My name is James Chong and I’m a letter carrier in Barrigada, a community of about 8,000 in the U.S. territory of Guam.
I joined the Postal Service in 1994 because of its retirement and other benefits, but I quickly gained a respect for all the behind-the-scenes efforts of my fellow employees.
Over the course of three decades, I have encountered and overcome many challenges — including delivering mail in high winds and rain; through flooded streets; and during times of extreme heat. I always find a way to deliver the mail.
My most memorable delivery didn’t involve mail or packages.
While out on my route some years ago, I noticed a toddler running toward the highway while being chased by a pack of stray dogs. I quickly stopped my vehicle, ran to her and pulled her away from the dogs. She was crying hysterically and calling out for her mother. I comforted her, assuring her that she was safe and helped reunite her with her grateful mother.
The incident shook me because at the time it occurred, I had two toddlers myself. As soon as my workday was done, I went home and reminded my children not to leave the house without Mom or Dad and ensured that they knew our address and phone numbers.
My wife, Salamea, and I have two daughters and two grandchildren. My hobbies include spending time with family, hunting, fishing, exploring and off-roading.
I have developed a sense of pride in the important role that I play in the lives of my customers. I try to care for them like they’re my own family and friends.
“On the Job,” a column on individual employees and their contributions to the Postal Service, appears regularly in Link.
