Monday, February 26, 2024
A ‘transformative figure in sports and leadership’
John Wooden’s stamp is dedicated in Los Angeles
John Wooden’s extraordinary contributions to college basketball were celebrated Feb. 24 at the Los Angeles dedication ceremony for the stamp honoring him.
Considered by many to be the greatest coach in the history of American sports, Wooden led the UCLA Bruins men’s team to a record-setting 10 NCAA Division I national championships.
In addition to his unparalleled success on the court, he is remembered for teaching his players how to achieve excellence in all areas of life.
“John Wooden’s contributions transcended basketball, offering lessons in integrity, teamwork and personal excellence that resonate across our nation,” said Derek Kan, a member of the USPS Board of Governors who spoke at the ceremony.
“In dedicating this stamp, the United States Postal Service honors not just a legendary coach, but a transformative figure in sports and leadership.”
The event was held at UCLA.
Other speakers included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who played for Wooden’s Bruins during three consecutive championship seasons; Gene Block, the school’s chancellor; Valorie Kondos Field, former head coach of the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team; and Christy Impelman, Wooden’s eldest granddaughter.
Jamaal “Silk” Wilkes, a three-time NBA All-Star who played for Wooden’s Bruins for two championship seasons, was master of ceremonies.
Growing up in Indiana, Wooden was a three-time All-American basketball player at Purdue University. He played professional basketball and coached high school students before serving in the Navy as a lieutenant during World War II.
Wooden began his career at UCLA in 1948 and retired in 1975.
During his tenure, the Bruins had four perfect seasons. From 1971 through 1974, the team won an unprecedented 88 consecutive games — a record that remains unbroken.
Wooden became equally known for his philosophy on personal excellence, integrity and a life guided by strong principles, which he laid out in his “pyramid of success.”
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice: in 1960, as a player for Purdue in the 1930s, and in 1973, as a coach.
Wooden is credited with helping to break the color barrier in collegiate basketball as a coach, and he was named the NCAA’s college basketball coach of the year six times.
Wooden was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2003 by President George W. Bush. He died in 2010 at age 99.
The Forever stamp — which features an illustrated portrait of Wooden, based on an early 1970s photograph by Norm Schindler— is available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
Heroes
Fantastic four
These employees took action when a fire threatened their office
After completing her deliveries recently, City Carrier Assistant Holly Bobadilla returned to the Red Bluff, CA, Post Office and saw smoke billowing from a neighboring building.
She informed Letter Carrier Devin Medeiros, who called 911.
Custodian Joseph Belknap also spotted the spreading blaze and grabbed a fire extinguisher to have on hand as he and his co-workers safely evacuated the building.
Customer Services Supervisor Christopher Jeffery, a former firefighter, rushed to let nearby businesses and residents know of the fire.
Firefighters soon arrived and extinguished the blaze.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
Safety first
The USPS podcast discusses hazardous materials and the mail
In its latest episode, the “Mailin’ It!” podcast delves into the complexities of handling hazardous materials.
The discussion covers regulations, employee training, transportation, public safety and more.
The 26-minute episode, released Feb. 22, is available on Link and other postal websites, as well as most podcast platforms.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Feb. 18-24
The Postal Service’s progress — and its employees’ spirit of service — made news last week
Last week, Link covered recent remarks by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.
During a USPS Board of Governors meeting, he addressed a variety of topics, including package volume growth and network modernization.
These topics were also part of DeJoy’s speech at a conference organized by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors in Washington, DC.
As he explained, under the Delivering for America plan, the Postal Service is focused on achieving financial stability while delivering excellent service.
“We’re all rowing in the same direction now,” DeJoy said.
Elsewhere, Link told you about a Facebook group that encourages people to mail greeting cards.
Additionally, we caught up with Jaeden Layne, a Barboursville, WV, city carrier assistant who received praise on social media after he was recorded pausing his deliveries during a funeral procession.
“Everyone plays a part in their community. Everyone there is to be respected,” Layne said.
Finally, Link went “On the Job” with Arlene Harper, the Simpsonville, MD, postmaster, and “Off the Clock” with Megan Beecher-Kennison, the Ozona, TX, postmaster, who is also a volunteer firefighter.
Both postmasters shared their thoughts on the importance of service.
“As I tell my retail associates, we don’t know what people are going through when they walk through those doors. Just be kind, smile and give the best service you can give,” Harper said.
Beecher-Kennison, meanwhile, identified a common thread in her postal and volunteer work.
“Being there for people when they need someone the most is very rewarding,” she said.
March 4, 2024
Datebook
‘Food as Medicine’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar on nutrient-rich, disease-preventing foods.
The session, “Food as Medicine,” will be held Monday, March 4, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from GEHA, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the Benefits and Wellness team.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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A ‘transformative figure in sports and leadership’
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Heroes
Fantastic four
These employees took action when a fire threatened their office
-
Safety first
The USPS podcast discusses hazardous materials and the mail
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Feb. 18-24
The Postal Service’s progress — and its employees’ spirit of service — made news last week
-
March4Datebook
‘Food as Medicine’