Post
In 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Constitutional Post which would come to be known as the first organized mail service in the United States. Today we have Benjamin Franklin to thank for being America’s first Postmaster General and establishing many of the mail customs people are used to today.
Now, February 4 is National Thank a Mail Carrier Day annually. It is a day to thank the person who gets mail and packages into mailboxes all around the country, six days a week. Mail carriers often work 12-hour days to serve the people in their community. It is important to take a moment to thank these people and be reminded of just how vital they are to the workings of the community.
Wes Selvidge has been a mail carrier in Bowling Green for 25 years. Selvidge decided to become a mail carrier simply for better money. “My favorite thing about his job is seeing all the people along my daily mail routes,” says Selvidge.
Eric Hixenbaugh, 46, has been a mail carrier for 20 years. “Being a mailman is always something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid,” says Hixenbaugh. “Most kids want to be a fireman or astronaut but I wanted to be a mailman.” After transitioning out of serving in the military it seemed fitting for Hixenbaugh to fulfill his childhood dream. Hixenbaugh enjoys interacting with the customers and being out in the community he serves. “It’s like a big family out here,” says Hixenbaugh.
Nikki Crews, 26, has been a mail carrier for one year and two months. “I wanted to have a job where I could be proud to say hey I’m a mailman and something my son could look up to,” says Crews.
“Through rain or snow, or sleet or hail, we’ll carry the mail. We will not fail.”
-The Pony Express Riders
Heather Gregory, 40, has been a mail carrier in Bowling Green for 13 years. After serving in the Marine Corps Gregory decided to continue working for the government by becoming a mail carrier. “Everyday is different,” says Gregory. “It changes everyday but I love being outside, the customers, not being stuck somewhere in a cubicle, and being active out and moving around.”
Ron Henry, 51, has been a mailman since 1992 when he started in Cincinnati then moved to Bowling Green to continue his career in 1994. “I’m on the best route in Bowling Green, the Briarwood neighborhood,” says Henry. “A lot of people on this route get a lot of post but are older people who can’t really get out so they’re dependent on us to get them their paper and everyday things.” Henry said there are a lot of good people on this route and it makes him feel good that people can depend on him.
Andy Jordan, 63, has been a mail carrier off and on for six years in Bowling Green. Jordan worked in the restaurant business for most of his life. “When I left the restaurant business I decided I was too young to retire and wanted to get back to work,” says Jordan. So Jordan decided to become a mail carrier.