Throughout 2025, Link’s “People” column focused on employees who are making their mark in the Postal Service.
To help commemorate the organization’s 250th anniversary, Kalani Han, a Chicago letter carrier, created a historical exhibit for the lobby at the Post Office where he works.
Han said it is “a way to connect people — past to present, neighbors to neighborhood, and national history to the everyday work we do as carriers.” Han is known on his route for dressing in old-school postal uniforms.
Another employee, Chandler Vance, an Ashville, OH, retail associate, also appreciates the past: He collects vintage postal paraphernalia of all sorts, including old uniforms that he wears on special occasions.
“It seems to bring customers a bit of nostalgia and a sense of happier times and fond memories and the smiles on their faces when they see me is the best thing I could ask for,” Vance said.
Other employees found ways to delight their customers, too: Dan Potwora, a Buffalo, NY, letter carrier known as “Mailman Dan,” appeared on the cover of a local magazine, while Sinarda Tyler, a rural carrier in Groton, CT, became the subject of an Instagram account devoted to the colorful costumes he wears during Christmas, Easter and other holidays.
“I love my job, I really do,” Tyler said.
Not to be outdone, TigerJoJo, an orange tabby and honorary postal employee, went viral on social media through posts that showed him wearing a USPS uniform and “driving” a toy LLV.
Several employees demonstrated their commitment to customer service this year.
Cory Johnson, a Syosset, NY, retail associate, takes pride in helping customers package their holiday shipments correctly, while Ryan Troy, an Olympia, WA, letter carrier, used his stamp collection to create a map of the United States, aiming to help teach children about philately.
The year also brought opportunities to honor employees who are no longer with us.
In April, “People” remembered Edgar Kumley, a former employee who died at age 102. Kumley served as the postmaster of Redig, SD, for 65 years — a role he was appointed to by President Harry S. Truman.
And in September, we told you how the Washington Crossing, PA, Post Office was dedicated to Susan Barnhart, a beloved retail associate who died in 2023.
“The Post Office was never just a job to her,” said Lynda Barnhart, Susan’s sister. “Her joy was helping others. She was the first person to help anyone she could, in any way she could.”
Check out the “People” archive for more stories. Got news to share? Email us.
