Thanking Our Veterans

It is so easy for us to get caught up in our daily lives with all our interests and busy schedules that we can take things for granted. When we’re healthy, we may take our good health for granted. Relationships that are smooth and fulfilling can be taken for granted. And because we enjoy freedom in this country, we can take that for granted, too. But there has been a lot of sacrifice and bloodshed to earn and keep the freedoms we too often undervalue. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have fought and continue doing so to secure our way of life.

Today let us honor those who have put on the military uniform to serve our great Nation. These individuals consistently have defended our ideals across the globe and continue to inspire those who defend America today. The uniforms they wear, and the flag they carry, are held in high esteem. And that is their finest tribute: Around the world, to people who struggle and suffer, the sight of an American in uniform has meant hope and relief.

Did you know ... 

• Veterans make up 18 percent of the postal workforce. 
• Total number of military veterans: 112,800 --- includes more than 10,000 non-career employees.
• USPS is second only to the U.S. Department of Defense in the number of veterans in the workforce.
• Number/percentage of the female workforce who are veterans: Just over 12,000 or 4.4%.
• Other national statistics:

      # Postmasters: more than 2,000

   # Letter Carriers: more than 37,000

   # Rural Carriers: more than 5,000

   # Mail Handlers: approximately 1,000

   # APWU Clerks: 38,000

   # Non-bargaining: approximately 10,500 (includes the 2,000 Postmasters from above)

We have 2,000 veterans in the South Florida Postal Family.