The Postal Service honored employees and customers who served in the U.S. armed forces at Veterans Day events across the nation last week.
“We stand in the midst of great patriots,” St. Louis Postmaster Cathy Vaughn said at a ceremony that included a special dedication of this year’s Honoring Extraordinary Heroes: The Service Cross Medals stamps.
At the Detroit Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC), managers unveiled a wall-sized plaque that lists employees who served in the military.
“Your names will be on this wall long after we all retire from the Postal Service for future generations to honor,” P&DC Manager Ron Morris told the veterans who attended the unveiling.
Several facilities held events where employees were presented with lapel pins and letters of appreciation.
USPS also produced special newsletters and slideshows to honor employees who served.
The recognition allowed the Postal Service’s veterans to reflect on their contributions.
“It is always the American soldier that leads the way,” said Air Force veteran Ruben Cordero, a mail handler at the Brooklyn, NY, P&DC. “Not everyone can put on a uniform and lay their life on the line for their country. These soldiers have a lot of courage.”
At the Buffalo, NY, P&DC, Driver Instructor Marty Abramson, left, an Air Force retiree, and Mail Processing Clerk Eric Sporysz, right, a Coast Guard veteran, receive an award named after Marine Corps retiree Frank Cius, center, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam from 1967-73. Cius worked at the Buffalo P&DC for 22 years before his retirement in 2006.At the Buffalo, NY, P&DC, Driver Instructor Marty Abramson, left, an Air Force retiree, and Mail Processing Clerk Eric Sporysz, right, a Coast Guard veteran, receive an award named after Marine Corps retiree Frank Cius, center, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam from 1967-73. Cius worked at the Buffalo P&DC for 22 years before his retirement in 2006. Veterans at the Rohnert Park, CA, Post Office display photos of themselves during their military careers. Standing, from left, are Postmaster Celestina Buckley; Tom Jones and Dolores Wilson-Condon, letter carriers; and Claro Efe, distribution clerk. Kneeling are Lario Cortex and Robin Walker, letter carriers.Veterans at the Rohnert Park, CA, Post Office display photos of themselves during their military careers. Standing, from left, are Postmaster Celestina Buckley; Tom Jones and Dolores Wilson-Condon, letter carriers; and Claro Efe, distribution clerk. Kneeling are Lario Cortex and Robin Walker, letter carriers.