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closeNew stamp unveiled during Fort Lewis post office dedication
By Barbara L. Sellers, Northwest Guardian
Barbara L. Sellers/Northwest Guardian
Colonel Cynthia A. Murphy, garrison commander, and Robert Galrude, postmaster of Tacoma, unveil the replica of the new Purple Heart stamp.
Rodney King, acting station manager of the new Fort Lewis Post Office, has made some positive changes to improve customer service.
Customers no longer have to wait in line to get their packages and mail. They can now get service at “Will Call” all day, until closing time.
The number of window clerks during peak times (such as lunch) has also been increased. To ensure window stations stay staffed during peak times, window clerks will now be on rotating shifts.
According to Dennis M. Shimomura, customer relations manager, customers having difficulty filling out the the required form for packages being sent to an APO or overseas addresses also held up lines.
To help solve this problem, an enlarged example of the form has now been placed under glass for customers to look at.
Additionally, a table has been added to help customers who are still putting their packages together.
All of these changes are expected to keep customer service lines to a reasonable level, he said.
The new post office dedication and unveiling of the Purple Heart stamp became another opportunity to thank local veterans and Purple Heart recipients assigned to Fort Lewis.
Dennis M. Shimomura, customer-relations manager, U.S. Postal Service, welcomed everyone and recognized the honored guests July 24 in the parking lot of the new facility.
Robert Galtrude, postmaster of Tacoma; Col. Cynthia A. Murphy, garrison commander; and Ryan Dumm, from the staff of Representative Norm Dicks, addressed the crowd.
“This is one of just six remaining wood structures of the original 1,772 buildings that made up Camp Lewis,” Galtrude said. “It was originally constructed in 1917 from timber cut and milled at Fort Lewis.
“We wish to express our appreciation to Fort Lewis for partnering with us to upgrade this historic facility so that we may provide the highest level of delivery and retail service to our military and civilian customers,” he said.
Rodney King is acting station manager of the renovated facility, Building 4170, located on Kaufman Avenue.
“Fort Lewis enjoys a very positive relationship with the post office here and we are very happy with all that they provide for us,” Murphy said.
In spite of the age of e-mail, the U.S. post office continues to provide a valuable service, she said.
“Deployed Soldiers always like getting a package of homemade cookies,” Murphy said.
She also said how pleased she is to see the impressive number of postal employees serving in the National Guard or Reserves and the large number of military retirees now working for the Postal Service.
“I just want to thank you for everything you do for us every day,” Murphy said to the USPS employees.
Additionally, Dumm passed along a few key messages from Dicks, who could not attend because he had to be in Washington D.C.
“Congratulations on this new facility, and thanks to everyone of you who continues to protect the United States of America,” Dumm said. “We also want to thank Col. Murphy who has some great ideas, and does an amazing job.”
At the end of the dedication, Murphy and Galtrude unveiled the replica of the new Purple Heart stamp, bearing the 42-cent denomination.
“This is the oldest military decoration still in use,” Galtrude said. “We refer to it as the ‘Badge of Military Merit’ and it’s very significant to us. The first Purple Heart stamp was issued at Mount Vernon, Va., in May 2003. It’s also the first award made available to the common Soldier.”
According to the description handed out, the Purple Heart, with the slogan “Some gave all, all gave some,” is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. It is also awarded posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.
All purple-heart recipients attending the dedication were invited to come forward to receive a small token of appreciation — a free commemorative re-issue of the Purple Heart stamp and pin.
Captain Dan Pesature, I Corps, received two Purple Hearts when deployed to Iraq with 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.
“One time I got hit by a little shrapnel, and another time I was knocked unconscious by a roadside bomb,” Pesature said. “I stayed in country both times because it was nothing serious. Some people get Purple Hearts for a lot worse injuries, like losing a limb.”
Major Robert Nesbit, I Corps, another Purple Heart recipient, who served with Pesature in Iraq, evacuated three Soldiers when their vehicle was blown up by an IED.
“Compared to many others, my injuries were minor, too,” he said. “But this dedication is a nice way to commemorate the veterans and recognize them for the sacrifices they made.”
Some Purple Heart veterans from Vietnam also attended the dedication ceremony.
“The Tacoma Post Office gratefully acknowledges your service and sacrifices as members of our nation’s armed forces,” Galtrude said.