11 Fort Lauderdale CCAs Now Career

On September 9, Fort Lauderdale City Carrier Assistants Jazzmine Bailey, Detries Cody, Aarel Gumbs, James Guerrier, Phil Harris, Dayvette Hunter, Harold Mejia, Sharntrell Montgomery, Kenneth Smith, Renard Stevens, and Tawayna Williams were converted to career letter carriers. Congratulations!

  

At the Fort Lauderdale Main Post Office, City Carrier Assistant Detries Cody (left) is being processed for career conversion by Postal Police Officer Craig Clarit (right). Photo: Kelly Worthman

WPB MO Passport Fair: Sat, Sept 26

Planning a vacation? Make the West Palm Beach Main Office the first stop of your journey.

West Palm Beach Officer In Charge Robert Weiser invites employees to the Passport Fair at the West Palm Beach Main Office, 3200 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26.  No appointment required. (Employees are reminded that this is an off-the-clock activity.)

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.

USPS Prepares for Papal Visit

Pope Francis will visit the United States from Sept. 22-27. Photo: Wiki Commons

USPS will keep the mail moving when Pope Francis embarks on a six-day U.S. tour Sept. 22, although some customers might experience service interruptions in the cities he visits.

“The Postal Service is taking measures to continue moving the mail,” said Chief Operating Officer David Williams. “Extra security measures when moving, delivering and picking up the mail are being taken to safeguard our employees, customers and the mail.”

The first two stops on the pope’s tour — Washington, DC, and New York City — will be limited and only minimal disruption to deliveries and collections in the immediate area of events are expected, Williams said.

The papal visit will conclude in Philadelphia from Sept. 26-27. This stop has been declared a national security event and will restrict the Postal Service’s ability to conduct deliveries and retail operations in the immediate area.

Honoring Paul Newman on Stamp

Clea Newman Soderlund, Paul Newman’s daughter, celebrates the dedication of the stamp. Photo: Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Postal Service dedicated a stamp honoring Oscar-winning actor and philanthropist Paul Newman Sept. 18.

The stamp was dedicated in the Playhouse Square District in Cleveland, Newman’s hometown. The ceremony featured representatives from the philanthropic groups the actor founded, including the Newman’s Own Foundation, which raises money for charity through the sale of food products, and the Serious Fun Children’s Network, which assists seriously ill children.

The Postal 9/11 Story

By Nancy Pope, Historian

Among the most somber objects in the postal museum’s collection are a collection of artifacts retrieved from New York City’s Church Street Station Post Office following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. This is the first in a series of four blogs that will reflect on the postal history of that terrible day 10 years ago. Today, the series begins with a simple chronology of that story. It will continue with a look at the days and weeks following 9/11, and discussions over collecting objects from the tragedy.

The Church Street postal station, located at the corner of Church and Vesey, faced World Trade Center building 7 to the west and buildings 5 and 6 of the complex to the south-southwest. Building 7 collapsed the afternoon of September 11. Buildings 5 and 6 sustained critical damage and were demolished. The Church Street Post Office sustained damage from the debris of the fallen buildings and the force of the explosion but remained structurally intact.

Map showing the position of the U.S. Post Office at Church Street relative to the World Trade Center buildings.

This photograph, taken days after the attack, shows postal workers and inspectors moving the mail out of the Church Street building. The World Trade Center site is in the background, the Church Street  building is on the right.

The morning of the attack, the employees of the Church Street station were busy at work inside the building. Window clerks were serving a steady stream of customers, as the register report from one window shows - recording transactions up to 8:47:22 a.m.

Registry receipt from the Church Street Post Office showing the last transaction conducted that day, at 8:47 a.m. 

The carriers were still preparing their mail for delivery when the airplane struck the first tower. No one in the Church Street building was hurt, as the building had been successfully evacuated by the time the south tower fell.

Tuesday morning    Church street workers preparing mail for the day’s deliveries

8:47:22  
Last transaction occurs at Church Street Post Office building

8:46:26      
Flight 11 crashes into the north face of the North Tower (1 WTC) of the World Trade Center, between floors 93 and 99.

9:02:59 
Flight 175 crashes into the south face of the South Tower (2 WTC) of the World Trade Center, banked between floors 77 and 85.

9:37:46
Flight 77 crashes into the western side of the Pentagon and starts a violent fire. The section of the Pentagon hit consists mainly of newly renovated, unoccupied offices.

9:59:04 
The South Tower of the World Trade Center begins to collapse, 56 minutes and 2 seconds after the impact of Flight 175.

10:00:00
Church street workers have successfully evacuated the building

10:03:11  
United Airlines Flight 93 crashes 80 miles (129 km) southeast of Pittsburgh in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

10:28:25
The North Tower of the World Trade Center begins to collapse. The North Tower collapses 1 hour, 41 minutes and 45 seconds after the impact of Flight 11.

17:20:33 
7 World Trade Center, also known as the Salomon Bros. Building, a 47-story building that had sustained damage from falling debris and widespread fires, collapses.

South Florida Welcomes Gretta Stone to Hollywood's Flamingo Branch

Gretta R. Stone

Gretta R. Stone, newly-promoted Manager, Customer Services at the Flamingo Branch in Pembroke Pines, brings a wealth of managerial experience from the Detroit, MI, District.  

Stone has held various positions, including Scanning Champion in the Detroit, MI, District. She was promoted to Manager, Customer Services in Detroit, MI, in 1997. 

Stone began her career as a City Letter Carrier in Tulsa, OK, and also delivered mail in Los Angeles, CA, and New York, NY. She was promoted to Supervisor, Customer Services in New York in 1986. She taught Supervisory and Managerial Leadership as an Education Specialist at William F. Bolger Academy in Potomac, MD, 1988-1989. Throughout her career, Stone has worked in detailed positions comprised of retail standardization, training and supervisory development. 

"Gretta's managerial style is positive, professional, personable, energetic and highly driven to fulfill her commitment of delivering the postal brand in the South Florida District," said Hollywood Officer In Charge Phyllis Reed. "Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Gretta to South Florida."

Sept is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, held each year to encourage people to prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies.
The reliability and resiliency of the Postal Service are vital to the country, especially in emergency situations, and a key element is the individual preparedness of all postal employees, both at work and at home.
Employees are encouraged to make a family emergency plan and take other steps, such as creating an inventory of personal documents at home, getting an emergency supply kit, and staying informed about different emergencies.
You also should plan how you will stay safe and communicate during disasters that may affect you and your family.
For more information on the Postal Service’s readiness efforts, visit the USPS National Preparedness site. Additional information is available at ready.gov.

Patriot Day is Friday, September 11

Friday is Patriot Day, when Americans pause to remember the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. All postal facilities must fly the American flag at half-staff Friday, September 11. 

Patriot Day, also known as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, also will include a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. EST, the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center on 9/11.

When flown at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day.

Tamarac Trio Celebrates 90+ Years

L to R: Tamarac Letter Carrier Kathleen Conroy, Letter Carrier Maurice Walker and Distribution Clerk Linda Sutherland who were recognized for years of service. Photo: Kelly Worthman

Tamarac Supervisor, Customer Services Montel Cooley presented a Letter of Appreciation and a service pin for more than 30 years of service to Letter Carrier Kathleen Conroy, Distribution Clerk Linda Sutherland and Letter Carrier Maurice Walker.

“Although the Postal Service has experienced many changes through the years, our employees have continued to provide outstanding customer service,” said Cooley.

Hey, What's All the Excitement?

It's the South Florida District Career Conference!

Mark October 24-25 on your calendar for a weekend of action-packed, fun-filled, networking and educational opportunities.

Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel, 2000 NW 19 Street, Boca Raton, FL

Saturday, October 24: Dinner/dance with live band entertainment

Sunday, October 25: Class sessions and luncheon

Welcome Vice President, Area Operations, Southern Area Jo Ann Feindt

Share your career aspirations with District Manager Jeffery Taylor and the South Florida Leadership Team

Network with management and craft employees throughout the district 

Participate in educational sessions to enhance your postal career

Relax at the Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel in the heart of the city

Enjoy area beaches, golf courses, museums, and shopping malls

Stay tuned for more information on registration cost.

Oakland Park Recognizes 65 Years

Oakland Park Manager, Customer Services Joe Marrone (left) presents Letter Carrier Suzanne Rodon (right) with a Letter of Appreciation and a service pin commemorating 35 years. 

Oakland Park Manager, Customer Services Joe Marrone (left) presents Letter Carrier Walter Solorzano (right) with a Letter of Appreciation and a pin for 30 years of service.

Photos: Kelly Worthman, Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator 

Lights, Camera, Action!

Employees are invited to audition for a TV commercial that will debut this holiday season. No prior acting experience is required.

The commercial will showcase the Postal Service’s improved tracking updates and reinforce service reliability.
To audition, follow these steps: 

• Create an audition video. In the video, state your name, where you’re from, your job at the Postal Service, your favorite on-the-job story and recite this line: “Upgraded door-to-door tracking. Only from the U.S. Postal Service.”  
• Upload the video. Visit the casting call site to upload your video, complete an online form and hit submit. Video uploads are limited to 30 MB.

Submissions are due no later than Wednesday, September 16, at 5 p.m. EST. The commercial will be filmed in mid-October. All applicants must receive approval from their manager before selection and production begins.

9/10: World Suicide Prevention Day

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers help for individuals who need it.

World Suicide Prevention Day is held each September 10 to raise awareness and encourage people to get help.
If you’re concerned someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the EAP recommends talking to them. If you have a long history with the person, you could help them feel comfortable discussing their feelings.
For more information, visit the EAP site or call 800-327-4968 (TTY: 877-492-7341).

'Good Grief!' It's Charlie Brown on Christmas Forever Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service begins celebrating the holiday season by dedicating the Charlie Brown Christmas Forever stamps. The booklet of 20 stamps features 10 still frames from the 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (two of each design) celebrating the classic’s 50th anniversary.

The early October release of the stamp coincides with the Peanuts comic strip debut in seven newspapers on Oct. 2, 1950: The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, The Allentown Call-Chronicle, The Bethlehem Globe-Times, The Denver Post, and The Seattle Times. When Schulz announced his retirement in December 1999, the Peanuts comic strip was syndicated in more than 2,600 newspapers worldwide, with book collections translated in more than 21 languages.

The stamp images include Charlie Brown holding the sapling that eventually becomes his Christmas tree; Charlie Brown and Pigpen with a snowman; Snoopy and children ice skating; the cast of the program gathered around the Christmas tree; Linus kneeling by the sparsely decorated Christmas tree; Charlie Brown checking his mailbox for a Christmas card; Charlie Brown and Linus leaning on a snowy brick wall; Charlie Brown and Linus standing by the Christmas tree; a frustrated Charlie Brown standing in front of Snoopy’s doghouse; and, Charlie Brown decorating the tree in front of the prize-winning lights display on Snoopy's doghouse.  To view all the Charlie Brown Christmas Forever stamps visit http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2015/pr15_051.htm

“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the first animated special featuring characters from Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip Peanuts, aired on CBS the evening of December  9, 1965. Over the years, the ode to the holiday season has become a tradition. The program now airs annually on ABC.

'Semper Paratus — Always Ready' District Honors US Coast Guard

The stamp depicts two U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) icons: the cutter Eagle, a three-masted sailing ship known as “America’s Tall Ship,” and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, the standard rescue aircraft of the USCG. 

L to R: District Manager Jeffery Taylor; Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal; USCG Captain Melissa Bert; and Executive Officer USCG Air Station Miami Commander Chad Bland at the dedication ceremony in Opa-locka.

Photos: Mirtha Uriarte, Miami Customer Relations Coordinator

One of the largest response-and-rescue efforts in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) took place in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast. As the city of New Orleans was deluged by 20-foot high flood waters, tens of thousands of residents were left clinging to rooftops or huddling in attics. Some 5,000 personnel rushed to the scene, and a large percentage of the USCG helicopter fleet deployed. That included the USCG Air Station Miami.

Last week was the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. On August 27, South Florida District Manager Jeffery Taylor presented an enlargement of the USCG stamp to Captain Melissa Bert, Seventh District Chief of Staff at the USCG Air Station Miami. Captain Bert is responsible for oversight of USCG operations in the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean. Under her leadership are an active duty, reserve, civilian, and volunteer workforce of 10,000 people. 

Nationwide, the USCG has more than 49,000 active-duty men and women; 7,300 reservists; 8,300 civilian employees and 30,000 volunteer auxiliary personnel. In addition to saving lives at sea, members of the Coast Guard enforce maritime law, oversee aids to navigation, conduct ice-breaking operations, protect the marine environment, respond to oil spills and water pollution, ensure port security, support scientific research at sea, combat terrorism and aid in the nation’s defense. 

During an average day, USCG personnel assist more than 300 people in distress, save more than two million dollars in property, board 90 large vessels for port safety checks, conduct 120 law enforcement boardings, and investigate more than a dozen marine accidents.

At the dedication ceremony, Captain Bert proudly spoke of her personal experience sailing on the Eagle and was honored that the U.S. Postal Service selected the Eagle to tell the history of the USCG fleet and the MH-65 Dolphin to promote all of its technology.

On behalf of the South Florida postal workforce, Taylor thanked the USCG for serving and protecting the nation. He was especially proud of recognizing Royal Palm P&DC Supervisor, Maintenance Operations Kenny Franz, who serves as a volunteer and officer in the USCG auxiliary in Homestead. 

Commander Chad Bland, Executive Officer U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami, also participated in the dedication. He is second in command of the USCG's Seventh District’s Air Station. He is responsible for USCG operations from Georgia throughout the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Commander Bland oversees all aspects of maintenance, operations, and personnel management for 292 USCG members and the 61-acre facility at Air Station Miami.

Following the stamp dedication, guests toured Air Station Miami and got a closer look at the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and the HC-144A aircraft. 

On August 27, the USCG Air Station Miami was on "high alert" for Tropical Storm Erika. 

“Semper Paratus — Always Ready.”

Supervisor, Customer Services Tayloria McPhee-Johnson (center) sang the National Anthem during the official program at the USCG Air Station Miami. Also pictured are Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal in the background and USCG Captain Melissa Bert to the right.

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami

(Pictured in suit is Royal Palm P&DC Supervisor, Maintenance Operations Kenny Franz who is a volunteer and officer in the USCG auxiliary in Homestead.)

L to R: Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez, Postal Police Sergeant Favis Fuentes, Assistant Inspector In Charge Delany DeLeon-Colon, Postal Police Captain Donald Martin, and Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney in front of the H-65 Dolphin helicopter.

Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez (left) and Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney (right) enjoyed the official program.

L to R: Postal Police Sergeant Favis Fuentes, Postal Inspector Bladismir Rojo, Assistant Inspector In Charge Delany DeLeon-Colon, and Postal Police Captain Donald Martin pose in front of the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. 

A closer look at the navigation system of the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.

The USCG's HC-144A Ocean Sentry Medium Range Surveillance aircraft particularly is effective in locating small objects such as inflatable motorized rafts and other small vessels in large search areas. The HC-144A aircraft performs aerial delivery of search and rescue equipment such as rafts, pumps and flares. It also is used for surveillance, cargo transport, emergency drops and support to other law enforcement units.