Daily printout: Jan. 4, 2024

Vince Cortez, a USPS employee development specialist in Corpus Christi, TX , described his work as a court-appointed special advocate for abused or neglected children in a recent issue of The Eagle.

“My job is to look out for the best interests of the child,” said Cortez, who has been helping such children for the past 30 years.

Known as CASA volunteers, the advocates undergo background checks, take specialized training and swear an oath of confidentiality before they can access records, speak to family members and professionals affiliated with the case, or meet with a child.

Cortez builds rapport with the child and becomes a familiar face throughout the court proceedings. He writes a report on what he’s learned about the child’s situation and wishes. The judge considers his recommendation when deciding the child’s placement.

“Sometimes it is difficult; it’s hard to see kids who are at risk,” Cortez said. But he is steadfastly committed to making a difference in a child’s life. “What I do matters to the children.”

The Eagle is seeking to feature more employees like Cortez in future editions of the magazine’s “Spotlight” column.

If you know a USPS worker who exemplifies service to the community or dedication to a cause, send an email to The_Eagle@usps.gov.

The Eagle is mailed to employees’ homes and is also available on Newsroom, the Postal Service’s online news hub.

The Postal Service wants employees to dress to protect themselves during cold weather.

The organization recommends employees wear insulated, water-resistant socks and gloves and multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing. This includes:

• An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic material to keep moisture away from the body;

• A middle layer of wool, fleece or synthetic material to provide insulation when wet; and

• An outer layer that provides wind and rain protection and allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.

USPS also wants employees to know the difference between two wintertime medical conditions — frostnip and frostbite — and how to treat them.

Frostnip symptoms include tingling skin irritation or a burning sensation, skin that feels soft if touched and skin that is yellowish or white.

Treatments include covering the affected area with warm water or body heat and avoiding direct heat sources, such as heating pads or hot water.

Signs of frostbite include feelings of pins and needles or numbness; skin that is cold, hard and pale; and either an aching throbbing or a lack of feeling in the affected area.

Treatments include getting out of the cold, gradually warming frostbitten areas and not walking on frostbitten toes or feet.

USPS recently mailed a postcard with these tips and more to employees’ homes.