Post office, volunteers deliver holiday cheer

Published Nov. 20, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Boxes filled with holiday wishes line numerous shelves in the Spangdahlem Air Base mail room waiting to be processed, picked up and finally enjoyed by their recipient.

With the countdown to the holiday season approaching, Sabers are reminded when it comes to mailing and picking up their holiday packages that prior planning and patience are important.

As patrons have likely noticed,the holiday hustle and bustle is steadily picking up at the post office. An increase in the number of packages processed through the post office here is evident from Nov. 15 through Jan. 15. During this time frame the approximately 35 person staff of postal Airmen, augmentees, civilians and volunteers process, stock, label and disseminate more than 1.2 million pounds of mail.

While the amount of mail processed through the Spangdahlem AB Post Office can seem a bit overwhelming at times, those who work there say they don't focus on the numbers.

"You try not to think about it or you really get overwhelmed just dealing with the day-to-day operations here," said Staff Sgt. Nick Hoppe, 52nd Communications Squadron military postal specialist. "Right now, we have no room on our shelves. We are waiting for customers to pick up their packages so we can sort more."

Mail generally arrives at the post office by the truck load during the late afternoon in large bags. It takes the postal workers three to four hours to break down the bags. Packages in the shipment are placed on the shelves and scanned into the post office's system so they can be labeled and slips can be placed in the recipient's post office box. Since space is very limited at the post office, it is important for Sabers to check their mail daily during the holiday season.

What comes in first is what is shelved and scanned first, and as soon as those packages are picked up, new items are posted on the shelf, said Staff Sgt. Romeo Carter-Brown, 52nd CS military postal specialist.

To help the postal workers from becoming overwhelmed during the holiday season, they are soliciting volunteers to assist them in shelving and distributing mail every day of the week from Dec. 12 - 30 from 9 a.m. to midnight. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and of high moral standards.

"We encourage people from around the base to volunteer here, even 15 or 20 minutes helps," Sergeant Hoppe said. "Volunteers sort letter class mail and deliver packages at our parcel pick up window. We really enjoy having volunteers here at Spangdahlem and at the Bitburg post office. They are very helpful to fulfilling our mission."

Sabers who want to spread holiday cheer to friends and family members in the states, should send parcel airlift mail by Dec. 4, priority and first class mail before
Dec. 11 and express mail no later than Dec. 18, to help ensure that packages are received before Christmas.

"These dates are based on transit time from here to the States," Sergeant Carter-Brown said.

In addition to mailing package early, Sergeant Hoppe has a few tips to offer to those sending holiday gifts through the postal system.

"When mailing packages put the proper return address on your package, wrap and pack the gifts well and insure high valued items," Sergeant Hoppe said. "Also, when waiting for a package, remember that the mail is jam-packed and it could take a few more days than usual. We will do everything in our power to get the packages to you as soon as possible."

One of the tools being used at the Spangdahlem AB Post Office to facilitate better customer service, is the extension of operating hours. Beginning Dec. 10 through Christmas Eve, the finance window will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Parcel pick-up window from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Despite the long days, which can range from 12 to 14 hours during the holiday season, the postal employees agree there are rewards to their job.

It is satisfying to see the smile on people's faces who know their mail is here, Sergeant Carter-Brown said.

Sergeant Hoppe agreed. It is a gratifying feeling when the children come in and say, "Oh, that is for me."

For more information about volunteering, call the Spangdahlem AB Post Office at 452-7182 and the Bitburg Annex Post Office at 452-9405.