By Megan Sims, cleveland.com，Updated: Mar. 09, 2024，图/USPS、网络
Alfonzo Wilson Jr., a veteran postman in Ohio, officially ended his long and distinguished career Friday at a lavish retirement party at East 55th Street Station B after 66 years on the job. According to the Postal Service, the 86-year-old Mr. Wilson ranks among the top 20 postmen in the nation for years of service.
Since joining the postal service in 1957, Wilson has been known for his professionalism and gracious attitude, affectionately known as "Teddy" by his colleagues. Since 1980, he has worked tirelessly in his duties in the Cedar Hill and Fairmount areas, building strong human connections. He particularly values his relationship with his clients as one of the most valuable parts of his job.
"It feels like a big family," Wilson shared, "and I know a lot of people here, including their children and even their grandchildren. As the years went by, I became accustomed to helping them handle everything conveniently and ensure that their mail was delivered on time. "He has built a service relationship with his clients that goes beyond the norm and is extremely attentive to the dynamics of their daily lives, such as asking about their children's life at university.
Station manager Taylor Harris noted that whenever Wilson was absent from his delivery routes, he received many calls from customers asking about concern. As a member of the National Postmen Association, Wilson not only built bridges between customers, but also inspired and mentored many of his peers, such as Harry Wallace, throughout his career.
Wallace, who became a postman in 1994 after being discharged from the U.S. Army, credits Wilson with encouragement that led him to management. "We used to talk to each other when we were sorting out the mail, and I told Wilson that I was interested in moving into management, and while I enjoyed delivering mail, I wanted to try out a different role. ”
He recalls Wilson's response at the time: "I think you were probably born to do this...... but Wilson actively supported him. Later, Wilson even communicated privately with his superiors, and it wasn't long before Wallace was promoted to supervisor. Wallace lamented that since his father's death, Wilson has given him endless support and care like a father.
Manager Harris further emphasized that Wilson always stuck to his post and completed his work meticulously, regardless of his age. Even when faced with the situation that the medical building has no elevator and has to climb several flights of stairs every day, he has never slackened. Harris recalls that they tried to lighten Wilson's workload, but he was reluctant to pass on his work to his colleagues even as his back pain worsened.
Wilson has not yet made a clear plan for the future, but he left behind a philosophical quote: "If you care about everyone, everyone will care about you." This sentence fully reflects the beliefs and values that he has carried out throughout his career.