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With the holidays around the corner, one can’t help but think of friends and family and contemplate what to send home to let them know you’re thinking about them. But the question on everyone’s mind should be, “How can I get gifts to my loved ones?”
That’s where the 86th Communications Squadron comes in.
“Our job is to process all incoming and outgoing mail,” said Senior Airman Leonardra Clayton, 86th CS postal specialist.
Throughout the year, personnel at Ramstein post offices receive and deliver thousands of packages. As if they do not already have a full workload being the largest post office in the Department of Defense based on volume of mail handled and number of customers serviced, they undoubtedly see a spike in operations during a specific couple months out of the year.
“We’re always getting mail, but it’s the busiest during the holidays and PCS season,” she said. “On an average day, our delivery trucks will drop 700 to over 1,000 pieces of mail.”
With so many packages going in and out, it is important to make sure customer bring their packages to the post office early to ensure they are delivered to their destinations on time.
“If you want your mail to arrive home in time for the holidays, I recommend sending them in mid-November,” Clayton said. “Beginning Nov. 15, we will start working 12-hour shifts because of how much mail we receive.”
Even though the hours are long and the mail never stops, there are moments that bring a smile to these Airmen.
“It makes me happy when parents come in with their kids and the kids are so excited because they have a white slip letting them know their package is at the post office,” Clayton said. “It makes me feel like Santa Claus. I can’t believe I’ve made someone’s day by just giving them a box.”
The positive attitude shows in the Airmen’s job performance.
“The Airmen that work at the post office are really courteous and professional,” said Master Sgt. Willie Cooper, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa travel planner to commander. “I’ve never had a problem with my packages getting to where I send them.”
Whether it’s a happy holiday postcard, letter or gift, the 86th CS will work hard to get it where it needs to go.
