As you read this, chances are that our current contract has expired. This is the most important time for us, as Letter Carriers and Union members, to practice due diligence. We need to pay very close attention to our negotiations and be sure that we get all that we deserve. We also have to make sure that we are on the same page when it comes to any agreements. Keep in mind that no matter what the NALC negotiates for us, it’s very difficult to make everyone happy. Nothing ever does. Understand however, that these negotiations are probably the most difficult ever. If you take everything into account you will see what a daunting task is ahead for our negotiators at the NALC. One thing for sure, I have no doubt that we will get the best contract possible.

I am sure that you have heard many rumors about where we are with the negotiations. The truth is that until it is agreed upon, nothing is solid. The most popular rumor is a Senate Act that is cited as the "21st Century Postal Service Act of 2011" Look it up! At first glance I actually thought it was a pretty good bill. But after my president corrected me and asked me to look at the bill closely, I noticed it left a lot to be desired. I am happy that we have people that take the time to read the fine print and do not rush to judgment like I almost did. I learned that things are not always what they seem to be. I am going to share two things with you that should put it in perspective. The first is a joke that was recently told to me and the second is a fact.

The Joke - An older couple is celebrating their 50 year anniversary at the bar where they first met. As they enjoy some cocktails they begin to reminisce about the first time they made love at that very same location. The old man reminds his wife that the fence she held onto on that wonderful night is still standing in the very same place. He looks at her with a sparkle in his eye and asks her if she would like to relive that moment. She smiles with love in her eyes and agrees. As they leave to meet out in back of the bar by the fence, they didn't realize that their conversation was overheard by a gentleman sitting next to them. The curious gentleman followed them out back to see what this elderly couple had left after 50 years of lovemaking. He watched them prepare and get into position. The old man grabbed her by her waist as she grabbed onto the fence and they began. The gentleman could not believe his eyes. He witnessed this elderly couple do things he could not believe. The incredible yells and screams along with the gyrations were mind-blowing. This went on for about 30 minutes until they fell to the ground exhausted. Intrigued by the entire ordeal he waits till the couple gets dressed and politely excuses himself for watching them. He asks the old man, "I cannot believe that after 50 years your love making is still so incredible. What is your secret?" The old man, still trying to catch his breath, replies, "Secret? There is no secret! 50 years ago that fence wasn't electric!"

The fact - There are still some carriers that think five-day delivery is a good thing. They believe that this means weekends off. Therefore they might agree with the proposed Senate bill. If you look at the 2lst Century Postal Service Act of 2011 under Sec. 206 Part D Additional Limitations - Part (2) Prohibition on consecutive days without mail delivery - (a)(2) it reads: at no time shall there be more than 2 consecutive days without mail delivery to street addresses, including recognized federal holidays. (Say goodbye to weekends off.)

When I ask carriers where they get their information, the response is usually, "Someone told me." I would like to tell you, DON'T DO THAT ANYMORE! There is a way to get good, timely information and to take real control of your future. I am imploring you to join the eActivist Network and the Carrier Corps. It literally took me less than three minutes to join both. Go on the NALC.org website, click on the windows, follow the prompts and you're done. It really is that simple, and it really is FREE! Believe me when I tell you that these two things will give you a greater picture of what you can do to help save your job. It's like that insurance commercial "15 minutes can save you 15% or more". In our case three minutes can SAVE YOUR JOB!

Remember that the Letter Carrier way of life, as we know it, is being attacked. You need to get involved! Start your involvement by signing up to the two free programs I spoke about and you will get a true picture of where we are.

As the holiday season approaches, think about how blessed we all are this year. Look at the faces of your loved ones and appreciate all that they mean to you and what you mean to them. Then think about what allows you to share these wonderful moments. Believe it or not, it's your job. Like it or not it pays for everything. Therefore you owe it to yourself to protect your job just like you protect your loved ones - or will you be okay if this really is your last happy holiday season?

Back in the 70's the wildcat strike did more for letter carriers than any other event in our history. They risked everything, including their freedom, when they had nothing. Until recently, the current Carrier community seemed a bit complacent to me. Ironically, they came across as having everything and risking nothing to keep it. I am proud to say that I do not feel that way anymore. I consider myself very fortunate to be part of an incredible organization such as
the NALC. This feeling was never as strong as on September 27th during the rally. It was great to see Letter carriers from all over the country standing up together to get our message out.

It doesn't matter if the Post Madster (not a typo) General wants 5 day, or even if the President of the United States backs 5 day - in the end, it comes down to Congress. To all of you that give to COLCPE, pat yourselves on the back because this is why it was invented. Thru the use of COLCPE donations we have already secured (still counting) 216 of the 218 signatures needed to pass HR 1351. If you don't know what HR 1351 is, I'm making this your homework assignment. I always said a knowledgeable carrier is a powerful carrier so go to our websites at nylcbr36.org or nalc. org and get some muscle. The people behind the scenes of this great union are hardworking, truly gifted, and definitely have our best interests at heart.

Understand that we need every single employee (management included) to save America's Postal Service. This is your postal family. Just like with your real family, you can fight with your brother and sister everyday but the moment an outsider tries to do the same, you join together and take care of business. Ask your coworkers to be vigilant, read the papers, watch the news and you will see that everything we have been preparing for is right here, right now. Be part of history or be history, it's your choice. Look through this issue to see letter carriers all over the city making a difference. This is a perfect example of the working class taking America back. Believe it or not… it's happening.

Thank you for your precious time Brothers and Sisters. We are dedicating this issue to all of you that joined in at the rally on Tuesday Sept. 27th. Thank you for taking the first step in many, to save your livelihood. To all of you that could not make the rally don't worry, you will get another chance to be heard.

Although el cocotaso sounds like a coconut flavored delicacy or some new exciting mixed drink, it is definitely not either. Believe it or not a "cocotaso" is something that is handed out by a parent, an uncle, or by elders to children - sounds like Christmas doesn't it?

In the past it was quite common. I don't see it as much now but I would bet that they are still very much alive. Okay, enough suspense. A cocotaso is a quick strike to your head. The striker tightens up his or her hand as if to knock on a door, and skims the area of your head between your hairline and the top of your head. If delivered correctly it's not the impact that gets you, it is the burn. This form of punishment was not meant to harm or maim, it served more as a wake-up call. The idea was to surprise and/or embarrass you into behaving. They were usually handed out at church, the dinner table, funerals or other formal gatherings. Growing up with seven brothers and sisters I saw my share of these handed out and received my share as well. Just thinking back on when I got mine it wasn't always the actual cocotaso that got me, it was my brothers and sisters pointing their fingers at me snickering and saying "Ahh-hah....Papi got you!"

Remember that this is just the Latin culture. Every culture had its own means of handing out their wake-up calls as well. Whether it was the noogie, the pinch, the tug on the sideburn or the ever dreaded backslap, you can all relate.

These days we have evolved with the way we discipline our children. For the record, I have never given my children one. But then again I am married to a child care professional, so striking our children has never been necessary. I absolutely love my parents and understand what they had to do to keep us in line. The truth is that their methods, no matter how off-the-wall they sound, served their purpose. They worked and I am sure that I speak for all of us when I say we are the better for it.

I am writing about this because the times that we are living in, as I see them, are attempting to give all letter carriers the biggest cocotaso in history. As letter carriers, we have all the tools to get out of the way. For some reason far too many letter carriers are standing with their chins held high waiting for the inevitable cocotaso. Too many of us are not paying attention to the current situation or feel like we as individuals cannot make a difference. I can sincerely say that we as individuals are the only ones who can make a difference. As our current contract is reaching its end and the Postal Service goes through all these unprecedented changes, we need to avoid this ever-looming cocotaso. There are ways to avoid all the hurt, but also understand that every letter carrier reading this needs to be on board. As you read the ways to avoid the shot, understand that the following programs work, but they will not work if you do not believe in them and even less if you do not get involved.

JARAP - (YIKES!) Although this is the stance of many letter carriers when they hear about the JARAP team coming to adjust a station, I can tell you that because of our most current agreement, this is actually a good thing. In agreements past, one of our biggest issues was the problem of proper data capture on a day-to-day basis. We were always asked, "How can we adjust routes if the numbers are wrong?" This year's agreement requires that management posts (in a central location) the workhour/ workload report from the previous day on a daily basis. This enables carriers to confirm and/or question if their work (pivots in house and in the street) was properly captured. Please keep in mind that the most important part of this entire process is that all letter carriers hit onto any and all assignments that they work on any particular day. With the proper data captured, a proper adjustment can be made. To dispose of a myth that management wants to get rid of routes, I can assure you that they know that every carrier a station loses, affects management's flexibility to deliver the mail. So let's get on the ball with proper hits!

COLCPE - The carriers' right to contribute funds to carrier-friendly politicians. It is one of the most important tools to make sure the right politicians get elected. Understand that Congress (Postal Regulatory Commission) has the last word on what happens to the United States Postal Service. It is imperative that those making the decisions, have our best interests at heart. Our contributions to COLCPE is our tool to make this happen.

E-Activist - All you need is an email address. It is the best way to stay informed on all issues pertaining to letter carriers. You will receive updates and instructions on how to have your voice heard. Many times all it takes is a click of the mouse to make a difference, and the best part - it's absolutely FREE!

Customer Connect - Carriers talking to customers to let them know that we can save them money on mailing and/or advertising. Takes less than a minute to do and has pumped more than 1.2 billion dollars of new revenue into the Postal Service. This is quite the nice bargaining chip for negotiations. It also gives carriers much needed street time that has dissipated due to decreasing mail volume. The idea is that as letters and flats decrease, packages and advertising literature will fill the void.

Well there you have it. Everything we need to survive the current climate. Pass this on to all your postal family and let them know that our future is on the line. I have no doubt that letter carriers will once again step up. We have a very positive history when it comes to taking care of business and I know that this will not be the generation that drops the ball. So let's do all we can to avoid el cocotaso.

Thank you for sharing your precious time brothers and sisters, and thank you for your support on my selection to attend the NALC Leadership Academy.

In a recent conversation with Sonny (Anibal Guadalupe - Director of Compensation) he said something to me that changed my view of this forever. He said, "It doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full, did you ever consider changing the size of the glass?" This statement ranks up there with some others that have shown me to think outside the box. The little girl that suggested letting the air out of the tires of a truck that was stuck in an underpass after the best minds in the city couldn't come up with anything. Or the millions that were spent to create a pen that can write in space, when in reality, we could use a pencil! These examples made it clear to me that at times we have a tendency to overthink things.

The reason that the conversation about the glass was such an eye-opener was because the size of the glass can be seen as an individual's expectation. As we near the end of our current contract more and more carriers ask me, "What do you think we are going to get?" The truth is that no matter what I say, no one is ever satisfied.

When I flip the question by asking what their opinion is - let's just say it's pretty unrealistic. People in general, usually have high expectations, especially when someone else is fighting for them. This is why everyone should have a clear picture of what the contract negotiations will be. The only way to get that information is to get involved. These negotiations will be incredibly important, and it is very important to stay away from the negativity that will be put out by anti-postal movements. I have the utmost confidence for the NALC and the team that will be representing us in November. But the truth is that we have to keep in mind the times that we live in. You owe it to yourself to understand how the decisions that affect your career get made. Ask yourself, what do you expect? Then ask yourself, what are you doing to get it? Putting these two answers together should determine the size of your glass. There will always be discussions on whether or not we got the best deal, but I know for a fact that whatever the NALC negotiates will be the best we can get.

Just in case you want to know the size of my glass - I keep my glass in the cupboard until I know how much liquid I will get - then and only then will I get the glass that I need.

I hope you all had a memorable Mother's Day. I wish you all a Happy Memorial Day. Thank you for your efforts toward the food drive, and most of all, thank you for your time Brothers and Sisters.

Got Milk?

*Thank you for your time brothers and sisters. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan.

Ahh finally! Winter is over! Here comes the spring! Springtime has always been a time for renewal. Spring cleaning, spring planting, new baseball season and so forth and so on. I'm sure you agree that somehow everything looks and feels better in the spring.

I was standing on my deck at home with my son as he gulped down about a quarter gallon of milk that was still in the gallon container. I watched him finish it completely and burp after. He smiled at me and apologized. What caught my attention was how easily he finished that milk without even thinking twice. When I asked him if he understood how that milk got into his stomach he looked at me and said, "From cows." Innocent as his response was, it made me think that far too many Letter Carriers have that exact same type of answer when it comes to the USPS. I have asked many letter carriers, how do they get raises and different benefits during contract negotiations? They often answer, "I don't know they give it to us." When I ask them, "Who gives it to you?" they say, "I don't know - the Post Office."

If even one carrier does not know the answer to these questions, that is one carrier too many! My son's response was innocent but understand that his livelihood does not depend on his knowledge of how the milk got in his stomach.
However, a letter carrier's response can have a huge impact on livelihood.

I explained to my son that it took many people and a lot of preparation to get that milk into his stomach. That's not even counting the almost four dollars it cost me! I explained that it takes a farmer to tend to his cows. He also has to cultivate the ground to plant the grass to then grow the grass that feeds the cows. Then he has to milk the cows and bottle the milk that only then goes to grocery stores to be purchased for consuming.

Some Letter carriers have the same type of approach with all the benefit that our great union fought for and will continue to fight for. It's like they all want to drink milk but no one wants to feed the cow. This piece is to put you all on notice! If you like drinking the milk and don't want to run out of milk, the time to take care of the cow is NOW!

Just like the farmers we need to plant the seeds that feed our cow (the NALC). This cow has given us milk for a long time and in order to keep the milk flowing I am going to give you a formula on how to maintain a happy healthy cow. The most important thing is to plant the seeds that feed the cow, everything else will pretty much take care of itself. Keep in mind that the spring is the perfect time for planting, so get started now. The following seeds are your cows' (NALC) favorite.

Seed #1 - Membership! - if you know of anyone that is not a member explain the importance of becoming one. With the attack on unions (Wisconsin), we need to stand together each and everyone of us. The NALC is the only entity on our side!

Seed # 2 - COLCPE - The best way to get our political friends in Washington to vote carrier-friendly. Remember that USPS decisions do not get made by management, they get made by Congress! We need to keep Congress carrier-friendly!

Seed # 3 - E-Activist - Free to join! Just go on to NALC.ORG and this is the best way to get REAL information and notices on all kinds of different union subjects.

Seed # 4 - Carrier Corps - Also FREE! This is a wonderful program. It asks for carriers to be on call if called upon for different union functions, i.e. demonstrations, volunteering at political functions, etc.

Seed # 5 - Customer Connect - The more leads we put in the system the more possible sales we will have. The more money we generate with this program, the bigger our bargaining chip will be! So far we have 1.2 Billion! And we still have till November! Keep those leads coming!

Seed # 6 - Food Drive - Participate! Show the public that we do a lot more than delivering mail! We take care of our own! All the food that we collect stays right in our communities. We all know that the general public always patronizes
those that take care of their own. Let them know that we have collected over a billion pounds since this program started!

Seed # 7 - Knowledge - Understand how the decisions that affect how your careers get made! How do you get that knowledge? Attend Union meetings, and/ or visit the following websites: NALC.ORG or NYLCBR36.ORG. Stay on the ball with real information!

If you plant all these seeds you will definitely have a happy, healthy cow - one that will keep producing milk for all of us to drink for a very long time! Remember folks, the last thing we want is for our NALC negotiation officials to
go to the bargaining table with an empty glass, and asking.... GOT MILK?!

I have always been a firm believer that engaging in organized sports is a great way to get a solid foundation for life. For those of you who have never been involved in any team sports, bear with me while I try to make my point. Mistakenly, people think that "organized sports" is all about the victory. If you really think about it, you will come to the conclusion that it cannot just be about the championships. All these individuals coming together on different teams trying to achieve one goal. Out of all the teams that play, only one can win. So why do people keep trying year after year to win when the odds are that they will not? As an avid sportsman I will try to shed some light on why we continue to compete.

We compete because nothing beats the feeling of having individuals pulling together and trusting each other to reach a common goal. You may not always reach that goal, but the people you meet and the relationships you make along the way will build friendships that will last a lifetime.

Since we are in the Superbowl season I was reading a little bit about Vince Lombardi. He was arguably the greatest coach that ever lived, so good in fact that they named the NFL's championship trophy after him. I was most amazed at how he believed that what you accomplished on the field was as important as what you accomplished off the field. I am going to share with you a few things that he said. The reason I would like to share his words with you is because I know that if we take his words to heart you will see that what made him great was his ability to make others great. His incomparable ability to inspire people was extraordinary.

Before I share his words, I want to make sure that all of you understand that as a Union we are and should be a team - a team that is striving for something better. The truth is that we have a storied history, a history that we can be proud of. With everything that we won during the incredible strike of 1970, I know that there is nothing to fear as we move forward. For any of you who have not taken the time to check out the greatest win in our history, take the time to do so. The video is everywhere right now. You can access it on YouTube on NALC.org and on NYLCBR36.org. Type in the great postal strike of 1970 and feel the pride and strength of your united team with a common goal.

Understand that we are about to enter the most important contract negotiations in our history. We need to be ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve our goals. And when I say we - I mean ALL OF US! Let's start with a
few words from the man who probably understood the power of working together to achieve a common goal more than anyone else. The late great Mr. Vince Lombardi said:

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will." "Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not. But we will be judged by only one thing - the result." "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, and a civilization work."

I stated earlier that I always thought that organized sports is a great foundation for life. I could not feel more gratified in feeling that way than after I read those words. I am looking forward to the negotiations that lay ahead of us. But more than that, I am looking forward to seeing how our generation handles a crisis. To see if we can stand as proud letter carriers now - the way the strike veterans stood proud in 1970. Some say carriers will not come together. Some say carriers will do what we have always done - step up when called upon. I definitely believe we will come together and achieve all of our goals. I understand and I hope all of you understand that it is going to take all of us. Pulling together to achieve a common goal - Union Teamwork.

Thank you brothers and sisters for sharing your time with me. Till next time - enjoy the Superbowl!

All employees of the United States Postal Service should be aware, and more importantly utilize, all of the benefits that come with the job.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us take this time to show our appreciation to those who are important to us. We especially do this with our families and loved ones. The reason we work so hard is usually to provide for those exact people. I would like to go over something with all of you that cannot be overlooked when it comes to our loved ones. I believe that this is the perfect time to take a closer look at this issue, because during the holiday season we are usually entirely focused on them.

Unfortunately, I recently found that many employees have not updated their beneficiary forms. I understand that this topic is not a popular one but we must understand that when we are not around anymore to provide and protect our loved ones, we want to leave them as comfortable as possible. I will be bold and say we work too hard to have our last wishes challenged in court or left in limbo because we didn't take a few simple steps to see to it that this would not happen. Make sure your will and last wishes are complete and valid.

I am going to share three true examples with you that totally shocked and saddened me.
1) Employee passed away. When they found his beneficiary she had passed 10 years before.
2) Employee passed away. Was married early in his career. Divorced. Remarried, and raised a family with 2nd wife. Never changed his beneficiary forms and everything went to his first wife.
3) Employee passed away. Never signed his beneficiary forms at all. Family is left with all kinds of legal battles.

These are only a few of the mistakes that can totally be avoided. The grieving process will be difficult enough for those we leave behind. This responsibility lies solely upon you. Take a few moments to really consider how important this really is. I discussed this with your branch officers and they allowed me to try to get the information out because none of us want to hear stories like these ever again.

The first step is for you not to procrastinate. Promise yourself that you are going to do this. THEN DO IT! The whole process will be easier than you think. Keep focused on who you're doing this for and you will realize that if you can work to maintain your job and your family, you should take the time to secure their future in the event that you are no longer with them.

I will keep it as short and simple as I can.

For those of you with some computer knowledge, you can access the forms you will need from work at:
http://liteblue.usps.gov or from home at: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf2808.pdf. Follow prompts and it is very user friendly. You can also call the HR Shared Service Center at 1-877-477-3273 and choose option 5. After the necessary forms are completed, make a copy for yourself and send them (certified) to the following address:
HRSSC
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS
PO BOX 970400
GREENSBORO, NC 27497-0400

The last way to get this done that I will discuss is what I chose to do. I actually found a live person you can call for help. I know some of us (old school) still need that knowledgeable voice on the other side of the phone. The person I found is very polite and patient, incredibly professional and extremely knowledgeable. Her name and title is Wilma Rivera, Human Resources Generalist. She works with the Local Services office for the United States Postal Service which is located in J.A.F. Her contact info is 1-212- 330-3671 - or - Wilma.Rivera@usps.gov. In speaking with her she seemed very eager to help anyone who needed it. Thank you in advance Ms. Rivera!

Well there you have it brothers and sisters. Hopefully, everything you will need to give your loved ones the most precious gift of all this holiday season - peace of mind.

With all that is happening to the middle class during this economy no one should be asking that question. Our way of life is under attack and doing nothing or waiting for a decision to be handed to you is the absolute wrong thing to do. Many carriers (middle class) to date, have made excuses as to why they cannot or will not get involved with union activities. I would like to let you know that this union is the only entity that has your best interests at heart and will fight to ensure the best for both active and retired letter carriers all over America.

The issues that we are facing now are not that different from those faced by our strike veterans. There is a video that will be available soon that should be watched by all in the current letter carrier community, The video is an absolute map to learn how to deal with issues, and it all starts and ends with SOLIDARITY.

I get a feeling that some carriers don't get involved for fear of failure or ridicule. I want you to know that (to borrow a quote) "you have nothing to fear but fear itself!". We need to remember that if something needs to be changed it gets changed by people. What people you ask? I'll tell you - people just like you. The video I spoke about opened up my eyes to many things but none more than the absolute power of a union when all its constituents are moving in the same direction. We really need to go back and understand how we got here to fully understand where we are going. I have no fear of our future because I understand that as long as there is work to be done you need workers to do it. Guess what brothers and sisters WE are the workers. The pencil pushers of the world beware because anyone can push a pencil - it's the grind it out hard working letter carrier that is NECESSARY.

So to all my brothers and sisters out there take solace in my words and heed my advice. Knowledge is power and be sure to make your union the place you get that knowledge. Have no fear, be tenacious, understand that you are taking a huge step to secure your way of life. There are a few strike veterans left on the job and I can't thank them enough for all they did. Many of us have wallowed comfortably for far too long on the effort they put forth. It's our turn to make sure their efforts were not in vain and most importantly will not be forgotten.

We need to put our current letter carrier community on alert. Do we have the right stuff like our brothers had in the 70's? I SAY YES! See and understand the direction this great union is moving towards and do your part. Your future and your loved ones are depending on you. We already covered that many carriers don't know where we are going. GET INVOLVED so you can lose the fear of the unknown.

Please get a piece of paper and a pen and get ready to make two lists.

For list #1 I would like for you to list all of the things you would like to receive on the next contract. Some examples have been retirement after 20 years, better dental plan, keep six-day delivery and of course raises. Feel free to be honest in all you need and want for all the hard work you do.

For list# 2 please list all the things you are personally doing to get all the things on list #1. Please do not include hoping and praying.

Which list is longer?
Thank you. This concludes our exercise.

Talk about surprises! Unsettling isn't it? How we expect so many things yet don't know how we are going to get them. Now is the time when you need to ask yourself how am I going to get everything on list # 1. Next, ask yourself why - if you don't - didn't you get what you asked for?

Believe it or not, all this information is available to employees if you follow the contract negotiations closely. We might not get everything we ask for but I can guarantee the N.A.L.C., as its history has shown, will fight tooth and nail for everything our brothers and sisters deserve.

We need to understand that everyone of us needs to do our part. Some of the easiest ways to participate are by attending union meetings; also, we can stay current by visiting the following websites nylcbr36.org or nalc.org. For some other easy ways - take a minute to read Outlook articles for some more very important ways to get involved. Doing this might also give you some better numbers on that dreaded list #2.

I hope that this piece opens some eyes to the fact that everyone needs to be in the same boat and paddling in the same direction. If not, you will be left on the shore or worse yet if you follow in the wrong direction, you might wind up in a creek that shall remain nameless, without a paddle.

To be fair, all I ask is to be fair to all players involved, do not become dismissive. The key is to understand and then decide, not the other way around. That way you can make a really informed decision.

Let's be ready for the negotiations of 2011. Let's not give excuses not to get involved and fail. Rather, let's find reasons to get involved and succeed. Our way of life is on the line. If we wait for the last minute we will accomplish nothing. We will be saying I should have done this or I could have done that. We have just over one year to get ourselves ready, involved and knowledgeable. Don't be the person wondering if they could have done more. It's your life - protect it! The time to start is now because when it comes to something of this magnitude you don't want any surprises.

Thank you for lending me some of your precious time. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

I still hear, "I am not going to help management. I hate management." My answer is, "I'd rather work with someone I hate than be on the unemployment line with someone I love." I also hear, "What is the Union doing about it? Why can't they help?" Remember President John Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." I'm telling you to stop asking what the Union can do for you. Ask what you can do for your Union. Remember, you are one of those who make up the Union, each and every member. The time to get off the sidelines and into the game is now. Just being a Union member is not enough anymore.

Orlando Gonzalez, our Editor and chief Customer Connect Coordinator said, "We are not looking for a carrier to do something great. We need carriers to do something good, and together we will achieve greatness."

We can achieve greatness one lead at a time. What can you do for your Union? Get a lead.

The current letter carrier community must find a way to maintain respect and honor those that laid the groundwork for all we have. We must also look at their incredible accomplishments and use it to let everyone know that together anything is possible. I feel an enormous amount of gratitude for these men and women who put themselves on the line to give me all I have today. In Vinny's speech he simply said, "If you have a strike veteran in your station or in your family or if you know one, just walk up to him or her and say thank you." As easy as this is to do, I would like all of us to do one more thing. I would like the current generation to really consider what our legacy will be. The great history that these men and women made for us will never be surpassed. But a lesson that can be learned here is that whatever the future holds for us, we can get through it together. Many believe that they have to do something great to be noticed. I believe that if everyone does something good then no one person has to do something great and together we will all be noticed. After listening to all the veterans who spoke, I realized something else. I realized that what I saw in them was changing. In their frailty I saw stature, in their gray hair I saw experience, and lastly in their age I saw our history.

For those of us that will be blessed enough to reach our golden years, we must really consider what our legacy will be, because before you know it the next generation will be pointing their fingers at us and whispering, "Who's the old guy?"

* Thank you to all my brothers and sisters for spending some time with me. Please forgive and allow my use of literary license to refer to my sisters in unionism as "guys". THANK YOU to all that took part in the wildcat strike in March, 1970. Happy 40th anniversary.