What’s PFS?
Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) allows residential customers to receive their mail at a temporary address while away from their permanent residence for an extended period. […]
Mike Milligan
Posts by Mike Milligan
Gregory Huff, Newark, NJ
Thanks for reminding us to celebrate the diversity within the Postal Service. […]
Owings Mills, MD, Rural Carrier Latice Douglas
“I want to give my customers the best service I can. Many of them are seniors and unable to make it to the Post Office, so I bring the Post Office them.” […]
Read More… from Owings Mills, MD, Rural Carrier Latice Douglas
Making your voice heard
All employees are being encouraged to complete the next Postal Pulse survey, an important tool in the organization’s efforts to improve its workplaces. The twice-a-year survey measures engagement, which describes employees’ involvement, enthusiasm and commitment to their work. The latest survey will be conducted from Oct. 4-Nov. 4. “The feedback we gather helps us improve […]
First fruits
The Postal Service dedicated the 2016 Kwanzaa stamp Oct. 1 at a festival celebrating African-American and Caribbean arts in Charleston, SC. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Kwanzaa, a non-religious holiday that is observed annually from Dec. 26-Jan. 1. “Kwanzaa celebrations focus on the importance of family, community and culture, and reflect some of […]
Help wanted
The Postal Service is seeking recently retired employees who are interested in becoming temporary employees during this year’s holiday season. Retired employees who participated in last year’s peak season are invited to again work this year as city carrier assistants, holiday clerk assistants or motor vehicle operators. In addition, this year the Postal Service is seeking […]
No pollution
The Postal Service has established policies to reduce pollution to stormwater and snowmelt, which can cause oil and other hazardous chemicals to enter the environment. USPS requires employees to do the following: • Never allow vehicle wash water or other equipment wastewater to enter stormwater drains. National contracts require suppliers who wash vehicles to use […]
Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which honors the contributions of employees with disabilities and promotes a diverse workforce inclusive of their talents and skills. Along with other federal agencies, the Postal Service is observing the annual effort, which began in 1945. This year’s theme is “#InclusionWorks.” The hashtag is intended to spur individuals […]
Employee Resource Management VP Nancy Rettinhouse
“Hispanic employees are a vital segment of our employee population. We recognize their contributions and those of the Hispanic community. We proudly honor this observance.” […]
Read More… from Employee Resource Management VP Nancy Rettinhouse
Refunds
Retail units can issue local refunds for a maximum of $1,000. Refunds for $25 or less can be paid in cash. Retail units cannot locally refund balances from customer trust accounts, regardless of the amount. Some offices are limited to cash refunds of $25. Go to eIWS OnLine Forms and read the Job Aid eIWS […]
Shaun Mitcham, Brooklyn, NY
When a postal customer slipped and fell recently on the steps outside her Brooklyn, NY, home, she insisted to Letter Carrier Shaun Mitcham that she was OK. It was clear to him that she was not. Mitcham helped the woman get up and stayed with her until she regained her balance and could get inside […]
Sheryl Key, Dwight, KS
Congratulations to Platte City, MO, Rural Carrier Associate Eric Lan on his recent U.S. citizenship. […]
‘We will give him a family’
A New York state boy has learned the power of what a letter can do — especially if it’s mailed to the White House. Six-year-old Alex Myteberi was so moved by the image of a Syrian boy photographed following an August airstrike that he wrote to the president to help the boy, the White House […]
No ordinary pumpkins
The Postal Service dedicated its first-ever Jack-o’-lantern stamps Sept. 29 in a fitting location — the “Halloween capital of the world.” Chief Financial Officer Joe Corbett dedicated the stamps before an enthusiastic crowd in Anoka, MN, which is said to be the first American city to officially celebrate Halloween, dating back to 1920. “Here in […]
Hot stuff
Anyone who thinks heat isn’t as bad as humidity probably hasn’t delivered mail in Indio, CA. Temperatures in this desert community range between 104 and 120 degrees from late May through September. The hottest parts of the day are normally noon-4 p.m. when most letter and rural carriers are out delivering mail. Cloud cover and […]
Postal Bulletin
When was the last time you checked the smoke detectors in your home? Do they work? The Postal Bulletin’s latest edition highlights these issues during Fire Prevention Week, which is Oct. 9-15. The cover story outlines the importance of checking smoke detectors periodically. The article notes that approximately 60 percent of home fire deaths result […]
Detroit District Business Development Specialist Carol Zarek
“We involved our letter carriers, sales and service associates, business mail entry units and even the Detroit Postal Customer Council to help get the word out to customers about [Made in Rural America]. As our customers grow their business, the Postal Service will continue to grow. It’s a win-win for everyone.” […]
Read More… from Detroit District Business Development Specialist Carol Zarek
Jeffrey Deisinger, York, PA
A case of heat stroke recently left a customer in York, PA, unconscious and unnoticed in her yard until Rural Carrier Jeffrey Deisinger delivered her mail. He called 911 and stayed with the woman until emergency responders arrived. Several days after she was treated at a hospital, the customer contacted the local Post Office to […]
Catrina Jordan, Jacksonville, FL
Cleveland Letter Carrier Jason Stilwell deserved the hero award. If he didn’t have the keen sense to know something was wrong, the deceased customer and his service dog probably wouldn’t have been found. […]
USPS passwords
Phishing scams frequently ask you to provide your USPS password and credentials. Do not give this information unless you are certain the request came from a genuine USPS account. Check out more online safety tips on the CyberSafe at USPS Blue site. […]
Shop local
As online shopping grows in popularity, buying local from afar is getting easier. Small-town merchants who once relied solely on Main Street foot traffic are creating sites to sell their products and services to residents and out-of-towners alike. One example: Kindsey Ringenberg, who has gone online to grow her clothing shop, the Brass Monkey, in […]
Ending soon
The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) open season ends Sept. 30. FEGLI provides group term life insurance for federal employees and retirees, as well as many of their family members. Even if you waived or were turned down for coverage in the past, you can still participate in this FEGLI open season. There […]
Worldwide winner
The Postal Service has recognized three employees in a national competition to promote its international shipping business. The recipients are Dolly Lund, Dakotas District retail manager (first place), Michelle Lucas, Lakeland District retail specialist (second) and RaeJean Boggs, Ohio Valley District retail specialist (third). The trio made the biggest contributions during the challenge, in which […]
Are you ready?
The Postal Service encourages employees to take three simple steps to prepare for — and respond to — potential emergencies. Here are three tips: Get an emergency supply kit. Make a family emergency plan. Learn about flooding, wildfires and other types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses. All employees should have some […]
Tessa Vogel, Erhard, MN
One of my favorite items to read is “Heroes’ corner.” […]
Fulton, MO, Postmaster Jason Hirschvogel
“#PostalProud is a wonderful initiative. It allows employees of all types to voice the pride and pleasure of their daily work.” […]
FMLA course
The Learning Management System offers a course on the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The FMLA Managing Protected Leave (course number 10021141) provides an overview of the law and employees’ legal responsibilities. […]
Brian Cole, Worcester, MA
As Letter Carrier Brian Cole delivered mail recently in Worcester, MA, he came upon a man collapsed on the ground. The man was bleeding, unconscious, gasping for air and had a needle protruding from his arm. Cole called 911 and followed dispatchers’ instructions on providing first aid, including CPR, until emergency responders arrived. The overdose […]
Sneak peek
The Postal Service will issue stamps next year to honor historic figures and achievements from the 20th century, along with offerings that celebrate contemporary cultural touchstones. The historic stamps will commemorate civil rights champion Father Theodore Hesburgh, the 100th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s birth, and the Work Projects Administration, a broad-reaching program that […]
Block party
When Letter Carrier Patrick Mitchell turns another year older, customers along his Madison, NJ, route mark the event. For the past three years, “Happy Birthday Patrick” signs dot the lawns and doors of his route. The neighborhood children make handmade cards, and Mayor Robert Conley even stops by to offer birthday greetings. “Everybody knows him,” […]