#PostalProud

EAP: A Program You Can Trust

The U.S. Postal Service reminds employees that counseling and other services are available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) throughout the holidays — and all year long.

If you need to talk to someone, you can call EAP’s toll-free number at 800-327-4968 (800-EAP-4YOU). The TTY number is 877-492-7341.

Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including New Year’s Day.

The most valuable assets of the U.S. Postal Service are its employees. Both the employees and the organization benefit when employees have access to services that will help to maintain and enhance the quality of their lives. At varying times in each of our lives, we must face personal problems. Some problems are more easily resolved than others, but many can best be solved with professional assistance.

Your EAP is more than just another benefit. It's a time-saving, stress-relieving, powerful tool that helps put resources at your fingertips. The EAP is available to USPS employees and their families provided by the USPS at no cost, your EAP gives you the ability to ...

Improve your health and well-being Manage stress Prepare for retirement Strengthen relationships

Balance work and home life Control depression and anxiety Face addictions Cope with grief and loss

Her Passion: Promoting Priority Mail

Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman has a passion for generating postal revenue at every opportunity. Worthman promoted our Priority Mail product line to several hundred attendees at the Paradise City Comic Con event at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center earlier this month. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte 

Postmaster Rick and Saint Nick

Miami-Dade College North Campus President Dr. Malou C. Harrison (left) invited Miami Postmaster Enrique (Rick) Suarez (right) to participate in the annual holiday festivities. Suarez dedicated an enlargement of the Nativity Forever stamp to kick off the event. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Miami-Dade College North Campus gave a generous gift to the community, namely its annual winter wonderland, "Children’s Holiday at North," earlier in December.

 

The U.S. Postal Service kicked off the event. Miami Postmaster Enrique (Rick) Suarez dedicated an enlargement of the Nativity Forever stamp to Miami-Dade College North Campus President Dr. Malou C. Harrison in front of hundreds in the South Florida community.  

“The Postal Service was honored to be part of this holiday tradition at the college. Our stamp dedication honored one of the most symbolic images in the world --- one that Christians from all walks of life celebrate --- the story of the Nativity," said Suarez. "This beautiful stamp includes a brilliant star that stands out in both its illustration and in its meaning of Christmas.”

 

Suarez encouraged attendees to use the hashtag #NativityStamps for all social media photos of the dedication.

Miami Olympia Heights Branch Letter Carrier Edwin De Jesus (left) dressed as one of the Three Kings. Miami General Mail Facility (GMF) Postal Store Postal Support Employee (PSE) Kianna Lawrence (seated center) sold almost $200 in Nativity stamps. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Santa Claus (a.k.a. Saint Nicholas or Nick for short) arrived at the college to the delight of hundreds of children. Each child shared holiday wishes with the man whom all believed could make it all happen. Saint Nick messaged their wish lists to the North Pole Toy Distribution Center, and then fled the scene to play golf under sunny South Florida skies. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte 

Oceanview CCA Praised for Heroism

A/Manager, Post Office Operations Carlos Rodon (left) and Manager, Human Resources Jann Miller (right) presented Oceanview Station City Carrier Assistant (CCA) Adam Butler (center) with a Certificate of Appreciation, a gift certificate and a framed stamp sheet of the Super Hero Forever stamps. 


Story & Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Miami Beach City Carrier Assistant (CCA) Adam Butler was not expecting to be someone’s hero when he reported to work on November 29. 

Butler, who has been with the U.S. Postal Service a little over two years, was approaching his next stop on his route when he witnessed a male hitting a young woman and tearing her clothes. Butler did not think twice and intervened, diverting the male’s attention from the young woman. The male attacked Butler, throwing him into a thorny hedge.

A witness called 9-1-1 and immediately ran to aid both Butler and the young woman. The attacker heard emergency sirens and fled on foot, and later was apprehended two blocks from the scene.

The young woman was deaf and/or hard-of-hearing, and therefore, was not able to cry out for help. If not for Butler’s quick response, the situation could have escalated. Miami Beach Police Department credited Butler with possibly saving the woman’s life.

 
National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 1071 President Mike Gill (left), Miami Beach, FL, Police Major Wayne Jones (second left) and Miami Beach, FL, Police Captain Paul Acosta (right) praised Oceanview Station City Carrier Assistant (CCA) Adam Butler for his heroic actions. Butler received a Medal of Honor from the City of Miami Beach, FL, in front of Miami Beach, FL, Officer In Charge Camille Moscolo-Calvo and Butler’s coworkers (not pictured). All enjoyed a breakfast in Butler’s honor.

WPB Carrier Delivers Holiday Tunes

Palm Beach Gardens Letter Carrier Herman Shipp, Sr. wore a different holiday hat every day to deliver the cheer throughout December. He entered the Palm Beach Gardens Mall with an armful of packages and sang a variety of holiday songs as he made his deliveries. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Need 2 Ad-Hoc Data Collection Techs

Are you looking to broaden your horizons? If so, there are two Ad-Hoc Data Collection Technician (DCT) positions available --- at the Miami International Service Center and the South Florida District Office (Fort Lauderdale).

All qualified career employees within local commuting distance (50 miles) of the Miami ISC, 11698 NW 25 St, Miami, FL 33112 and the South Florida District Office, 1900 West Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310, may apply for these Ad-Hoc PS-7 positions (not to exceed two years). Work hours will be 4:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Sunday/Tuesday as non-scheduled days.  

Functional Purpose: Collects, records, and analyzes a variety of statistical data on selected operating and financial activities.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES (Requirements):
1. Collects, records, and analyzes statistical data under any number of national data collection systems.
2. Operates computer equipment to enter data; recognizes diagnostic messages and takes appropriate actions; and performs data transfer functions through telecommunications systems.
3. Reviews input and output data to determine accuracy and compliance with national programs. Analyzes and edits data to detect and correct errors.
4.  Updates national data bases; maintains and updates records and files.
5.  Participates in data collection activities in support of special studies or national programs.
6.  Reads and interprets reference manuals and other written materials.
7.  May drive a vehicle to other facilities when work assignments require.
8.  Performs other job-related tasks in support of primary duties.

Please refer to the Ad-Hoc Vacancy Announcement for additional information.

Employees must submit a cover letter, along with a summary of accomplishments addressing the above eight requirements. All applications must be mailed and received by Close Of Business on Friday, January 13, 2017. Send applications to Michelle Bullard, Acting Manager of Financial Programs Compliance, at 11698 NW 25 St, Miami FL 33112.

Santa's Helper Works at Key West PO

From the southernmost location in the United States --- Key West, FL --- Letter Carrier Mimi Grantham has helped Santa deliver cheer this holiday season. Santa relied on Grantham to address responses to children who’ve sent letters to him … so that he can supervise toy production at the North Pole. Since December 1, Grantham cheerfully has responded to 100-plus letters on Santa's behalf. For the past 18 years, Santa has recognized her holiday efforts with the “Southernmost Elf Assistant” Award. Photo: Larry Cowan

Delivering Holiday Cheer in Miami

 

Olympia Heights Branch Rural Carrier Carlos Sordo has delivered holiday cheer to his Miami customers for 16 years. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte 

 

WPB VMF Clerk Celebrates 40 Years

West Palm Beach Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) Manager Richard Clark (right) presented General Clerk Theresa (Terry) Ziegler (left) with her Service Award and Pin that commemorated 40 years with the U.S. Postal Service. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

 

In August 1976, Theresa (Terry) Ziegler was one of the first employees hired as a Multi-Position Letter Sorting Machine (MPLSM) Operator at the West Palm Beach Processing and Distribution Center. She sorted mail on Tour 3 for five years and then worked as a Retail Associate.  During her 40-year career, Ziegler also worked in the Finance Department and the Official Mail Room. She has been in her current position as VMF General Clerk for almost 8 years.

 

One of her fondest memories was providing facility tours to elementary school students throughout Palm Beach County.

 

"I loved telling the story of the Barefoot Mailman and showing off the murals in the Post Office Box lobby," said Ziegler. "I am proud of all my years with the U.S. Postal Service. I have loved my job and have found that the kindness you show to others will come back to you!"

#PostalProud

#PostalProud

#PostalProud

Miami BMEU 'Delivers the Cheer'

Employees at the Miami Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) captured the holiday spirit and "delivered the cheer" for business customers. BMEU employees not only possess a wealth of knowledge on mailing regulations ... they also are very creative individuals as demonstrated in the sampling of Priority Mail holiday promotions below. Photos: Barry Artiz

 

 

 

#PostalProud

Suarez is New Key Largo Postmaster

                        Key Largo Postmaster Eduardo (Eddy) Suarez

 

Tavernier Postmaster Eduardo (Eddy) Suarez has been promoted to Key Largo Postmaster.

In January 1988, Suarez began his postal career as a Multi-Position Letter Sorting Machine (MPLSM) Operator in Miami. In May 1990, he transferred to the letter carrier craft and delivered mail in Miami. He graduated from the Associate Supervisor Program (ASP) and was promoted to a supervisory position at the Key Largo Post Office in January 2006. Six months later, Suarez became the Officer In Charge at the Tavernier Post Office, and then was promoted to Postmaster in April 2007.

Following high school graduation, Suarez served in the U.S. Army. A Florida Keys resident for 19 years, Suarez enjoys boating.

Holiday Stamps in Fort Lauderdale

Recently, Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney (right) presented enlargements of the holiday Forever stamps to Broward County Main Library Program Manager Barbara Miller (left). Pictured is the Hanukkah stamp enlargement which joined all the other holiday Forever stamp enlargements that were displayed at the library in downtown Fort Lauderdale this month. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Palms West Employees Promote Priority Mail Express on Dec. 23

It's December 23, and you're still shopping at the mall for that special holiday gift and wondering how you'll get that gift to your out-of-town loved one?

Not to worry. Palms West Station Supervisor, Customer Services Nicole Brittain (left) and Retail Associate Georgios Loudaros (right) have the answer: "Priority Mail Express!"

This dynamic postal duo is promoting our premium product. A grateful (and relieved) West Palm Beach customer appears in the above photo. 

Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Delivering Holiday Cheer in Miami

Rural Carrier Sylvia McCorkle of the Olympia Heights Branch was happy to deliver all the Priority Mail packages on her Miami, FL, residential route. McCorkle has been delivering cheer to her customers for 12 years. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Sharing Our Stories with the Media

Postal Inspector Ivan Ramirez (left) offered WSCV Telemundo 51 viewers recommendations to protect their delivered packages from theft. The interview took place at the Miami GMF Postal Store on Monday, December 19, the busiest mailing day of the year. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman 

On the busiest mailing day of the year on Monday, December 19, a WSCV Telemundo 51 videographer interviewed Miami Postmaster Enrique “Rick” Suarez (right) in the Miami GMF Postal Store retail lobby. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

During a tour of the Miami Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC), Plant Manager Juan Gonzalez (right) showed a special holiday postmark to Getty Images Senior Staff Photojournalist Joe Raedle (left). Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

South Florida media were invited to tour the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) in Opa-locka during the holiday season. Pictured: Postal Inspector Ivan Ramirez (left) lends a hand to NBC 6/WSCV  Telemundo 51 videographer as Senior Manager, In Plant Support Joanna Borger (right) is interviewed on the 15% increase in package volume. In the background is Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact Lillian Castro. Photo: Postal Inspector Bladismir Rojo

 

During a tour of the Miami International Service Center (ISC) on December 15, Supervisor, Distribution Operations Sergio Lopez (right) spoke about holiday package volume with WLTV Univision 23 Reporter Patricia Hurtado de Mendoza (center) while being filmed by Videographer Joaquin Gonzalez (left). Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

WSVN Channel 7 (FOX) Reporter Rebecca Vargas (right) interviewed Postal Inspector Bladismir Rojo (left) about a collection box that disappeared in front of a Miami-Dade Post Office in mid-December. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division is investigating the case. Photo: Postal Inspector Ivan Ramirez

WPTV Channel 5 (NBC) Multimedia Journalist Jason Hackett (left) captured the busiest delivery day of the year, Thursday, December 22, with West Palm Beach Letter Carrier Mark "Mac" McDermott (right). Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Sunrise Captures Holiday Spirit

Sunrise Branch employees captured the holiday spirit and thanked their customers for making the U.S. Postal Service their shipper of choice. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Dec. 22: Busiest Delivery Day of Year

Olympia Heights Branch Rural Carrier Angelina T. Escorcia has been delivering holiday cheer to her Miami customers for 23 years. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

 

This is it.

The Postal Service expects to deliver 30 million packages December 22, making it the year’s busiest delivery day.

The final surge will cap a milestone week that also included the year’s busiest mailing and shipping day, when USPS served an estimated 12 million customers at Post Offices and online.

Overall, the Postal Service projects it will deliver 16 billion mailpieces during the holidays — including 750 million packages, up 12 percent from last year.

To prepare for the holidays, the Postal Service added new parcel-sorting equipment in plants, hired more than 35,000 seasonal employees and expanded Sunday delivery operations to all locations with high package volumes.

Her 'Priority' is Delivering Cheer

 

West Palm Beach Letter Carrier Starr Hunter makes it her "priority" to deliver cheer to her customers this holiday season. Hunter has been delivering cheer and providing outstanding service to her customers for 32 years! The U.S. Postal Service is using Hunter's above photo to promote its Priority Mail product line via social media.

Busiest Mailing Day is Mon, Dec 19

Customers can go to usps.com to ship and track holiday packages, purchase stamps and more.

The U.S. Postal Service announced that Monday, Dec. 19, will be the busiest mailing day of the year. Of the 12 million customers visiting the nation’s 31,000 plus Post Offices, seven million will visit the world’s largest Post Office — usps.com.

“With a click of your mouse you can ship from your house,” said U.S. Postal Service Chief Customer and Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President Jim Cochrane, referring to the ability to schedule next-day package pickup online at usps.com. “Our dedicated employees are ready to serve our customers with prompt service. Doing business with us is fast and easy during the busy holiday season and all year long. And with usps.com, your Post Office is as close as your desktop or smartphone. Additionally, you can buy stamps and postal products at more than 64,000 grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, ATMs and other locations.”

With usps.com, the Post Office is as close as a desktop or smartphone. In addition, customers can buy stamps and postal products at more than 64,000 grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, ATMs and other locations.

During Fiscal Year 2016 (October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016) usps.com generated more than $1 billion in sales from more than 54 million transactions. On an average day, more than 2.7 million customers conduct business among the nation’s brick and mortar Post Offices while nearly 4.7 million customers visit usps.com.
 
At usps.com, customers can purchase stamps, calculate postage, mail packages and conduct virtually any service offered at brick-and-mortar Post Offices:  

· Buy Stamps and Mailing Supplies — Visit the Postal Store to purchase stamps and order free shipping supplies, including boxes. 

· Calculate Postage — The postage price calculator provides estimates for mailing packages, domestically or internationally.  

· Ship Packages — Use Click-N-Ship as a stress-free tool to pay postage and print shipping labels for holiday gifts from a mobile device or desktop computer. Sign up to start creating shipping labels and pay for the postage online.  

· Schedule a Free Package Pickup — Schedule a Pickup and a carrier will pick up the package during regular delivery. Multiple pickups can be requested once an account is created. Letter carriers pick up shipments free during regular mail delivery for customers using an expedited service such as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, International or a Return Service.

· Ship Internationally — Make international shipping easier when printing a shipping label from home. Use the built-in address form to transfer information into country-specific customs forms. 

· Track Packages — My USPS is an easy way to receive updates for incoming packages with real-time delivery notifications available within a few minutes of the delivery scan for select packages. My USPS filters updates for all incoming packages into one central dashboard accessible on mobile devices and desktop computers.

· Hold Mail — Going away for the holidays? Take advantage of the Request Hold Mail Service. All your mail is kept safely at the local Post Office until you return.

· Forward Mail — For a fee, mail can be held, packaged and shipped weekly by Priority Mail using Premium Forward Service.

Employees Participate in Miracle Walk

Hialeah Letter Carrier Maria Aulet appreciates the support of her co-workers for four-year-old daughter, Marina, who has Down Syndrome.

Aulet is very active in the Down Syndrome Association, and for the past four years, Hialeah employees and their families have participated in the fundraising 5K run and annual “Miracle Walk” in Coral Gables. In addition to the Aulet Family, this year’s participants included Anet Diaz and family, Milly Diaz and family, Ana Gonzalez and family, Teresa James, Elena Martinez, Virginia McGinnity and family, Robert Mesa and family, Maria Munoz and family, Manuel Obando, Arlette Quintero, Danny Reyes, Maite Rodriguez and family, and Daniela Sierra and family.

Key West Shows Holiday Spirit

From left, Letter Carriers Bob Killen, Jennifer Wolf and Jeremy Jones are ready for the parade to start. Photo: Larry Cowan

 

Letter Carrier Jennifer Wolf smiles at her window on the postal float. Photo: Larry Cowan

Bottom front, from left: Key West Postmaster Larry Cowan, Letter Carriers Mimi Figueroa, Jennifer Wolf, Bob Killen, Jeremy Jones (in the postal window), Julie Schimer and friend. Standing in back, from left: Letter Carrier Mike Bowders and his wife and friend; postal workers' children, and Letter Carrier Bryon Dempsey (far right on cell phone).

 

 

Aerial photo of the postal employees delivering the cheer in Key West.

Holiday Happenings on LINK Mobile

It’s peak season crunch time. Are you using Link mobile to stay on top of all the Postal Service’s holiday happenings?

If not, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Link mobile is geared toward employees who don’t have access to postal computers or prefer to read news on their mobile devices.

The site offers the same content that employees receive when they read Link on a desktop computer, including seasonal news reports on package projections, holiday hours and customer service stories.

USPS encourages employees to go to www.usps.link to subscribe to weekly emails with the latest Link highlights. More than 19,000 employees have signed up so far.