Tuesday, June 25, 2024
These animals of ‘grace and majesty’ helped build the nation
USPS dedicates its Horses stamps at a Pony Express event in Missouri
The Postal Service dedicated its Horses stamps during a June 17 ceremony in St. Joseph, MO.
The event was held at the Patee House Museum and kicked off the National Pony Express Association’s 164th Pony Express Re-Ride — a 10-day annual event in which riders retrace the historic route from St. Joseph to Sacramento, CA.
“Beyond their grace and majesty, horses have long been integral to American culture and society,” Jamiel Freeman, the St. Joseph postmaster, said at the event.
“Their participation in the Pony Express is a testament to their reputation as loyal and hardworking.”
Spanish conquistadors brought domesticated horses to the Americas in the 16th century.
Over time, the horse population spread across North America, and their numbers grew in tandem with the development of the United States. They played critical roles in agriculture, industry and transportation.
As herd animals, horses are hardwired for social contact and readily bond with humans.
“Horses have been such a vital part of our country’s history, and by honoring these magnificent animals, we are acknowledging their beauty and stamina as well as their part in our history and vital role for the Pony Express,” said Pam Simmons, president of the National Pony Express Association, who spoke at the ceremony.
Mechanization and modern transportation steadily reduced horses’ economic importance.
Today, their number has more than doubled as new roles continue to emerge in areas such as law enforcement, therapy, riding and other equestrian activities.
The pane of 20 stamps features five photographs of individual horses.
Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the Horses stamp using existing photographs by Stephanie Moon and Karen Wegehenkel.
The stamps are available at Post Offices and usps.com.
Central Area vice president to retire
Eric E. Henry has been with USPS for 35 years
Eric E. Henry, vice president of the Postal Service’s Central Area, will retire on Sunday, June 30.
Henry began his career as a casual employee in 1989 and moved on to several executive roles, including district manager and area delivery program support manager.
As vice president, he brought Central Area’s retail and delivery performance from last place to first for six consecutive quarters.
During his 35-year career, he has overseen delivery, customer service and administrative functions for more than 75 million customers spanning 14 states — including 33.6 million delivery points and more than 11,500 postal facilities.
He was instrumental in the development of innovations that improved the Postal Service’s ability to analyze and improve important performance indicators.
“Eric has been a tremendous asset to the leadership team. His knowledge, wisdom and insight will be sorely missed,” Postmaster General Louis DeJoy wrote in a memo announcing Henry’s retirement.
Michael Rakes, Massachusetts-Rhode Island District manager, will serve as Central Area’s acting vice president, effective Monday, July 1.
July 2, 2024
Datebook
PSHB virtual seminar
USPS employees may participate in an upcoming virtual seminar on the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
The session will be held Tuesday, July 2, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
PSHB — which takes effect in 2025 — is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and will be administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
USPS employees, annuitants, and eligible family members are required to enroll in this new program.
The MyHR website’s PSHB page has more information, including the Zoom links and passcodes to participate. To find the page, enter “Postal Service Health Benefits” in the MyHR search bar.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees can also receive updates by texting “PSHBP” to 39369.
Avila University offers discounts for USPS employees
Avila University is offering Postal Service employees and their family members a 10 percent discount on tuition.
The discount is available for undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.
Avila University, based in Kansas City, MO, was recently added to the list of higher education institutions that offer tuition discounts to USPS employees and their family members.
The university’s website has more information.