Friday, October 14, 2016, the Louisiana District held a Post Office building dedication ceremony to dedicate the New Orleans Chef Menteur Station to Daryle Stephen Holloway (shown in left photo), a New Orleans Police Officer killed in the line of duty in 2015. The St. Augustine High School Jazz Band, Holloway’s alma mater, provided the entertainment and performed the national anthem during the ceremony. Speakers (shown in middle photo) included a New Orleans Police Department spokesman; St. Augustine Alumni Association representatives; local politicians; Officer Holloway’s mother, Olander Holloway (far left, at podium); New Orleans Postmaster Matthew Connelly (second right) and Manager, Marketing Justa Smith (far right).
Louisiana District employees attended the building dedication and showed support to Officer Holloway’s mother. Pictured (from left) Manager, Marketing Justa Smith; New Orleans Postmaster Matthew Connelly; Officer Holloway’s mother, Olander Hol-loway; Senior Plant Manager, Linda Gray; Louisiana District Manager Steve Hardin; and, Manager, Consumer and Industry Con-tact (CIC) Pamela Barrett.
New Orleans, LA, Letter Carrier Bryant Collins (above) recently received a “thank you” letter from one of his customers. The customer praised his timeliness, profession-alism, kindness, and generosity in the daily delivery of their mail. The customer stated that they recently had a baby and Collins thoughtfully offered them a gift. The customer was overwhelmed by such kind-ness and restored her trust in the Postal Service.
Kenner, LA, Letter Carrier Sterling Caston, III, (above) was delivering mail on his route when he noticed one of his customer’s names on campaign yard signs. Caston ap-proached his customer and asked if he would be interested in using Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to help promote his campaign. He offered to have a Business Devel-opment Specialist contact him and further educate him on the process. The candidate agreed to speak with a specialist, Caston submitted a Customer Connect Lead which resulted in $29,802.60 in projected new revenue.
Lacombe, LA, Postmaster San-dra Kronlage (above) observed a local advertiser distributing his local monthly newsletter. She ap-proached the advertiser and asked if he had considered distributing his newsletter through the mail to increase both the number of adver-tisers and customers patronizing those businesses. Kronlage offered to have a Business Development Specialist contact him and help him with the process. She submitted a Business Connect Lead which resulted in an additional $30,890.16 in projected revenue.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
MISSISSIPPIJackson, Mississippi recently held an Employee Health Fair to help provide employees with flu shots, information on health plans, and raise awareness on preventative health concerns.
Magnolia Health Representative Cheryl Smith (left) explained a handout to Human Resources Field Re-cruiter Tonia Vance (right).
St. Dominic Hospital employee Terry Sensing (left) offered a brochure on the $99 healthy heart screening to Occupational Health Nurse Administrator (OHNA) Jane Goodman (right).
The flu shot booth was a popular stop at the health fair. Kelly Leiden (left) of the University of Mississippi Medical Center inoculated Manager, In-Plant Support Harold McWade (right).
Information Systems Specialist Dan Moulder (left) received his shot from Emily Bales of the University of Mississippi Medical Center (right).
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
MISSISSIPPI
Postal retiree Jack Ward (right) of the Mississippi Track Club explained and offered the health benefits of a structured walking program to Flat Sorting Ma-chine Clerk Coy Hill (left).
Kristi Chartain-January (left) of the Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP) offered a brochure to Mail Han-dler Verna Rippy (right).
At the Jackson, MS, Employee Health Fair, postal em-ployees (pictured right) shared a lighter moment at the St. Dominic Hospital “Pretty in Pink” photo booth to show their support for the serious cause of Breast Can-cer Awareness during the month of October. Pictured (from left) Operations Support Specialist Barbara Rivers; Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Stacy Ellis; and Safety Specialist Rhonda Bailey.
Hattiesburg, MS, Automation Clerk Clifford Boggs (left) received his 30-Year Service Award from Postmaster Bobby James (right).
Louisville, MS, Retail Associate Shannon Kirkland (right) received a Gold Star Award from A/Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Jeff Harrell (left), recognizing her for earning a perfect score on a Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
MISSISSIPPI
The Mississippi District conducted training for the Intelligent Mail Small Business (ImsB) Tool, educating em-ployees who accept bulk mailings and better equipping them to enhance the mailings their customers enter. The ImsB is a tool offered to mailers that rewards them with features and discounts of Full Service Intelligent Mail, and the Postal Service benefits with expedited mail processing times. Two classes of Bulk Mail Clerks, Bulk Mail Technicians, and Mailing Requirements Clerks were taught by Business Mail Entry (BME) Supervi-sor Carol McCollom of Gulfport, MS; and Mailing Standards Specialist Earl Clark of Grenada, MS (both not pictured). Class attendees included (from left) Meridian, MS, Bulk Mail Technician Michael Hayes; Jackson, MS, Mailing Requirements General Clerk Dannett Clay, Bulk Mail Clerk Peggy Lee, and Bulk Mail Technician Reggie Watson; Hattiesburg, MS, Bulk Mail Technician Cheryl McKee Penton; and Tupelo, MS, Bulk Mail Technician Lawrence Perkins. Also completing the training but not pictured: Jackson, MS, Bulk Mail Clerks Scott Price, Russell Jenkins, Ravis Brown, Jenny Bennett, and Megra Johnson, Mailing Requirements Clerks Loistine Wor-thy and Beverly Anderson, Manager, BME Monica Minor and Supervisor, BME Amy Walden; and Gulfport, MS, Bulk Mail Technician Kayleigh Peterson.
Members of the Mississippi District Marketing Department held a sendoff party for outgoing Marketing Manager Adrienne Marshall (front row, second right) congratulating her on her new position as Manager, Marketing for the Rio Grande District. Attendees included, first row (from left) Retail Manager Lupe Licudine; A/Marketing Manager Lori DuBose; District Manager Elizabeth Johnson; Marshall; and Business Mail Entry (BME) Manager Monica Minor. Back row (from left) A/Consumer & Industry Contact (CIC) Manager Doug Kyle; Business Mail Entry (BME) Supervisor Carol McCollom; Consumer Affairs Clerk Denise Lister; Bulk Mail Clerk Ravis Brown; Mailing Re-quirements General Clerk Dannett Clay; Retail Specialist Monica Tucker; Mailing Standards Specialist Earl Clark; Bulk Mail Clerks Loistine Worthy, Russell Jenkins, Megra Johnson, Scott Price, and Jenny Bennett; A/Business Service Network (BSN) Representative Angela Moudy; Business Mail Entry (BME) Supervisor Amy Walden; and A/Consumer Affairs Clerk Peggy Lee.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
OKLAHOMA
Tulsa, OK, Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) Senior Manager, Distribu-tion Operations (MDO) Darrick Watson (above) received an Award of Apprecia-tion from the Louisiana District for the assistance he provided during the historic flooding that took place in Baton Rouge in August 2016.
Kingfisher, OK, Postmaster Scott Burton (not pictured) ended FY16 with an announcement to his employees concerning scan-ning. He wanted to start FY17 off right with some new excitement and a new way to stress the importance of scanning. “I came up with the ‘Eagle Eye Award’ since eagles are known for their sharp eye sight and are also associated with the USPS logo. I wanted my carriers to have the same keen awareness,” said Burton.
In order to receive the “Eagle Eye Award” you can’t miss any package scans for a two-week period. Rural Letter Carriers Johnna Gonzales, Desiree Walling and Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs) Joe Craven and Brittani Bearman were the recipients of the first award. Bearman and Craven have only been on the job for five months and are already making a difference. “The employees were excited about the contest and they inquire each morning about how they performed the previous day. I provide them with daily scan updates as soon as I receive the scores from Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Robbie Steelman. This is a nice spirited competition that keeps everyone's eyes looking for scans,” says Burton.
Kingfisher, OK, employees are the first winners of the “Eagle Eye Award.” Pictured (from left) Rural Carrier Johnna Gonzales, Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs) Joe Craven and Brittani Bearman and Rural Carrier Desiree Walling.
The Greater OK Postal Customer Council (GO-PCC) hosted their 17th Annual Golf Tournament on October 7. This networking event was held at the Lincoln Golf Course in Oklahoma City, OK. Regis-tration began at 7:00 am and the shotgun start was at 8:00 am. Over 60 golfers participated in this event.
USPS Team II and Globe Accident & Accident Insurance Team 1 tied for first place and to break the tie the score was tallied on hole number five. The USPS team had the best score at that point, so took first place and the Globe team took second place. Retired postal employee Dan Davis was awarded with the longest drive award and David Hatkoff won the closet to the pin award. Lunch was provided by a local restaurant.
The USPS Team II were proud first place winners. Pictured (from left) USPS Retiree Dan Davis; Operation Support Spe-cialist Silas Dulan; Mail Processing Clerk Jim Moyer; Human Resources Specialist Melvin Fearrington and GO-PCC Secre-tary Andy Wright.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma District Business Service Network (BSN) Represen-tative Denise Pierre was the recipient of the Field Account Rep-resentative Team Outstanding Support Award for FY16. “Denise proves to be a strong support to all our customers, both external and internal. We are proud of her accomplishments in FY16 and blessed to have her on our team. Thank you, Denise,” said Man-ager, Consumer & Industry Contact (CIC) Helen Cuthbertson.
BSN Representative Denise Pierre (left) is recognized by Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact (CIC) Helen Cuthbertson (right) for being a team player.
Oklahoma District Manager, Labor Relations Olen “OD” Curry (right) received the Southern Area AVP Award which was presented by Dis-trict Manager Julie Gosdin (left).
Oklahoma District Manager, Labor Relations Olen “OD” Curry received the Southern Area AVP Award from Vice President, Area Operations, Shaun Mossman for his performance in FY16. Curry managed both directly and indirectly, administrative and technical reinforcement for all grievances that were filed by each of the various unions. His overall accomplishments earned him the number one ranking in the Southern Area. His accomplishments have supported the overall ranking of the Oklahoma District Human Resources Department as third in the nation in FY 2015, second in FY 2014, and first in FY 2013. Continued high performance exemplifies his service.
Oklahoma District Manager, Business Mail Entry (BME) Bill Braunbeck (right) was awarded the Engagement Leader of the Year Award for the Oklahoma District from District Manager Julie Gosdin (left). Nominees for the Engagement Leader of the Year Award must demonstrate through their past and cur-rent actions and initiatives that they are committed to fostering a more engaging Postal work culture. Engaging leaders are involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to creating a more engaging workplace, and positively contributing to suc-cessful operational performance. Five nomination applications were submitted for Braunbeck.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
OKLAHOMA
Laverne, OK, Postmaster Craig Weidemann (above) proudly displayed his 30-year Service Award.
Luther, OK, Postmaster Greg Shive (above) recently received his 25-year Service Award.
Blackwell, OK, Retail Associate Viv-ian Lewis (right) was presented with a Gold Star Award by Postmaster Ashley Maple (left). Lewis achieved a perfect score on a Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction.
Oklahoma City Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) Sr. Plant Manager Mike Melendrez (right) presented Tulsa, OK, P&DC Sr. Manager, Distribu-tion Operations (MDO) Darrick Watson (left) and Plant Manager Scott Tosch (center) with the Southern Area Leadership Award for Scanning for Quarter III, FY16.
Arcadia, OK, Postmaster Larry Butler (above) proudly displays his 35-year Service Award.
Bethany, OK, Retail Associate Vanessa Butler (left) was presented with a Gold Star Award by Post-master Jeff Vaughn (right). Butler achieved a perfect score on a Retail Customer Experience (RCE) trans-action.
Customer Relations Coordinator (CRC) Sonya Dulan ( not pictured) was contacted by the principal of the Heartland Baptist Academy request-ing the Postal Service to participate in the school’s Community Helper’s program. This event consists of local public servants speaking to students concerning their jobs. Oklahoma City, OK, Center City Station Letter Carrier Anthony Jones (far right) was selected to represent the Postal Service at this event. Jones, currently a Letter Car-rier instructor, stated that he felt right at home in the class room. Prior to his postal career, Jones was a high school teacher at Edmond North High School for fifteen years. The students, kin-dergarten and first grade, had lots of questions for Jones. He placed special emphasis on being safe when the Let-ter Carrier is in their neighborhood delivering the mail.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
RIO GRANDE
Congratulations to Corpus Chris-ti, TX, Passport Clerk Inocente Perez (center) who was honored October 25, with his 40-Year Ser-vice Award and Pin by Rio Grande District Manager Mary Sullivan (right) and Corpus Christi, TX, Postmaster Aaron Lawson (left) during an award ceremony held at the Hector P. Garcia Post Office where he works.
40 Year Service Award
Hispanic Holiday Campaign Commercial in Austin, TX
This year, the U.S. Postal Service selected the Austin, TX, metro area as the location to film a Holiday TV Commercial for Hispanic media. Austin Bluebonnet Station Letter Carrier Jason Grand, a 17-year postal employee, was selected from about a dozen local employees screen tested for a role in the commercial. Other Austin Post Office employees who were local finalist for a role in the commercial were Luis Beltran, Dominic Quintanilla, Raul Casso, Larry Gonzales, Howard M. Little, Sr., John Trice and Janet Bray.
Safety Coordinator Michelle Gagné and Customer Relations Coordi-nator (CRC) Amber Evans, of the Austin Post Office, served as local coordinators before and during production of the commercial, provid-ing logistical, material and technical support as needed. Gagné , who appeared in a USPS TV commercial filmed in Austin back in 2014, will have a small cameo role in this commercial. Austin Postmas-ter Tom Billington, Austin Bluebonnet Station Manager, Customer Services Patsy Garcia and Rio Grande Alamo Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Ayda Alderete also provided their local support and assistance for the project.
Two Long Life Vehicles (LLVs) used in the commercial were pre-pared and delivered to the production location by Austin Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) staff—Automotive Technician Phillip Neely, Lead Automotive Technicians Aaron Gomez and Steve Ding-man , and A/Manager, Vehicle Maintenance Daniel Acevedo.
The commercial is scheduled to debut on Nov. 21.
Austin postal employees Michelle Gagné (left) and Jason Grand (right) pose for a selfie photo while standing by to be filmed in the commercial.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
RIO GRANDEAustin, TX, Mockingbird Station Letter Carrier Mark Farber (pic-tured, left) was the recent recipient of the National Safety Council's One Million Mile Safe Driver Award, for driving over 30 years, or one million miles, without a pre-ventable vehicle accident.
Robert Martinez (pictured, left) a Retail Associate at the Harlingen, TX, Post Office submitted at Clerks Care sales lead for a local pharma-ceutical company looking for a low cost, but secure way to ship medi-cations. The company was sold on using USPS and the lead resulted $52,624 in new projected revenue.
Amanda Boonthumma (pictured, left) a Retail Associate at Austin, TX, Southeast Station submitted a Clerks Care sale lead for a local power and pressure washing compa-ny wanting to advertise and expand their business. The lead resulted in a $17,289 projected sale of Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) service.
Silvia Cortinos (pictured, left) a Re-tail Associate at Austin, TX, South Austin Station submitted a Clerks Care sales lead for a local real estate brokerage interested in targeted advertising. This lead resulted in an Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) projected sale of $2,497.
Austin, TX, Lake Travis Branch Retail Associate LaShawn Hodges (pictured, left) submitted a Clerks Care sales lead for a local custom home builder. The builder was sold on using Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) and also obtained a standard mail permit for targeting mail to Austin real estate profession-als. Hodges sales lead resulted in generating $87,360 in projected new revenue.
Two Austin, TX, Mockingbird Station Letter Carriers were recognized by their managers and co-workers with retirement certificates and a special cake. Sam Laitinen (right) with 39 years of service, and Diana Pannell (left) with 29 years of service are pictured with their cake and Postmaster Tom Billington (center).
Adrienne Marshall (shown right) has been named Marketing Man-ager for the Rio Grande District. Marshall comes to Texas from the Mississippi District, where she served as Marketing Man-ager until her recent promotion.
Marshall began her postal career in 1998 as a Mail Handler at the Jackson, MS, Processing & Dis-tribution Center (P&DC). She has built a cache of management experience by serving in several successive, increasingly responsible posi-tions and detail assignments including: Manager, Learning Development & Diversity; A/Manager, Post Office Operations; Diversity Development Specialist; Injury Compensation Specialist; and as A/Area Injury Compensation Specialist for the Capital Metro Area.
A native of Jackson, MS, Marshall has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University. She is also a Postal Ser-vice Corporate Succession Planning (CSP) candi-date.
Engagement Excellence
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
RIO GRANDEDynamic Route Optimization (DRO) is an initiative that will contribute to the USPS goal of $1 billion in annual ground transportation cost savings. The DRO initia-tive will target reductions in Highway Contract Route (HCR) mileage to contribute to the annual savings goal.
The DRO project was first piloted at the Dulles, VA, Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) in January 2016. Year-to-date they have saved over $482,466 in HCR transportation.
Two more pilot sites have been recently added; the Margaret L. Sellers P&DC in San Diego, CA, and the El Paso, TX, P&DC. These three sites, located across the U.S., will result in enhanced transportation decision-making that can influence departure times, routing, and delivery vehicle types.
Currently, static routes depart from the USPS's P&DCs each day bound for hubs and/or delivery units regardless of the mail volume on each route. In the future, routes may experience variability in departure from the P&DC each day, based on volume forecast-driven manifests. Suppliers will receive weekly manifests in advance.
DRO's objective is to decrease ground transportation costs by reducing HCR mileage using dynamic routes created by a Transportation Management System (TMS). The TMS generates dynamic routes based on mail volume forecasts from the Run Plan Generator (RPG). Savings will be achieved through a combination of reduced mileage and solicitation of new contracts to HCR suppliers, in which they will be offered guaranteed minimum mileage below today’s contracted mileage.
The Run Plan Generator (RPG) forecasts the amount of mail volume to be processed in a given day. This volume and availability forecast is converted into shipments for TMS planning. Under the DRO project, the Transportation Manage-ment System (TMS) will use shipments to generate dynamic transportation plans in the form of manifests.
At the P&DC, accurate execution of operational planning is critical to creating reliable transportation plans. HCR trips will be dispatched according to the TMS manifest to the assigned delivery units, often making stops at multiple delivery units on the same trip. Upon arrival, the containers are unloaded and the mail is worked at the Delivery Unit.
Members of the El Paso DRO team include: Manager, In-Plant Support Sylvia Prado; Networks Specialist Bob Valadez; Operations Support Specialists Linda Flores and Elias Martinez; Prado has overseen all aspects of this project – to include validating the configuration of the system. Her expertise with operations, sort programs, zip combinations, and many other variables has been invaluable. Flores’ accurate RPG’s allow the system to plan responsive transportation based on avail-ability. Martinez has worked with the MTEL system to create dynamic placards and has worked side by side with dock expeditors learning the new dynamic system. As the Networks Specialist, Valadez evaluates every trip generated by the TMS system. He makes any necessary changes to ensure transportation will meet the needs of the delivery units. He has worked with the suppliers to transition them to new routes and dynamic trip times. In addition, the El Paso Maintenance team placed all new signage on the docks and created new staging areas. Plant operations now makes sure that all pro-cessed mail is on the dock as soon as it is available so trucks leave when scheduled and as full as possible.
“This has been a very challenging project, but well worth the effort,” said Prado. “I am very proud of our team, to include our Customer Service partners and our suppliers. We are learning every day and improving the dispatches. In the first four weeks the savings have been over 12%, which equates to just under 15K miles saved.”
JoAnn Bean, Operations Performance Analyst, with USPS HQ – Enterprise Analytics, is domiciled in El Paso and has been assigned to the El Paso DRO pilot project. She has been working with the local DRO team who started up El Paso's Dynamic transportation in mid-September.
"I have been very fortunate to work with the El Paso DRO team," said Bean, adding, "They have worked tirelessly to roll this out successfully."
Members of the El Paso DRO team (from left) Sylvia Prado, Elias Martinez, JoAnn Bean, Bob Valadez, and Linda Flores.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
SOUTH FLORIDATwenty years after the U.S. Postal Service issued the first Hanuk-kah stamp, the latest edition of the holiday stamp was introduced to a filled-to-capacity Temple Beth El of Boca Raton. The Hanukkah Forever™ stamp and its hashtag #Hanukkahstamp created excitement in the weeks leading up to the First-Day-Of-Issue ceremony on Nov. 1. More than 500 guests gathered at the temple sanctuary where Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President David E. Williams served as dedicating official and South Florida District Manager Jeffery A. Taylor was the Master of Ceremonies.
Several rabbis gave remarks, the Boca Raton High School NJROTC Honor Guard presented the colors, and the temple’s pre-kindergarten class sang Hanukkah songs. Temple Beth El of Boca Raton was selected based on South Florida’s vibrant Jewish community which is the third largest Jewish population in the country. Temple Beth El Executive Director Steve Kaufman said the congregation was stunned to receive a call from the U.S. Postal Service about the site selection.“It was a really neat honor,” Kaufman said. “Just in the reform movement, there are 1,000 synagogues the Postal Service could have chosen. And there are hundreds of Conservative and Orthodox synagogues across the country. Our selection was very flattering.”
The 2016 Hanukkah Forever™ stamp depicts a warm, elegant illustration of a holiday menorah in the window of a home. The white window trim is visible through the branches of the menorah, which echo a tangle of snow-covered tree branches beyond the glass. Artist William Low added visual interest to the scene by highlighting the contrast between the hot candle flames and the cool snow, the vertical candles and the horizontal window frame, and the dark menorah with the brightly lit candles.The first time the U.S. Postal Service issued a Hanukkah stamp was in 1996 in a joint issue with Israel. Like the most recent edition, the stamp featured a lit menorah. The 32-cent stamp was reissued until 2004, when it switched to a dreidel design through 2008. The menorah returned again in 2009 and another was issued in 2013. Hanuk-kah, which lasts eight days, begins at sundown Dec. 24. Jewish families celebrate with small menorahs, lighting one more candle each night until all are ablaze on the eighth night. In South Florida, memories of the Hanukkah stamp First-Day-Of-Issue dedication ceremony will warm the hearts of many “forever.”
Boca Raton, FL, Temple Beth El was chosen for the First-Day-Of-Issue Hanukkah stamp dedication ceremony. Pictured (from left) USPS Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President David E. Williams; Temple Beth El of Boca Raton Senior Rabbi Daniel Levin and Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Brockman; and USPS South Florida District Manager Jeffery A. Taylor.
Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, FL, Cantor Lori Shapiro (left) and Cantorial Soloist Michelle Auslander Cohen (right), along with the Temple’s Early Learning Center Pre-K class (foreground), performed musical selections for more than 500 attendees.
Senior Rabbi Daniel Levin (left) and Chief Operating Of-ficer/Executive Vice President David E. Williams (right) were program participants.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
SOUTH FLORIDA
Boca Raton, FL, Stamp and Coin Club Member Max Cohen (seated foreground) and USPS Market-ing Secretary DeAna Duque (seated background) affixed special cancellations to Hanukkah-stamped envelopes. The South Florida District sold 5,000 sheets of the Hanukkah stamp at the First-Day-Of-Issue dedication ceremony at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, FL.
Boca Raton, FL, Postmaster’s Secre-tary Jacqueline San Lucas (left) affixed a Hanukkah stamp on an envelope to be cancelled.
Hundreds of guests purchased Hanukkah stamps and had their programs autographed by official partici-pants.
Miami, FL, Customer Relations Coordinator (CRC) Mirtha Uriarte (left) and Miami, FL, Postmaster En-rique “Rick” Suarez (right) gave their “stamp of ap-proval” at the First-Day-Of Issue dedication at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, FL.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division, including Postal Inspectors and Postal Police Officers (PPOs), supported the First-Day-Of-Issue event. Pic-tured (from left) PPO Sergeant Nancy Petrofsky, Captain Donald Martin and PPOs Edgar Solano, Clarence Moss, and Craig Clarit. Not pictured: PPO Gus Cabanas.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
SOUTH FLORIDA
On Saturday, Oct. 22, Boca Raton, FL, postal employees (pictured right) dressed in their Halloween costumes to greet customers at the annual "bootification" of the Boca Rio Branch. Boca Raton, FL, Stamp and Coin Club members postmarked "Halloween Station" special cancellations on envelopes and packages for customers, who also took this opportunity to purchase jack-'o-lantern stamps at the retail counter. Pictured clockwise (from left) Manager, Customers Services, Boca Palmetto Park Lori Cangemi; Customers Ronnie Cangemi and Emily Clark; A/Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Area 7 Carlos Rodon; Boca Rio Supervisor, Customer Services Angelo Rosado; Officer In Charge Joe Marrone; Boca Raton, FL, Stamp Club Vice President Max Cohen; Boca Raton, FL, Postmaster's Secretary Jacqueline San Lucas; and Amiyah Saunders, daughter of West Palm Beach, FL, Customer Relations Coordinator (CRC) Curlita Rogers-Saunders.
Haverhill, FL, A/Manager, Customer Services Othir Torres, Jr., (right) and Supervisor, Customer Services Suzette James (left) presented Retail Associate Barbara Huggins (center) with her 30-year Service Award and Pin.
Pompano, FL, Postmaster Ed Cop-pola (left) and Manager, Customer Service Operations Joe Croce (right) recognized Administrative Assistant Sharon Puhl (center) for outstanding service.
Recently, the Oakland Park, FL, management team (shown left) recognized their Laborer Custodians for their outstanding work performance. Pictured, Front Row (seated) Oakland Park, FL, Supervisor, Customer Services Wilma Sheppard. Second Row (from left) Laborer Custodians Adrian Webb and Harvey Taylor, Jr.; Supervisor, Customer Services Alan Siegel; and A/Supervisor, Customer Services Kyna Wright. Back Row (from left) Supervisor, Customer Services Man-uel “Alex” Herrera and Manager, Customer Services Johnson D’Souza. “Every day Harvey and Adrian work together and take care of the Oakland Park facil-ity and the finance units. We all appreciate what they do,” D’Souza said.
Pompano, FL, Postmaster Ed Cop-pola (left) and Manager, Customer Services Louis Mongilia (right) presented Supervisor, Customer Services Debbie Sciubba (center) with a Recognition Award for out-standing performance.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
SUNCOASTValrico, FL, Postal Service employees represented our organization at a Tampa job fair where several businesses were recruiting. The postal team accepted applications from over 400 individuals interested in RCA employment with USPS.
USPS representatives (from left) Valrico Postmaster Irving Downs; Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) Re-tention Liaison Natasha Patterson; Tampa, FL, Palm River Supervisor, Customer Services Melissa Lubin; and Tampa, FL, Ehrlich Manager, Customer Services Sonya Livings-ton worked together to find quali-fied applicants.
Valrico, FL, Postmaster Irving Downs (right) answered questions from a potential applicant (left).
Tampa, FL, Ehrlich Manager, Cus-tomer Services Sonya Livingston (seated, left) explained the require-ments and application process to job fair attendees.
Port Richey, FL, Embassy Crossing Retail Associate Dan Lantier (right) received his fourth Gold Star Award from Manager, Customer Services Christina Walker (left). Lantier re-ceived perfect scores on four Retail Experience Customer (RCE) trans-actions, earning the last two back to back. A pizza lunch was provided for the retail staff in recognition of their strong team performance in providing excellent customer ser-vice this year. “The Embassy Post Office has become a ‘Gold Mine’ for service since Walker's arrival in Port Richey one year ago,” said Postmaster Brian Strasser.
Tampa, FL, Officer in Charge (OIC) Richard Fermo (not pictured), who is Green Belt Certified, recently held five classes and educated his Customer Services Team in Yellow Belt training. Pictured above (far left, clockwise) in a training session are Sulphur Springs Station Super-visor, Customer Services Daphne McClellan; New Tampa Station Su-pervisor, Customer Services Diana Milan; Interbay Station Supervisor, Customer Services Frank Snyder; Sulphur Springs Station Supervisor, Customer Services Kevin Cowart; and Hilldale Station Supervisor, Customer Services Herb Rahmings, III.
Tampa, FL, Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) Mailing Requirements Clerk Margot Ramentol (left) proudly displayed her 30-year Service Award and Pin presented by Manager, BMEU Don Dease (right).
Fort Myers, FL, Page Field Letter Car-rier Ernesto Alicea (left) received his 30-year Service Award and Pin from Manager, Customer Services Thomas Hoerner (right).
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
SUNCOAST
Tampa, FL, Carrollwood Branch Retail Associate Lori Daoust (left) was all smiles after receiving a Gold Star Award from Tampa Officer In Charge (OIC) Richard Fermo (right) for earning a perfect score on a Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction.
The East Naples, FL, management team was happy to learn their office received recognition for being #1 in the Suncoast District for clerk efficiency in Quarter 3, and were eager to share the good news with the entire clerk team. Pictured (from left) Supervisor, Customer Ser-vices Christine Wilson; Manager, Customer Services Bonnie Tribby; and Supervisor, Customer Services Mike Miles.
An artistic recognition sign (above) was created by Venice, FL, Postmaster Kevin Sullivan.
Venice, FL, Postmaster Kevin Sullivan (right) served breakfast to Venice Let-ter Carriers in recognition of achiev-ing #2 in the District during Quarter 3 for Level 24 offices.
Venice, FL, Postmaster Kevin Sullivan (left) and Supervisor, Customer Ser-vices Rhonda Dinka (right) enjoyed cooking the recognition breakfast for employees.
Orlando, FL, Alafaya Retail Associ-ate Nerissa Lewis (second left) and Retail Associate Claudine Burress (second right) each received a Gold Star Award for earning perfect scores on recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions. Manager, Customer Services Ernesto Gonzalez (far right) and Supervisor, Customer Services Trina Henderson (far left) made the presentation in front of their peers.
Oviedo, FL, Distribution Clerk Chubba Bordas (left) received his 35-year Service Award from Post-master Karen Hebert (right).
Manasota Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) Custodian Cindy De-weese (center) received her 25-year Service Award from Plant Manager Debbie Gornik (right) and Manager, Maintenance Operations Victor Groves (left).
Orange City, FL, Retail Associate Lois Scudero (left) was recognized by Postmaster Pierre Hall (right) in front of her peers for receiving a Gold Star Award for a perfect score on a Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
SUNCOAST
New Smyrna Beach, FL, Maintenance Custodian Kerry Ennis (left) proudly displayed his finished work on a newly mounted suggestion box. Employ-ees now have an additional internal communication with management. “I sincerely hope to hear from employ-ees. Their input is important. I will respond and keep them engaged,” said Postmaster Elli Calidonio (right).
New Smyrna Beach, FL, Retail As-sociate Nancy Hatcher (left) added her fourth Gold Star to the Post Office plaque as Retail Associate Debbie Pugh (right) looks on.
Retail Associate Nancy Hatcher (center) received her fourth Gold Star Award from New Smyrna Beach, FL, Postmaster Elli Calidonio (far right). Lead Retail Associate Selena Green (far left) and Retail Associates Donna Delso (second left) and Donna Sholey (second right) joined in the presenta-tion. The entire office enjoyed a cel-ebration, complete with refreshments.
Lutz, FL, Retail Associate John Pages (left) displayed his Gold Star Award, alongside Retail Associate Erich Bearup (right) who was pre-sented with two Gold Star Awards. “Congratulations on achieving perfect scores on Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions. Thank you for doing a great job,” said Postmaster James Chiarella (center). “Keep up the outstanding performance.”
Venice, FL, Retail Associates Kevin Hanaughan (second left) and Nick Lagos (second right) each received a Gold Star Award from Postmas-ter Kevin Sullivan (far right) and A/Supervisor Customer Services Mike Thoreen (far left) for earning perfect scores on a Retail Customer Experi-ence (RCE) transactions. This was Hanaughan’s third Gold Star and the first for Lagos.
Manasota Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) Plant Manager Deb-bie Gornik (far right) and Supervi-sor, Distribution Operations Paul Gennette (second left) presented Service Awards to Automation Clerk Joy Browning (far left) for 30 years of service; Express/Registry Clerk Bruce Eskew (center) for 40 years of service; and Automation Clerk Leon Grigsby (second right) for 30 years of service.
Fort Myers, FL, Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) Train-ing Technician Vicky Mosely (right) received her 30-year Service Award and Pin from A/Plant Manager Norris Hamm (left).
Fort Myers, FL, P&DC Operations Support Specialist Donna Millheim (left) received her Perfect Attendance Award and Pin from A/Plant Manager Norris Hamm (right).
Fort Myers, FL, P&DC Network Specialist Troy Withstandley (right) received a Sick Leave Award from A/Plant Manager Norris Hamm (left) for accumulating 3,000 hours of sick leave.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
SUNCOAST
Ruskin, FL, Letter Carrier Marty McClamma (third, right) recently received his 40-year Service Award. On hand for the recognition event were (from left) A/Manager Post Office Operations (MPOO) A Jim Hemmings; Postmaster Tina Co-chrane; National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) President Branch 599 Tony Diaz; McClamma; McClamma’s wife of 41 years, Vicki; and District Manager Eric Chavez.
Mid Florida Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) Plant Manager Tom “Philly Guy” Golden recognized all Mid Florida P&DC employees for their tremendous achievements of earning #1 for DPS and #1 for Surface Visibility Scanning. A special Super Hero Day and Employee Appreciation Week, complete with a delicious feast and lots of camaraderie, were enjoyed by all. “Thank you to the Mid Florida P&DC Team for their consistent com-mitment and dedication,” said Golden.
Happily serving the delicious meal to employees were (from left) Mail Processing Clerk Indu Beg, Data Collection Clerk Ronney James, Network Specialist Krashawna Bryant and Operations Support Specialist Manal Ramadan (not pictured). Bulk Mail Entrance Unit (BMEU) Technician Irma Williams-Riley (far right) enjoyed the appre-ciation festivity.
Supervisor Distribution Operations Lakisha Jenkins (left) and Mail Processing Clerk Lois Frost (right) showed off their special hats during the recognition event.
Mid Florida P&DC employees dressed up for Super Hero Day. Pic-tured above (from second left) Mail Processing Clerk Tim Doyle; Mail Handler LaChristina Brown; and Mail Processing Clerk Rene Doxon. Bottom, right photo (from left) Mail Processing Clerks Donnell Fields, Gary Ervin and Teresa Richman; Supervisor, Distribution Operations (SDO) Lakisha Jenkins; and Mail Processing Clerks Steve Steele and Tim Curry.
Fort Myers Beach, FL, City Carrier Associate (CCA) Jennifer Nasworthy (standing) conducted a Career Day Presentation for the kids at a local Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program. Nasworthy prepared special packages for each student and gave them a tour of the mail truck. “Jen was a natural with the kids. She really represented the Postal Service with en-thusiasm,” said Postmaster Mark Pié.
North Port, FL, City Center Retail Associate Pam Sapp (second left) received her third Gold Star Award from Manager, Post Office Opera-tions (MPOO) William Bishoff (far left); Manager, Customer Services Melissa Kruzel (far right) and A/Su-pervisor, Customer Services Barb Berrios (second right) for earning a perfect score on a Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
SUNCOAST
Tampa, FL, Palm River Carrier Annex Letter Carrier George Czanko, with 32 years of ser-vice.
Venice, FL, Main Post Office Letter Carrier Allyson Taylor, with 31 years of service.
Fort Myers, FL, Page Field Letter Carrier Raymond Knippel, with 31 years of service.
Tampa, FL, Palm River Carrier Annex Letter Carrier Darcy Hubbard, with 28 years of service.
Pinellas Park, FL, Retail Associate Debbie Lumley, with over 26 years of service.
St. Petersburg, FL, Northside Station was recognized for earning First Place in the district in the Customer Connect Program in Quarter 3 FY16. Business Development Special-ist (BDS) Trish Perri (forefront, left) presented the award to Northside A/Manager, Customer Services Angela Dupree (forefront, right). Second row (from left) Supervisor, Cus-tomer Services Bobbi Ison; National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Coordinator/Letter Carrier Albert Giusto and Letter Carrier Jerry Van, who submitted a lead that gen-erated a whopping $131,885 projected revenue. The North-side letter carriers (background) all joined in to celebrate their achievement by enjoying a breakfast that was served to them by the Suncoast District Marketing Department.
Palatka, FL, Rural Carriers Sherrell Cutrer, pictured left (center) and Elsie Alrman, pictured right (center) received the prestigious National Safety Council’s Million Mile Safe Driver Award for driving over 1,000,000 miles without a pre-ventable vehicle accident. Manager Post Office Operations (MPOO) C Janice Walters (pictured right in both photos) and Palatka Postmaster Rick Pasek (pictured left in both photos) presented the Safe Driver Awards and thanked Cutrer and Alrman for keeping safety a priority.
Palatka Postmaster Rick Pasek (right) and Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) C Janice Walters (left) presented Retail Associate Danny Bennett (center) with his Gold Star Award for a perfect transaction on a recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE).
Palatka, FL, Retail Associates Cindy Smith (right) received a Gold Star Award from Palataka Postmaster Rick Pasek (left) for performing a perfect Retail Cus-tomer Experience (RCE) transaction.
November 18, 2016 | Making A Difference
AREA
Making a Difference is published biweekly by the Southern Area Corporate Communications Cen-ter.
Area Vice PresidentShaun E. Mossman
Managing EditorPolly Gibbs
EditorAlbert Ruiz
ContributorsCharles “Chuck” Bianco, Robert “Sam” Bolen, Delores “Dee” Carter, Lillian Castro, Sonya Dulan, Amber Evans, Debra Fetterly, Tracie Finley, Michelle Gagne, LaTonya Greene, Jwana Gunn, Becky Hernandez, Doug Kyle, Erinn McKenzie, Brenda Mues-sel, Shauna Nye, Kelly Pinto, Mary Pardo, Gale Purvis, Enola Rice, Curlita Rogers-Saunders, Arlene Sanchez, Rosco Timberlake, Leisa Tolliver-Gay, John Torrez, Mirtha Uriarte, Sharon Varnado, Debbie Vick, Philip Wiebold, Kelly Worthman-Anders
Masthead DesignBarry Artiz
The Postal Service will hold three webinars for employees who want to learn more about the offerings available during this year’s open season benefits enrollment period.
Here’s the schedule:
- Friday, Nov. 18, from 3-4 p.m. EST
- Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 2-3 p.m. EST
- Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 3-4 p.m. EST
Each webinar will include updates on what’s new and information on the tools and resources available to employees.
Participation is voluntary and off-the-clock.
Employees who wish to participate should go to the Benefits and Wellness LiteBlue page before the scheduled start of each session.
Open season is the annual period when employees can change their health benefits or enroll in a new plan. This year’s open season is Nov. 14-Dec. 12.
The Open Season LiteBlue site has additional resources, including FAQs, informational videos and a link to a comparison tool from Check-book’s Guide to Health Plans.
Don’t Miss the 2016 Benefits Open SeasonNovember 14-December 12
