The Postal Service honored employees who served in the armed forces at Veterans Day events across the nation last week.
PMG Megan J. Brennan addressed employees at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC, where she noted the postal workforce includes more than 100,000 veterans, making the organization one of the nation’s largest civilian employers of veterans.
“We are proud and honored that so many veterans have chosen to continue their service to America as a member of our team,” the PMG said.
Area vice presidents and district managers led local ceremonies, too.
“Our organization embraces veterans. That is a good thing, especially for me, because it allows me to still use my skills and abilities,” said Sal Faraglia, an acting operations program analyst and a disabled Air Force veteran who was an honoree at a Great Lakes Area ceremony.
This year, the Postal Service honored veterans with a special lapel pin and a recognition letter from the PMG.
Individuals who received local recognition included two Buffalo, NY, employees: Wilbert Lynch, a vehicle maintenance facility clerk and an Army veteran, and Michael Blenski, a building equipment mechanic and a Navy veteran.
They each received a Frank E. Cius Award, which is named for a postal employee who was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.
Other activities included a special breakfast honoring veterans who work in South Florida District.
“When your country asked for your help, you stepped up and answered the call to duty,” Fort Lauderdale, FL, Postmaster David Guiney told attendees. “Thank you.”
Honorees at a Bay-Valley District ceremony in Oakland, CA, include, from left, Motor Vehicle Operator Darrell McMaster, an Army veteran and a Purple Heart recipient, and Eddie Arce, a building services employee and Army veteran.Honorees at a Bay-Valley District ceremony in Oakland, CA, include, from left, Motor Vehicle Operator Darrell McMaster, an Army veteran and a Purple Heart recipient, and Eddie Arce, a building services employee and Army veteran.
At the Buffalo, NY, Post Office, USPS retiree Frank Cius, center, assists in the presentation of his namesake award to Vehicle Maintenance Facility Clerk Wilbert Lynch, left, and Building Equipment Mechanic Michael Blenski.At the Buffalo, NY, Post Office, USPS retiree Frank Cius, center, assists in the presentation of his namesake award to Vehicle Maintenance Facility Clerk Wilbert Lynch, left, and Building Equipment Mechanic Michael Blenski.
Atlanta District Manager Sam Jaudon, left, and Sr. Plant Manager Frank Veal, right, present a plaque to Vondell Brown, alumni manager of the Wounded Warrior Project. Brown spoke at the district’s Veterans Day ceremony.Atlanta District Manager Sam Jaudon, left, and Sr. Plant Manager Frank Veal, right, present a plaque to Vondell Brown, alumni manager of the Wounded Warrior Project. Brown spoke at the district’s Veterans Day ceremony.
Fort Worth, TX, Postmaster Kevin Farmer, an Army veteran, serves as grand marshal of the annual Veterans Day parade in Tarrant County, TX.Fort Worth, TX, Postmaster Kevin Farmer, an Army veteran, serves as grand marshal of the annual Veterans Day parade in Tarrant County, TX.
