Sabrina Todd, Grand Rapids, MI
The story about Jessie Harris, the USPS custodian who was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam era, was very touching. It has given me a new appreciation for POWs. […]
Mike Milligan
Posts by Mike Milligan
Scanning snapshot
Scanning snapshot. The Postal Service’s national scanning rating was 97.84 percent during the week ending Nov. 1, down from one week earlier. Great Lakes (97.98 percent) led the areas, while Dakotas (99.1 percent) topped the districts. Scanning allows customers to track their packages and mail, and it helps USPS improve efficiency and network management. To […]
Poetry in motion
The Postal Service has released a video with highlights from the recent Walt Whitman stamp dedication ceremony. The stamp, the 32nd entry in the Literary Arts series, features a portrait of the beloved poet based on an 1869 photograph. In the background, a hermit thrush sits on a lilac bush’s branch. “We think the stamp […]
Gearing up
MaryAnn Basilone, a USPS field account representative, recently became the first employee to recruit a business customer to attend next year’s National Postal Forum (NPF). Basilone, who is based in Edison, NJ, signed up the customer during National Postal Customer Council Week in September. “Our PCC Week event was a great way to get the conversation […]
‘This is what life is about’
Sonya Dulan remembers the concern she felt about Operation Santa as Christmas approached in 1999, not long after a massive tornado tore through central Oklahoma. Dulan, a USPS customer relations coordinator in Oklahoma City, oversees Operation Santa in her community. The national program allows customers to aid families in need by “adopting” their letters to […]
Salute to service
The following message is from Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan: Each November, on Veterans Day, we are reminded that our nation, our personal well-being and our freedoms are defended by those willing to put themselves in harm’s way. This day provides all of us with the opportunity to express our appreciation to those who have […]
Mary Dando, Indianapolis
I like “Elysa’s Story,” the new video about an animal rescue organization that uses USPS. Who can resist a pet video? […]
Path forward
In her latest “Business Focus” video, Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan updates employees on efforts to compete in the package industry, including expanding Sunday and next-day delivery. “Online shopping will continue to increase and customer expectations will continue to evolve, and we are offering expanded shipping solutions to meet the changing needs of our business […]
Showing love
Laree Martin looks forward to the Combined Federal Campaign each year. The Postal Service attorney has donated to the annual charity drive, also known as the CFC, for more than two decades. She especially enjoys reading the CFC catalog. “It’s fascinating to see what all the organizations are doing and who or what they help,” […]
Badges of honor
To mark Veterans Day this year, the Postal Service will honor employees who served in the armed forces with a special badge and badge clip. Approximately 100,000 military veterans are employed by USPS. The badges are designed to be worn with the employee’s identification card and contain a message from Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan. […]
Relocation reminder
Postal Service employees seeking reimbursement for relocation expenses this year should submit their requests before Friday, Nov. 22. This will allow USPS to adequately capture and report all relocation expenses for 2019 tax purposes. Any relocation expense reports received after Nov. 22 will be processed for payment Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020. Employees who have questions […]
Flag notice
Flag notice. Monday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, one of six days each year that Postal Service facilities are required to fly the POW-MIA flag. Because Veterans Day is a designated USPS holiday, facilities should raise the POW-MIA flag on the last business day before the holiday. The flag honors the sacrifices made by members of […]
Carolyn Leech, Rollingbay, WA
“Skippy’s home” made my day. The little dog who was rescued by Wilmington, DE, Letter Carrier Laura Domnick looks full of energy, happy and on his way to a full recovery. […]
Best buddies
Customers on Bette Stewart’s route greet her with smiles and waves, but there’s one in particular who always brightens her day. Stewart, a Springfield, PA, letter carrier, has formed a special bond with Michael Brady, an 11-year-old boy who has autism. The two met a year ago when Michael spotted her in his driveway delivering […]
Showing solidarity
More than four years after Lynn Harmon’s death from breast cancer, the passport acceptance clerk is still remembered fondly by her colleagues at the Greenville, SC, Main Post Office. “Lynn was an exceptional employee,” said Postmaster Stephanie Banks. “It was indeed a pleasure to have known her.” Banks spoke this month at a special event […]
Wanted: EMVPs
USPS is seeking nominations for a program that recognizes bargaining unit employees who have positive attitudes and who go the extra mile in their work. Engagement Most Valuable Player (EMVP), introduced in 2017, is one of several programs that help the Postal Service to engage and empower employees, a core strategy. More than 2,400 employees […]
Scanning snapshot
Scanning snapshot. The Postal Service’s national scanning rating was 97.86 percent during the week ending Oct. 25, up from one week earlier. Northeast (98.03 percent) led the areas, while Dakotas (99.16 percent) topped the districts. Scanning allows customers to track their packages and mail, and it helps USPS improve efficiency and network management. To see […]
Debra Brignac, Salt Lake City
“Skippy’s home” was a perfect ending to the truly heartwarming story of Skippy, the gravely ill Pomeranian mix rescued by Wilmington, DE, Letter Carrier Laura Domnick. […]
Show and tell
Did you read Link’s recent story about Edward Holloway, an East Durham, NC, rural carrier who marked 50 years of federal service? How about the “Heroes’ Corner” profile of Martha Olsen, the Jackson, MI, letter carrier who donated a kidney to an elementary school teacher from Texas? Were you moved by the piece about USPS […]
Kindness counts
Eric Abrams is proof positive that kindness counts. The Chicago letter carrier is known for his friendly smile, helpful attitude and unwavering dedication. “Hard work pays off and makes a good impression,” he says. The Postal Service wants all employees to follow Abrams’ lead. By delivering excellent service, the organization aims to boost customer loyalty […]
Stay connected
The Postal Service will offer employees a new method to stay up to date during this year’s open season: text messaging. Open season is the annual period when employees can change their health benefits or enroll in a new plan. This year’s open season runs from Nov. 11-Dec. 9. Employees can sign up to receive […]
Signature move
The Postal Service has added an electronic signature service to Informed Delivery that removes the need for customers to physically sign for eligible deliveries requiring a signature. The USPS Electronic Signature Online service allows Informed Delivery customers to use an electronic signature to sign for Priority Mail Express, Signature Confirmation and items insured for $500 […]
Spirit of the season
The Postal Service ushered in the season Oct. 25 during the dedication ceremony for the Holiday Wreaths stamps. “The wreath on the door may express the shared spirit of the holidays, of family and goodwill to others,” said Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan, who spoke at the event. “The wreath has played an enduring role […]
Wanda Hutcherson, Orlando, FL
My heart was touched by “Delivering delight,” the article about the young woman who is fond of getting mail. I applaud the USPS employees who sent her cards for her birthday. […]
‘Feels like home’
Kayla Dufrene clearly recalls the first time she mailed a letter. “I was in grammar school. I dropped a letter to my grandma in a mailbox. Back then, I thought that the letter carrier took my letter and gave it to my grammy’s mailman, who gave it to her,” she said with a laugh. Today, […]
‘Marriage’ and convenience
The Postal Service is conducting a market test for Plus One, a new product that will allow business mailers to add an additional piece to “marriage mail” at a lower price. Marriage mail, also called “shared mail,” is a form of direct mail that combines advertisements from multiple businesses into a single envelope sent by […]
Sales appointment
South Florida District Manager Timothy R. Costello has been named the Postal Service’s acting sales vice president. The appointment took effect Oct. 19. Costello previously served as district manager of Alabama and Dallas districts, delivery programs support manager for Eastern Area, and operations programs support manager for Atlanta and Mississippi districts. Sharon Owens, who has […]
It’s about time
A new video offers an overview of a soon-to-be-released application that will make it easier for Postal Service employees to see their time clock entries. The Virtual Timecard app will allow employees to use a smartphone, tablet or personal computer to see their clock rings and accumulated work hours, every day and anytime. “No more […]
Scanning snapshot
Scanning snapshot. The Postal Service’s national scanning rating was 97.83 percent during the week ending Oct. 18, up from one week earlier. Eastern (97.94 percent) led the areas, while Dakotas (99.21 percent) topped the districts. Scanning allows customers to track their packages and mail, and it helps USPS improve efficiency and network management. To see […]
Gurcharan Sachdeva, Boston
The “On the Job” profile of Washington, DC, Postal Inspector Keith Nusbaum was very inspiring — especially the pride he demonstrates when discussing his grandfather, a postal employee for 38 years. […]