Rios is 13th Palm City Postmaster

Allison Rios

Allison Rios has been named the new Postmaster in Palm City, FL. Rios is the 13^th Postmaster in Palm City since 1914.

Rios began her postal career as a City Carrier in Fairlawn, NJ, in August 1988 following PTF Window Clerk in Stuart, FL, in April 1998. She was promoted to Supervisor, Customer Services, Stuart, FL, in October 2000.

In October 2010, Rios was detailed as Officer In Charge, Jensen Beach Post Office. In 2011, she was recognized for outstanding performance. Rios has accepted several Officer In Charge assignments in the South Florida District during her career. In November 2012, she was promoted to Postmaster, Hobe Sound, FL. Rios served as Officer In Charge in Palm City prior to her promotion to Postmaster.

“Allison’s expertise in Rural Delivery, Retail Operations, and Customer Service, along with her dedication and commitment to the Postal Service, will make her an outstanding Postmaster,” said A/Manager, Post Office Operations Denise Young. “Please join me in wishing her well in her new position and having continued success in her career.”

Lockett is New Manager, Maintenance at Royal Palm P&DC

Willie L. Lockett, Jr. 

Willie L. Lockett, Jr., has been promoted to Manager, Maintenance at the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center in Opa-locka, FL.

Lockett began his postal career as a Distribution Clerk at the Fort Lauderdale Processing and Distribution Center in 1987. He also was an Expeditor, Multi-Position Letter Sorting Machine (MPLSM) Clerk,  Automation Distribution Clerk, and Data Technician. Lockett joined the managerial ranks first as an A/Supervisor, Computerized Forwarding System (CFS), and then as a Supervisor, Distribution Operations,  at the Fort Lauderdale P&DC.

In 1995, Lockett’s career path led to the Maintenance Department at the Fort Lauderdale P&DC where he was a Mail Processing Equipment Mechanic and an Electronics Technician. In 2008, Lockett was promoted to Supervisor, Maintenance Operations at the Oklahoma City, OK, Processing and Distribution Center.

Lockett returned to the South Florida District in 2010, and in 2012, was promoted to Manager, Maintenance Operations at the South Florida Logistics and Distribution Center (now the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center). Also in 2012, Lockett was detailed as Lead Maintenance Manager in the Capital Metro District.

“Willie brings a wealth of experience to this position,” said Plant Manager Linda Gray. “Please join me in congratulating Willie and in wishing him continued success in his career.”

Tavernier Passport Fair a Success!

Tavernier Postmaster Eddy Suarez is very pleased with the results of the Passport Fair on Saturday, June 13. The Tavernier Team processed 105 passports, including 51 renewals.

Suarez thanks Rural Carriers Martin Casstellan, Barbara Froehlich, Ramona Luna, Debbie Miller, and Debbie Weworski, and Retail Associates Melissa Cabral and Teresa Vaughan for successfully promoting this event. 

The next Passport Fair is scheduled Saturday, July 11.

Johnson Earns Doctorate Degree

Sharon Johnson, Supervisor, Distribution Operations at the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center, has earned her doctorate degree from the University of Phoenix. Congratulations!

WPB SDO Helps Pack a Million Meals

L to R: Allison Poulin, daughter of West Palm Beach Supervisor, Distribution Operations Armand (Al) Poulin.

By Gale Jackson, West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator

On Sunday, May 3, West Palm Beach, FL, Supervisor, Distribution Operations Armand Poulin volunteered to help pack one million meals for people in need throughout South Florida for the Organization United We Stand Against Hunger. 

Ten people were assigned to a table and in an assembly line fashion they worked as a team. They were tasked with preparing a dehydrated meal package consisting of dried rice, lentil beans, dried vegetables and powdered seasoning. As the package passed from hand to hand through the ten people it was also weighed, vacuumed sealed, labeled and packed 48 in a box then the box was immediately sealed, palletized, and shipped. The packages of dried ingredients only required the recipient to add water and would make enough soup to feed six people. 

Each table was challenged to quickly make as many meals as possible by working in unison.  At the end of the shift the team making the most meals would win a prize where each member on the team received two tickets to the Miami Dolphins first home game. Al’s worked with his daughter Allison Poulin on the 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. shift.  Al was informed 720,000 meals had already been made before he started with over 500,000 already delivered.

“The event leaders really motivated us and kept us posted on our progress. They told us which table was ahead in making the most meals. Each table was given an event staff member assigned to motivate us and keep things moving making the whole experience fun. At the end of our shift we completed 840,000 meals exceeding our goal. We were told our group made the most meals of any shift for the day.  Although our table did not make the most meals to win the Dolphins tickets, we sure had a great time trying!  We are looking forward to next year,” said Poulin.

A sea of volunteers 

Duo Builds the Brand in Hialeah

Hialeah Postmaster Orlando De La Osa

Recently, Hialeah Postmaster Orlando De La Osa addressed the Hialeah Chamber of Commerce at Havana-Lisboa Restaurant. Also, De La Osa and Marketing Manager Juan Nadal spoke to chamber members about Every Door Direct Mail, the Postal Customer Council, and Rethink Shipping-eCommerce. 

"The information was well received and generated lots of interest," said De La Osa. "Members asked many questions about these topics during and after the presentation."

Miami Carrier Delivers on Career Day

Miami Letter Carrier Alexander Pinera of the Ludlam Branch, participated in a Career Day at Emerson Elementary School.  The principal and event coordinator wrote the following letter of appreciation:

Dear Mr. Pinera:

“Thanks to you and the other participants, our Career Day was a complete success. We were impressed with the innovative way you made your complex occupational concepts come alive to students at Emerson Elementary School.

We respect the courage and professional fortitude you demonstrated by preparing your presentation. The speech on your career as a letter carrier was inspirational. The time and intellectual energy invested in preparing generated benefits of immeasurable value. We hope that you are very proud of the contribution you have made to develop effective and successful citizens of the future. We respect and salute your efforts.

Thank you for your enthusiasm and involvement in Career Day. We hope to be fortunate enough to have you involved in future Career Day activities.”

Sincerely,

Ramon Garrigo

Principal

Nuri Gaston

Career Day Coordinator

Oakland Park Retail Associate Rivero Achieves Perfect Score --- Twice!

Oakland Park Retail Associate Tivisay Rivero achieved a perfect score on her last two Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions. Photo: Amy McCall

Tavernier Passport Fair: Sat, June 13

Planning a vacation? Make the Tavernier Post Office the first stop of your journey.
Postmaster Eddy Suarez invites customers to apply for a passport at the Tavernier Post Office, 91220 Overseas Highway. The Post Office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for passport transactions only Saturday, June 13.

How to Prepare for the Passport Application Process:

A completed application (form is available at usps.com/passport; but do not sign it until the passport clerk instructs you to do so).  Remember that everyone, including newborn infants, is required to obtain a passport in his or her own name. For children under age 16, the consent of both parents/ guardians is required. 

• Proof of identity (a valid permanent state driver’s license, a government ID or military ID, previous passport, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (previous passport, original or certified birth certificate issued from the state with a raised, embossed, impressed, or multi-colored seal and the registrar’s  signature and date of certificate filing)
• Two official passport photos (available at the Passport Fair for $15)
• Social Security Number

The U.S. Department of State fees vary according to age and type. The fee(s) must be made by money order, check, bank draft, or cashier’s check made payable to the U.S. Department of State; debit and credit card payment is not available. The Passport Book fee for under age 16 is $80; for age 16 and older is $110. The Passport Card fee for under age 16 is $15, and for age 16 and older is $30. In addition, all acceptance agencies, including the Postal Service, charge a processing fee of $25 per application. A debit or credit card may be used in addition to cash, money order, or check made payable to the Postal Service.

Postmaster's Military Service Earns U.S. Flag Flown at Guantanamo

Based on past military performance, Deerfield Beach Postmaster Butch Belanger was selected from 50 possible honorees to receive an American flag that was flown in Guantanamo. This is a special honor to men and women who served and were highly decorated for their military service. Later in the year, Belanger will be invited to the White House to get a special award from the President for his Seal Team and a plaque signed by President and the Joint Chiefs to certify this honorable award. The award reads as follows:

“This is to certify that the accompanying flag of the United States of America was flown proudly over Headquarters, Joint Task Force Guantanamo on April 15, 2015. This flag is presented as a reflection of the patriotism and courage of the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen of Joint Task  Force Guantanamo. It stands as tribute to the dedication and valor of all those who have served in defense of our nation in support of the Global War on Terrorism. This flag represents the sovereign power of the United States of American and the unshakeable resolve to keep our country safe.”

David W. Carr

Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army,

Senior Enlisted Leader

Ronald E. Paul

Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force,

Deputy Commander

Kyle J. Cozad

Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy,

Commander

Teamwork = $1.2 Million in Revenue From Arrowmail Presort Company

Arrowmail Presort Operations Manager Vicente Rodriguez
Photo: Iliana Valdes

By Lillian Castro, Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact 

In an effort to offer top quality solutions to their clients, Arrowmail Presort Company wanted to offer new and existing customers using meter postage, the opportunity to pay the postage for packages with the capability of tracking services. Operations Manager Vicente Rodriguez knew where to go – his Business Service Network Representative Iliana Valdes.

Valdes has been managing Arrowmail, one of the largest and most technologically advanced mail and print service providers in the South Florida District, for quite some time now.  She has further developed and enhanced her professional relationship with their staff members, such as Rodriguez.    

The use of the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode became a requirement in January 2015, in order for mailers like Arrowmail to qualify for Commercial Base and Commercial Plus pricing for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and First Class Mail.  Further, customers using meters as a form of payment must comply with IMpb requirements in order to qualify for Commercial Base and Commercial Plus pricing. 

Valdes engaged the assistance of Senior Field Sales Representative Theresa Fondon and guidance with the implementation of new software needed to produce the IMpb capabilities was provided.  In addition, detailed information on free packaging for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail was also shared with Rodriguez. 

After much conversation, a decision was made by Rodriguez to purchase a software system, allowing Arrowmail to generate the IMpb. Thus, allowing their meter customers to take advantage of the discounted pricing.  As a result, the customer has committed to shifting volume from the competitor to Priority Mail and First-Class Mail packages.  This shift produces an additional $1.2 million of new revenue and with the possibility of future growth.

Princeton PO Salutes Fallen Marine

L to R: Younger brother Jonathan Guzman Rivera, Grandmother, Mother Velma Torres, Christian Guzman Rivera. Photos provided via Facebook

Marine Corporal Christian Guzman Rivera

Marine Corporal Christian Armando Guzman Rivera was a combat engineer for the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. Six years ago at the age of 21, he made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Today, postal employees and customers who frequent the Princeton Branch pause and reflect on his sacrifice each time they enter the Post Office building. Recently, the facility was dedicated in his memory thanks to a bill sponsored by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL 27th District) and signed into law by President Barack Obama.

Since losing her son, Torres, a 17-year career employee who delivers mail from Miami’s Quail Heights Branch, has made it her job to extol her son’s courage and sacrifice. Both Torres and her husband, Felix, Christian’s stepfather, never miss a patriotic, military or veterans event in Miami-Dade County. They always wear T-shirts with their fallen son’s image.

“The way I see it is that now I’m not only Christian’s mother, but the mother of a national hero,” Torres said.  “This carries a responsibility before the community and the world.”

Homestead Postmaster Ilia Gonzalez served as Master of Ceremonies as postal employees, district leadership, local officials, and community members gathered on the front lawn of the Princeton Branch to pay tribute to Guzman Rivera. Manager, Post Office Operations Joseph Croce, Jr., gave opening remarks.

“Ronald Reagan once said ‘some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don’t have that problem,’” Croce said.

Croce then introduced Ros-Lehtinen.

“I am proud to participate in the deserved dedication of a Post Office for our local hero, Christian A. Guzman Rivera, who made the ultimate sacrifice for us all,” said Ros-Lehtinen. “Christian’s selfless devotion to our country shows the commitment that he had to ensuring we live in freedom and we will forever be indebted to him for his heroism.”

The program continued as Captain Enming Luo, U.S. Marine Corps, reflected on Guzman Rivera’s unwavering commitment to preserving freedom, and then Croce, Ros-Lehtinen, and Torres unveiled the dedicatory plaque, now displayed in the Post Office lobby.

Tavernier PO to Host Passport Fairs, Saturdays, June 13 & July 11

Planning a vacation? Make the Tavernier Post Office the first stop of your journey.

Postmaster Eddy Suarez invites customers to apply for a passport at the Tavernier Post Office, 91220 Overseas Highway. The Post Office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for passport transactions only Saturday, June 13, and Saturday, July 11. No appointments required.

How to Prepare for the Passport Application Process:

A completed application (form is available at usps.com/passport; but do not sign it until the passport clerk instructs you to do so).  Remember that everyone, including newborn infants, is required to obtain a passport in his or her own name. For children under age 16, the consent of both parents/ guardians is required. 

• Proof of identity (a valid permanent state driver’s license, a government ID or military ID, previous passport, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (previous passport, original or certified birth certificate issued from the state with a raised, embossed, impressed, or multi-colored seal and the registrar’s  signature and date of certificate filing)
• Two official passport photos (available at the Passport Fair for $15)
• Social Security Number

The U.S. Department of State fees vary according to age and type. The fee(s) must be made by money order, check, bank draft, or cashier’s check made payable to the U.S. Department of State; debit and credit card payment is not available. The Passport Book fee for under age 16 is $80; for age 16 and older is $110. The Passport Card fee for under age 16 is $15, and for age 16 and older is $30. In addition, all acceptance agencies, including the Postal Service, charge a processing fee of $25 per application. A debit or credit card may be used in addition to cash, money order, or check made payable to the Postal Service.

Clark Retires after 42 Years

L to R: Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney, retiring Retail Associate Josephine Clark, and Manager, Customer Service Operations Alex Sepulveda strike a pose. 

Story & Photos: Amy McCall

Well wishers stopped by the Fort Lauderdale Main Office throughout the day to say goodbye to Josephine Clark who is retiring after 42 years of government service. The day started with sister Lisa Clark, Retail Clerk at the Pembroke Pines Branch stopping by with a cake and congratulations. The visitors continued throughout the day including her son who brought her roses. 

Clark began her career at the Seminole Station before  they moved and became the Fort Lauderdale Main Office. Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney and Manager, Customer Service Operations Alex Sepulveda congratulated Clark and presented her with her retirement certificate. 

“Forty-two years is a long time, that’s something I get up out of my chair  for,” said Guiney. Congratulations Josephine, well deserved!

Fort Lauderdale Main Office Retail Associate Josephine Clark snaps a photo of Manager, Customer Service Operations Alex Sepulveda (left) and Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney (right) as they congratulate her on her retirement after 42 years of government service. “I want to get a picture for my scrapbook,” exclaimed Clark.

Darrow Bids Farewell after 33 Years

L to R: Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney, Plantation Branch Letter Carrier James Darrow, Plantation Branch Manager, Customer Services Virginia Rhodes and Fort Lauderdale Manager, Customer Service Operations Alex Sepulveda.

Story & Photo: Amy McCall

Plantation Branch employees said goodbye to Letter Carrier James Darrow who dedicated 33 years of service to his customers. Co-workers showed their appreciation to Darrow and expressed how much they all were going to miss his kind and happy personality.
“Jim is one of a kind and he will be missed greatly,” said Manager, Customer Services Virginia Rhodes. 
Darrow is retiring with over 2,700 hours of accumulated sick leave. He urged his fellow employees to save their sick leave before he bid farewell.

Customer: 'Colee Gives Best Service'

Retail Associate Wadau (Fred) Ogionwo

Story & Photo: Amy McCall

"Colee Finance Unit gives the best service." That’s what Charlotte, NC Customer Patricia Dumser told Manager, Customer Services Thomas Petrush.

Dumser called Petrush specifically to commend Retail Associate Wadau (Fred) Ogionwo.

Dumser reports that upon her visit to the Colee Station, there was a high volume of customers, many with complicated transactions.  She could not believe how calm, cool, and efficient Ogionwo remained during her time in the lobby. She said that everybody there received friendly, efficient, professional service. 

“I have been to many Post Offices in my travels, but the best service I have ever received was at the Colee Finance Unit,” Dumser said.

Special Olympics Stamps Issued; Athletes Want to Hear from Fans!

The U.S. Postal Service celebrated the 2015 Special Olympics World Games by issuing the Special Olympics World Games Forever stamp.

The stamp will be sold at Post Offices nationwide. The stamp commemorates the flagship event of the Special Olympics movement, the Special Olympics Summer World Games, which occur once every four years will be held in Los Angeles this year from July 25 to August 2.

More than half a million spectators will enjoy nine days of challenging and inspiring international competition as more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries compete in 25 Olympic-type sports. The athletes will include 344 from the United States.

The annual Special Olympics Colorado Summer Games will be held in Grand Junction from June 5 through 7.

In honor of the release of the Special Olympics World Games Forever stamp, the U.S. Postal Service is inviting the American public to write letters of encouragement to Special Olympians. Here are some tips:

• Start with a salutation, such as "Dear Athlete" or "Dear Special Olympics athlete"
• Express your thanks to them for representing the United States at the World Games
• Share a little about yourself: family, hobbies, school or pets
• Talk about your favorite sport or event at the World Games
• Still can't find the words to express your support? Draw a picture instead using the Special Olympics World Games logo
• Use your first name only and no addresses, please
• Do NOT ask for personal contact information such as names, phone numbers or email addresses.

Mail your letters to:

Special Olympics USA

c/o National Events
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, RM 10545
Washington, D.C. 20260

New Elvis Stamp to Debut in August

Elvis Presley, who appeared on one of the most popular stamps of all time, will be featured on a new stamp in August, the Postal Service announced June 3.
Presley will be the sixth inductee into the Music Icons series. The stamp image will be revealed later.
The stamp will be dedicated Aug. 12 at Graceland, Presley’s Memphis, TN, home. The ceremony will be part of the annual Elvis Week celebration.
The first Presley stamp, issued in 1993, is considered one of the most popular because people saved more than 124 million stamps.
A year before the stamps were issued, the Postal Service invited the public to vote between images of a young or old Presley. About 1.2 million ballots were returned, with more than 75 percent preferring the younger version.
Previous Music Icons stamps featured Lydia Mendoza, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.