1-55th Postal Company opens new post office

Photo By Sgt. Marshall Thompson | Spc. Martin Jennings, a postal clerk with the 1-55th Postal Compnay, helps a customer mail a package back to the United States on May 20 at Logistical Support Area Adder.  

TALLIL, IRAQ

06.22.2006

Courtesy Story

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CAMP ADDER, Iraq " The 1-55th Postal Company moved into a new air-conditioned building, just in time for customers to escape the 120-degree weather as they wait to mail packages.

"It's better for the customer, and it's better for us," said Spc. Martin Jennings, a postal clerk with the 1-55th. "They can get out of the heat."

Before this, the unit worked out of two warehouses without air conditioning and a small shack they used for an operations center.

Customers would have to wait in lines outside the building exposed to the elements, and the postal workers would have to work outside for much of the day.

"I was dealing with the elements," said Sgt. Robert Allen, a parcel inspector with the 1-55th. "The troops come first. It doesn't matter if I'm inside or out, I'm going to make sure their families get their mail."

Staff Sgt. Angel Marrero, operations NCOIC for the 1-55th, said that getting out of the heat is only one of the benefits of moving into the newly renovated building.

"We have better customer service in this facility," Marrero said. "We were basically in a small shack and it was very difficult for us to process all the mail."

He said that the new building has allowed them to set up stations for customers to go through to get their packages ready to send.

At least one 1-55th Soldier stands at each station to assist customers with customs forms, parcel inspection, shipping letters and packages, and answer any questions they might have.

"This facility is much larger," Marrero said. "It's easier for us and it's easier for the customer."

He added that speed in processing packages has also improved with
the new building.

"We get them in and out faster now," Marrero said.

Jennings said that the remodeled building was part of trend he has seen since his first deployment to Iraq.

"They have improved so much since last time I was here," Jennings said referring to the facilities.

"There's a world of difference. This is almost like something you"d work with back home."

Almost 1,000 people use the new post office every week, Marreno said. For the Soldiers of the 1-55th, it is their mission to make sure every one of the customers gets the service and respect they deserve.

"I love working with people," Jennings said. "In this job I get to meet all sorts of different people."

• Date Taken: 06.22.2006
• Date Posted: 06.22.2006 13:33
• Story ID: 6928
• Location: TALLIL, IQ