Post office Airman gives insight into role as holiday season approaches

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  As the holiday season approaches, the Team Mildenhall post office receives an influx of packages.

The holiday season is a busy period for the 100th Communications Squadron Post Office workers as they ensure people receive their packages in a timely manner.

One worker gearing up for the season is Senior Airman Oscar Campos-Ortiz, 100th CS postal clerk from Dallas.

In some periods he has the opportunity to do what he came here to do -- travel.

"I've been to 17 different counties since I've been here," the Airman explained.

Travel wasn't the reason he joined the Air Force four years ago, but he's taking advantage of being stationed overseas.

"I joined for education, but it's a good way to leave the nest and see what else the world has to offer. From my hometown, I didn't think that I'd be in Iceland or any of the other places I've been. It matures you and gives you wisdom," the Texas native added. "I've met at least one person from each of the 50 states and it helps change the outlook on your life -- an eye opener."

Although his current duty in the post office is not his primary career field, it has allowed him to learn more about being in the military.

"I was a jet engine mechanic," Campos-Ortiz stated. "It's nice to see a different side of the Air Force and get a different perspective. I used to go to the post office and think, 'Why are the lines so long? What are they doing back there?' Now I see it's not just getting a box and giving it to (the customer) -- it's so much more for the people behind the scenes who are sorting packages and loading or unloading the mail truck."

The work behind the counter can be busy, as the mail must reach its correct location and be there on time. Tracking numbers on packages keep customers informed online where their package is.

"We receive mail from the Aerial Mail Terminal on RAF Alconbury, process it and deliver it to the customer," Campos-Ortiz explained. "We also deliver and process mail to the squadrons."

The people are what make a hard job rewarding for Campos-Ortiz, but a lack of them can make the job challenging, so the staff relies heavily on volunteers at this time of year.

"With the holidays quickly approaching, mail is increasing in volume and volunteers play a vital role in helping us process mail," the Airman explained.

Being a "people person" is a valuable skill to have in a customer service role, and Campos-Ortiz enjoys getting to know his customers as well as his wingmen.

"I enjoy networking. We see people every day, so you get to know everybody," he said. "Seeing people's faces and getting to know them gives me more of a sense of being at home."

The post office leadership is proud of their Airman, and the customer service he provides to the base population.

"Senior Airman Campos-Ortiz is a highly motivated part of the postal operations team. He has developed from a productive Airman into a leader and my go-to person," said Staff Sgt. Jabrail Chapman, 100th CS assistant postmaster from Brooklyn, New York.

To volunteer, contact the post office at DSN 238-5159 or commercial at 01638 545159.