Monday, August 24, 2026
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Aug. 16-22
Ethics Awareness Week and a pandemic-era fraud made news
Last week was USPS Ethics Awareness Week, the organization’s annual campaign focusing on institutional integrity, and Link ran several articles on the theme.
There were pieces on the rules surrounding Postal Service time and property; on the proper use of USPS vehicles, on avoiding nepotism; and on the sanctity of the mail.
We also told you about the newest stamp in the Literary Arts series, Sarah Orne Jewett; how to dispose of used batteries; what to do in the event of a flood; and shared the latest case highlight from the USPS Office of Inspector General, in which four Miami employees were sentenced for an elaborate pandemic fraud that bilked the government out of $2 million.
Link spotlighted Post Offices in Nevada and New Mexico that went the extra mile to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary; and “People” spotlighted Nathanael Myers, who volunteered to serve meals to those affected by recent flooding in Texas.
Finally, “Heroes” told the story of Philip Abella, a tractor-trailer operator who sprung into action after witnessing a multivehicle accident in Seattle.
Abella went to the scene and ensured the drivers’ safety until emergency responders arrived.
“His steady presence and willingness to assist in a moment of crisis made a meaningful difference,” said Katherine Hinrichs, a logistics manager at the Seattle Processing and Distribution Center.
Email us your feedback. Your comments could be included in our “Mail” column.
Heroes
He helped out during a multi-vehicle accident
This employee responded to a collision involving a tractor-trailer
Postal Service employee Philip Abella was working at the Seattle Processing and Distribution Center when he witnessed a multi-vehicle accident on a nearby freeway.
A driver had collided with a tractor-trailer and another vehicle, creating a chaotic and dangerous scene.
Abella, a USPS tractor-trailer operator, went to the scene to monitor the situation and ensure the drivers’ safety until emergency responders arrived.
“His steady presence and willingness to assist in a moment of crisis made a meaningful difference,” said Katherine Hinrichs, a logistics manager at the Seattle P&DC.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.