WEST MEMPHIS CITY CARRIER TO THE RESCUE

West Memphis City Carrier Steve Fraley received a letter from a very appreciative customer.

Attention Postmaster:

I want to express my gratitude to Steve Fraley for helping me in a difficult situation.  I fell in my back yard and could not get up.  My faithful postman came up my driveway and answered my call for help.  He called 911 and waited until the EMT’s came to my aid.

Steve is a very dedicated postman and really serves his customers in a very professional manner.

Thanks for having a great employee that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Sincerely,

D. Tucker

ARKANSAS DISTRICT EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS

Arkansas District Manager David Camp(r) presented Arkansas District Complaints and Inquires Investigator Kathy Gratzon (l) with her 40 year service award.

Arkansas District Manager David Camp(r) presented Arkansas District Manager Address Management Systems (l) with her 30 year service award.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR NEW POSTMASTER

Newly appointed North Little Rock Postmaster Anita Strickland is sworn in by Arkansas District Manager David Camp.

Congratulations to newly appointed North Little Rock, AR Postmaster Anita Strickland. Ms. Strickland has a postal career spanning over 27 years. She began her career as a part city carrier in Norfolk, VA. She was promoted to Supervisor, Station/Branches in 1992. She transferred back to her home state of Arkansas in 1994 as a Delivery Supervisor at Little Rock Main Office.  Since then she has held numerous operational assignments of increasing responsibility including Manager of Customer Service at different Little Rock Stations, Acting Area Manager/CSOM at Little Rock, Acting Manager Post Office Operations over regions of AR.

Her Postmaster career began in 2003, as Officer-In-Charge in Benton, AR.  In October 2004, she was promoted and served as Postmaster of Benton, AR for 10 years.

Anita is the 13th Postmaster for the City of North Little Rock, AR.  Anita is a native Arkansan; she and her husband Tom are avid Razorback fans.  They are proud parents of two daughters, Madeline and Cassy, a son, David, and his wife, Jalen, have blessed them with their first grandchild, Aubree, and another grandchild due in April.  

CAMDEN POST OFFICE IS THE BIG WINNER

Fiscal Year 2014 Recognition for Gold Star Mystery Shops; New WTIL Traveling Trophy Introduced

Camden, AR Main Post Office Retail Associate Shannon Vaughn was awarded a framed stamped art piece (pictured) along with a Razorback coin for her eight Gold Star shops in FY 2014. 

 Arkansas District Manager David Camp (r) presents Camden Postmaster Devin Keith (l) with the Arkansas District WTIL Traveling Trophy.

The final Arkansas District Gold Star Mystery Shop numbers are totaled for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. Mystery Shops are a part of the Retail Customer Experience (RCE) Program, of which the district has 76 participating offices. Mystery shoppers record the length of their wait in line, make note of the products offered, the appearance of the retail unit, the courtesy of the retail associates and their general overall experience.

For offices, the Camden Main Post Office (MPO) had the highest total of Gold Star shops with ten. For individuals, Shannon Vaughan, Camden MPO, had the highest total of Gold Star shops with eight.

“There was some great competition by the offices this year,” said Arkansas District Manager David Camp. “The district had nine offices with six or more Gold Stars. Camden definitely promotes the key points of the Retail Customer Experience.”

Mr. Camp recognized the achievements of both the Camden MPO and Shannon. For the office achievement, Mr. Camp presented Devin Keith, Camden Postmaster, with the Arkansas District WTIL Traveling Trophy.

Beginning in FY15, the trophy will be presented bi-annually for display at the office achieving the highest number of Gold Star shops after the first six months of the FY and at the end of the FY. Besides Camden’s recent achievement, the previous RCE achievements of the Heber Springs Post Office and Clarksville Post Office are also recorded on the trophy. Heber Springs had the highest number of Gold Star shops in FY12 and Clarksville had the highest number in FY13.

To commemorate the trophy being incorporated into the Arkansas District’s RCE recognition, a Naming Contest will take place in FY15. The office with the most Gold Star shops in FY15 will have the trophy named after it.

Mr. Camp presented Shannon with a framed stamp art piece recognizing her number of Gold Star shops.

“I applaud Shannon’s consistency in servicing the Camden customers,” Camp said. “She makes not only Camden shine, but the Arkansas District as well.”

As a district, Arkansas had 201 Gold Star Mystery Shops in FY 2014. MPOO Area III had the most Gold Star Shops with 66. MPOO Area II was second with 44. MPOO Areas 5 and 6 tied for third with 27. MPOO Area IV had 26. MPOO Area I had 11.

ALMA RETAIL ASSOCIATES CELEBRATE GOLD STARS

L-R Manager Post Office Operations (A) Charles Redburn, Alma Retail Associate Tammy Carr, Alma Retail Associate Joan McCollum, Alma Officer In Charge Vickie Ramsey.

Alma, AR Post Office Retail Associate Joan McCollum recently earned her fourth  Gold Star Award for having a perfect Retail Customer Experience score, overall customer experience comments: “This Post Office had efficient service and ample mailing supplies.  I would definitely return to this location for future mailing needs.”

BRADY RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNED HER SECOND GOLD STAR

L-R: Brady Retail Associate Patricia House and Brady Manager Customer Service Sherae Martin

Congratulations to Brady Retail Associate Patricia House for earning her second Gold Star Award for having a perfect Retail Customer Experience Score.

LITTLE ROCK MAILHANDLER HONORED FOR 40 YEARS OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Arkansas District Manager David Camp (l) and Little Rock Senior Plant Manager Mike Hart (r) honor Mailhandler Johnny Marshall for 40 years of Government Service.

CONGRATULATIONS JOHNNY!

MONTICELLO VETERANS HONORED

From L to R: Monticello, AR Post Office Rural Carrier Karen Higginbotham, Rural Carrier Denetra Scogins, Postmaster Dan McNeil, Maintenance Shane Endsley, City Carrier Larry Boardman, and Retail Associate Tommy Wood.

“Having had a career in the US Air Force, which spanned from the end of Vietnam through the first Gulf War, I understand the sacrifices of our employees, and all veterans, made to defend our country. I truly appreciate their dedication and service.” stated Monticello Postmaster Dan McNeil.

CAMDEN CITY CARRIER RECEIVES 25 YEAR SERVICE AWARD

Congratulations to Camden City Carrier Berry Reedy (l) as he is presented with his 25 year service award from Camden Postmaster Keith Davis (r).

MONTICELLO RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS THIRD GOLD STAR

Monticello Postmaster Don NcNeil (l) and MPOO Richard Wynn (r) present Monticello Retail Associate Carole Bowers with her third Gold Star Award for having a perfect Retail Customer Experience score.

PINE BLUFF OAK PARK RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS A SECOND GOLD STAR AWARD

Congratulations to Pine Bluff Oak Park Retail Associate Tammy Smith for earning her second Gold Star Award for having a perfect Retail Customer Experience score.

CAMDEN RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS GOLD STAR AWARD

Camden Postmaster Keith Davis (l) and MPOO Richard Wynn (r) present Camden Retail Associate Tammy Rowen with a Gold Star Award for having a perfect Retail Customer Experience score.

WYNNE RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS GOLD STAR AWARD

L-R: Wynne Supervisor Customer Service Amy Garner, Wynne Postmaster Tanya Smith, Retail Associate Yolanda Dulaney, MPOO 5 Chuck Hamilton.

Wynne Retail Associate Tanya Smith recently earned a Gold Star Award for having a perfect Retail Customer Experience score.

NEW FAYETTEVILLE POSTMASTER SWORN INTO OFFICE

Manager Post Office Operations Al Alexander (r) administers the oath of office to newly appointed Fayetteville Postmaster Charles Redburn (l) as his wife Kelly stands a witness.

Charles Redburn has been appointed as the new Fayetteville Arkansas Postmaster.  Mr. Redburn has a postal career spanning almost 23 years, and served more than 2 and a half years abroad in the U.S. Army including 6 months in Operation Desert Storm bringing his combined federal service to 25 years.

Mr. Redburn began his postal career as a mail processor in the Quincy Illinois Mail Processing Center in 1991 and shortly after became a Mail Processing Supervisor. He was promoted to Customer Service Supervisor in Salem, MO in 1994 and appointed Salem Postmaster in 1996. He was promoted and appointed West Plains MO Postmaster in 2002.  Mr. Redburn served as Officer in Charge and was promoted to Postmaster in Bismarck, ND from 2012 – 2014.  He has served in many other capacities within the Postal Service that have opened the door to his most recent promotion, Fayetteville Postmaster.

Mr. Redburn grew up on a 145 acre farm north of St. James, MO where his parents still reside. He has been happily married to Kelly for 28 years.  They have three sons, one daughter, a granddaughter and a grandson. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in December 2000 and plans to continue his education in Fayetteville to include a Master’s Degree in Business.

Please join us as Charles Redburn takes the Oath of Office as the new Postmaster of Fayetteville, AR.

OFFICES AND EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED FOR GOLD STAR MYSTERY SHOPS


The Arkansas District had 58 Gold Star Mystery Shops in Quarter 4, FY 2014. Mystery Shops are a part of the Retail Customer Experience (RCE) Program, of which the district has 76 offices participating. Mystery shoppers record how long their wait in line was, make note of the products offered, the appearance of the retail unit, how courteous the retail associate was and their general overall experience.

MPOO Area III had the most Gold Star Shops with 16. MPOO Area II was second with 12. MPOO Areas 4, 5 and 6 tied for third with 9. MPOO Area I had 3. 

58 of the 170 shops in Quarter 4 qualified as Gold Star shops.

Offices with multiple Gold Star Shops included Camden, Crossett, Monticello, Pine Bluff Oak Park, Alma, Greenwood, Van Buren Downtown, Conway Downtown, Heber Springs and Forrest City.

Ten employees: Shannon Vaughan, Camden; Mary Withers, Crossett; Carole Bowers, Monticello; Tammy Smith, Pine Bluff Oak Park; Celeste McCollum, Alma; Garland Mayes, Greenwood; Brian Thompson, Van Buren Downtown, Timothy Little, Conway Downtown; Stephanie Giunta, Heber
Springs and Karen Daniel, Forrest City; had multiple Gold Star Shops in Quarter 4.

Offices and Employees by MPOO Area with Gold Star Shops:

MPOO 1
Benton - Shari Ryerson
Bryant - Lisa Hopson
Malvern - David Hohrine

MPOO 2
Camden - Tammy Rowen, Shannon Vaughn
Crossett - Mary Withers
Hope - Sharon Randle
Monticello - Carole Bowers
Pine Bluff Oak Park - Tammy Smith
Pine Bluff White Hall - Kevin Johnson

MPOO 3
Alma - Celeste McCollum
Bentonville Bella Vista - Winston Welch
Clarksville - Tonia Ralph
Fayetteville Craft - David Smith
Ft Smith Downtown - Larry Smith
Ft Smith Fianna - Julie Carter
Greenwood - Garland Mayes, Hieu Nguyen
Lowell - Phillip Maness
Russellville MPO - Roger Ruston
Russellville North - Delphine Williamson
Van Buren Downtown - Brian Thompson
Van Buren MPO - Gary Harwell

MPOO 4
Batesville - Deborah McKenzie
Conway Downtown - Timothy Little
Heber Springs - Stephanie Giunta
Morrilton - Angela Summers
Mountain View - Debra Fitzpatrick, Kelly Sport
Searcy - Jacob Gregersen

MPOO 5
Forrest City - Karen Daniel, Carla Highes
Jonesboro Downtown - Jerry Bowers
Marion - Robert Richmond, Laura Montaque
Paragould - Sam Becerra
West Memphis - Rochelle Cade
Wynne - Yolanda Dulaney

MPOO 6
LR Asher - Ken Lovelace
LR Hillcrest - Tara White
LR MPO - Pierre Stubbs, Christopher Jordan,
LR GMF - Brittany Landrum, Caberta Bates
NLR Maumelle - Virginia Owens
NLR Sherwood - Alexander Coleman

MULTIPLE GOLD STAR SHOPS

LESLIE POST OFFICE NAMES A NEW POSTMASTER

Congratulations to Janelle Passmore the newly appointed Leslie Postmaster

NEW FORREST CITY POSTMASTER GETS INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY

Newly appointed Forrest City Postmaster, John Putt, III has wasted no time getting involved with the community.  As pictured, Past President of the Forrest City Rotary Club Gary Chapman (l) presents Forrest City Postmaster John Putt (r) with his welcoming packet.

MOUNTAIN VIEW RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS A GOLD STAR

Mountain View Post Office Retail Associate Kelly Sport recently earned a Gold Star Award for having a perfect Retail Customer Experience score, overall customer experience comments: “The clerk was friendly and knowledgeable. The wait time was reasonable.  The facility was well maintained both inside and out.”

Congratulations Kelly!

HEBER SPRINGS RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS A GOLD STAR

Congratulations to Retail Associate  Stephanie Giunta for earning a Gold Star!

CHENAL RURAL CARRIER RETIRES

Acting Sr MPOO Stan Logan presents Little Rock Chenal carrier Jeanice Miller with her retirement certificate for 16 years of Postal Service.

CONGRATS JEANICE!

FARMINGTON RURAL CARRIER ASSOCIATE EARNS SAFETY AWARD

Farmington carrier David Floyd earned an Expert Driver Certificate for one year of exceptional safe driving performance. 

LITTLE ROCK MAIN OFFICE RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS HIS THIRD GOLD STAR

Congratulations to Pierre Stubbs for outstanding customer service and earning his third Gold Star Award!

BELLA VISTA CITY CARRIER RECOGNIZED FOR 30 YEARS OF POSTAL SERVICE

Bella Vista Station Manager Brandon Moore presents city carrier Joyce Ward with a 30-years service award.

Congratulations Joyce!

LITTLE ROCK ASHER STATION RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS A GOLD STAR

L-R: Clerk Phuong Tran, Clerk Kenneth Lovelace, Postmaster Cindy Lyons, Station Manager Rick Agre

Congratulations to Kenneth Lovelace for outstanding customer service and earning a Gold Star Award!

FORT SMITH DOWNTOWN CLERK EARNED A SEVENTH GOLD STAR

Ft. Smith Downtown Station Manager Jason Fitzgerald presents Retail Associate Larry Smith with his seventh gold star award.

Congratulations and thank you to Larry Smith for his outstanding customer service and commitment!

VMF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

L-R: VMF Supervisor Robert Smith, Ray Henson and VMF Manager Dennis Schnebelen.

Congratulations to Automotive Technician Raymond Henson for 25 years of Postal Service and a combined 51 years of Federal Service.

LITTLE ROCK SPECIAL DELIVERY CARRIER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

Little Rock Main Office Station Manager Doug Ledgerwood presents Special Delivery Carrier John Worn with his 40 year service certificate and pin.

Congratulations John!

ARKANSAS NATURALIZATION CEREMONY

Little Rock Passport Agent Owen White and Retail Specialist Linda Jolly attended the naturalization ceremony at the United States District Court of Eastern Arkansas. This ceremony was one of five that are held in Arkansas. There were 42 citizens sworn in from 22 different countries.

There are approximately 250 new citizens sworn in each year in Arkansas. Owen and Linda have attended many ceremonies over the years and both feel that it’s a privilege to be there. They set up a table and provide literature and answers to the new citizens about the process of applying for a new passport. Being there provides a valuable service to the new citizens and also eases there mind about getting a U. S. passport for themselves and their minor children. 

PANGBURN POST OFFICE IS AMAZING

L - R: Rural Carrier Karen Fuller, Officer In Charge Debbie Pearce, Rural Carrier Assocaite Kelli Lay

The Pangburn Post Office received this letter of commendation from a customer.

“Our Pangburn AR Post Office is amazing!  Prompt and efficient service and if that in and of itself wasn’t enough, the Postal Clerks go out of their way to help us due to my and my husband’s disabilities! Y’all have a wonder group of people at our Pangburn AR Post Office. Please let them know!”

LITTLE ROCK CHENAL STATION RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS ANOTHER GOLD STAR

Acting Sr. MPOO Stan Logan presents Little Rock Chenal Retail Associate Larry Dollar with a Gold Star Award for having a perfect Retail Customer Experience.

LEACHVILLE CARRIER HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

Leachville Carrier Jennifer Clayton has been published.  Her first book is entitled, “A Spark of Magic.”  She held her first book signing  at That Bookstore in Blytheville, AR.

Her book is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Outskirts Press.  You can follow her on Facebook and Goodreads as J.L. Clayton.

LITTLE ROCK RETAIL ASSOCIATE RECOGNIZED FOR A PERFECT TRANSACTION

Congratulations to Brittany Landrum for earning a second Gold Star Award.

GREENWOOD RETAIL ASSOCIATES EARN GOLD STARS

Garland Mays (l) and Amanda Garrett (r) were recently presented with the Gold Stars they earned for a perfect transaction.

Congratulations to Amanda on her fourth Gold Star Award and Garland's first Gold Star Award!

VAN BUREN RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS GOLD STAR

Congratulations to Brian Thompson for earning a Gold Star for a perfect retail transaction!

NWA P & DC MAINTENANCE  SERVES 25 YEARS

Congratulations to J.B. Tackett for 25-years of service with the US Postal Service

FARMINGTON RURAL CARRIER RECOGNIZED FOR 26 YEARS OF SAFE DRIVING

Richard Naylor-Rural Carrier in Farmington Receiving 26 years of Exceptional Safe Driving Performance Expert Driver Certificate Congratulations Richard!

LITTLE ROCK PASSPORT AGENT RECEIVES SURPRISE VISIT

L-R: Passport Agent Owen White, Phil Pusateri

Little Rock Passport Agent Owen White recently received a surprise visit from PHil Pusateri, the New Orleans US State Department Passport Office's Customer Service Manager.

Pusateri was passing through Little Rock while on vacation and stopped by to meet White in person to let him know that he is very pleased with the Little Rock Main Office's passport acceptance process.

ALMA POSTMASTER SERVES 40 YEARS

L-R: AR District Manager David Camp, Alma Postmaster Wayne Beck, Sr. MPOO Al Alexander

Congratulations to Alma Postmaster - 40 years of outstanding service

BULL SHOALS RCA NATIONALLY CERTIFIED EMT

Bull Shoals RCA Russell Hand received his national certification from the Arkansas Department of Health as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). 

Russell is a member of the Flippin and Yellville Volunteer Fire Departments.  Many times he has reported to work after assisting at the scene of an accident or fire.  

So proud of our Postal Family and the connection to the community!

FARMINGTON RETAIL ASSOCIATE EARNS GOLD STAR

Farmington Retail Associate Mary Pettice received a Gold Star for a perfect transaction.

The customer commented, "The clerk was personable, maintained a smile and eye contact.  The clerk was knowledgeable and thorough."

NLR SALES ASSOCIATE EARNS GOLD STAR

Carrieann Reed receiving her Gold Star pin, lanyard and award from Postmaster Sharon Davis.   

 Congratulations Carrieann for an excellent job!!   We are proud of you and your performances.

BEEBE RCA RECEIVES LETTER OF COMMENDATION

Beebe RCA Margie Dimas received this letter of commendation from a customer.

“On May 28, one of your employees certainly earned our gratitude for her extraordinary dedication to duty and concern for her customers. This sole purpose of this letter is to bring to your notice her dedication.  I do not know her last name but the first is, Margie.

We had medicine ordered and we were in much need of. On May 27, when it was not received in a timely manner, I contacted the pharmacy and found out it had been shipped via UPS.  Their website showed that on May 22, it was received by the Beebe Post Office and that delivery was attempted on Friday, May 23.  We did not know the medicine was at your office until contacting UPS.

My step father was killed by a teenage girl crossing the center line and hitting him head on.  We spent the day with the family and at the funeral.  We were only gone on May 23.

On Tuesday, May 27, after contacting your office we were told it would be delivered on Wednesday, May 28. I met the substitute carrier at the mail box.  She knew nothing of this. She was very concerned and apologized. She said “I will check at the end of my route, when I return to the office.  If I can find it, I will deliver it as soon as I get off work.” I told her she didn’t have to, but she did just that.  This took much of her own time, at a point that she must have been very tired and really wanting to be home.

I don’t know if the US Postal Service has any way to reward her for her this display of kindness and duty, but if it does, she deserves recognition.

She certainly has our gratitude.”

NORTH LITTLE ROCK CARRIER HELPS LOST CHILD

Phillip Mariner, a veteran letter carrier at NLR Main Office was returning from a park and loop when he noticed a 5 year old boy sitting on the sidewalk by his LLV, crying.   

Phillip approached the young boy and asked,” what’s wrong little fellow”?  The child explained that his mom did not pick him up and he did not know where he lived.  

Phillip comforted the child and called 911. While speaking with the 911 operator, Phillip explained who he was, where he was, and the dispatcher acknowledged that she had a patrol car close by and would be there in a few minutes.   

The police arrived to help and comforted the young boy explaining they would find his mom.  The family had recently moved and the boy did not recognize the area.  

It was later explained to Phillip, by the police, that the boy’s family lived about 3 miles from where Phillip had first found him. 

NORTH LITTLE ROCK CLERKS PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Carrieann Elizabeth Reed, a veteran SSA at the NLR Main Post Office, graduated, with Honors, Saturday, May 10^th  from  Central Baptist College with her Associates Degree of Arts in General Education.     

Carrieann made the Dean’s list numerous times during her studies, and is currently graduating on the Dean’s list and the Presidents list.   

Carrieann has been attending night classes and working full time as an SSA and has maintained a superior academic achievement level,  as represented by the Dean and Presidents list.  

Carrieann will be continuing her education by immediately starting classes for her Bachelor degree in Business and Administration.  

Please join us in congratulating Carrieann on her achievement.

JASPER POSTMASTER CELEBRATES ARMED FORCES DAY

Left to right – Jasper Postmaster Mike Black – Adjutant , Dennis Brasel, Dean Schroder, Red Daniels, and my son Dylan Black – Commander of American Legion Post #93 located in Jasper, AR 72641, celebrating in the parade for Armed Forces Day.

GRIFFITHVILLE POSTMASTER RECEIVES SERVICE AWARD

Griffithville Postmaster Vandy Hudgens receiving 25 year service award from (A) MPOO John Gentry

Congratulations to Vandy on 25 years of service in the US Postal Service!

ALMA POST OFFICE CUSTOMERS GREETED BY SPIDERMAN

"As our customers enter the Front Entrance door to the Alma Post Office  they are greeted by SPIDER-MAN and our Priority Box Display, " stated Alma Postmaster, Wayne Beck.

The Alma Primary School 2^nd grade classes helped decorate the Post Office during our SPIDERMAN coloring contest. 

The pictures and a table displaying Spider man Priority Mail boxes will be in the customer lobby during the month of May. 

The winning class will be treated to a party courtesy of the Alma Post Office.

The children have fun, we promote our SPIDER-MAN Priority boxes, and it helps to support our community involvement program.

DEWITT POST OFFICE IN THE BUSINESS OF STAMPING OUT HUNGER

Pictured L-R: Roger Watkins, CeCe Blackwell, Glenda Williams, Sharon Young, James Hageman, Audie Lawless, Terry Hawkins, Larry Childers

Not pictured but participated immensely....Karen West and Rai Watkins.

The Dewitt Post Office had an excellent Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive this year.  They filled about five hampers full of food.  It filled up a pickup truck, not once but twice!

All food collected was donated to the local food pantry “Caring and Sharing”.  The local community of Dewitt certainly did their part to help Stamp Out Hunger.