Mailroom Soldiers sort their way through deployment

Photo By Spc. Stephanie Homan | Pvt. Michael Bailey, motor transport operator works as a mail clerk in Task Force Phantom mailroom, stacks packages passed to him by Spc. Creashon Laskey, administrative specialist who also works as a mail clerk in the TF Phantom mailroom, at Camp Victory July 10. TF Phantom mailroom receives between 1,000 and 2,000 packages a day for distribution.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.17.2007

Courtesy Story

28th Public Affairs Detachment

By Army Spc. Stephanie Homan
MNC-I PAO

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - What are you waiting for? A birthday card? A DVD you ordered? Maybe a letter from your significant other? Goodies and treats from home?

People often forget those who aid in delivering letters and morale-boosting parcels. The Task Force Phantom mailroom clerks spend their duty days making sure troops get what's coming to them.

Four TF Phantom Soldiers, along with the help of one Army reservist, maintain the TF Phantom mailroom on Camp Victory.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Qui Gentry, S-1 non-commissioned officer in charge, oversees the mailroom. The Soldiers have four main duties.

"They pick up the mail, sort the mail, maintain the accountable mail and monitor the unit orderlies in the mailroom," he said.

"It is hard to tell how much mail we handle a day, because it varies," said Army Spc. Kwasi Asirifi, mail clerk, TF Phantom. "It is probably around 1,000 to 2,000 pieces a day."

Gentry said the summertime is the slow season for his sorting Soldiers. People send more packages for the holidays.

They receive mail for the majority of people on Camp Victory, military and civilians alike.
"Right after Thanksgiving through New Year's is when it gets busy for them," Gentry said. "Around 800 boxes a day will come in during the holiday rush."

Being a Phantom mail clerk is not overly stressful, but there are a few recurring uncontrollable difficulties they deal with, Asirifi said. Illegible addresses, large quantities of accountable mail during the holidays, and weather are the most difficult things to deal with, he said.

"People put incorrect addresses or addresses we can't read on mail," Asirifi said. "It is hard right now, because of the hot temperature, while we are picking up and sorting mail."

Despite the uncontrollable complexities, Asirifi and Gentry agree the job the clerks accomplish is important because it helps boost troops' morale.

"People are excited to get mail from home," Asirifi said.

• Date Taken: 08.17.2007
• Date Posted: 08.17.2007 02:07
• Story ID: 11852
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ