July 12, 2012
During my first year as NAPUS president, Sharon and I faced the worst blizzard in more than 150 years; many of you may recall Sharon shoveled a lot of snow. I even bought her a brand-new red snow shovel, which hasn’t been used since. During my second year, we experienced an earthquake. The last time an earthquake that strong was felt in Virginia was in the late 1800s. To top it off, we also had a hurricane the same week.
Well, just as in the past, when we thought we had seen it all, last week, we were experiencing a heat wave that began the previous week, breaking records for the hottest day ever in June, 104 degrees, and most consecutive days at 95 degrees or higher—11. We came within one degree of matching the hottest day ever: 106 degrees set in 1918 and 1930. The heat index makes 105 feel like 110 degrees. And to top it all off, on Friday, June 29, we had a storm roll in and tear off part of the roof on the Credit Union side of the National Office.
The first round of Postmaster positions have been posted district-wide and awarded to Postmasters only. At this time, more than 4,400 Postmasters have chosen to retire. We have been told the vast majority will leave on July 31; they will receive $20,000 over a two-year period.
The second round of postings for Postmaster positions—Postmasters only—will be scheduled after the July 31 retirement date. This posting will be nationwide and will include Level-18-and-above vacancies resulting from the VER.
NAPUS continues to consult with Postal Headquarters at the national level to ensure all incumbent Postmasters have landing spots. We also are working with Headquarters on the areas of responsibilities for RMPOs and APOs. I have appointed John DeWitt, president of the Arkansas Chapter, to be the NAPUS representative on this team. John is here, in DC, attending meetings. Along with accountability and responsibility, the team also will address training, transportation and staffing issues.
As we move forward into the POStPlan era, you can do your part and take control of your future by paying attention to the events occurring around you, becoming actively involved with NAPUS, keeping your congressional leaders informed and visiting the NAPUS website often for factual, up-to-date information.
Have a great weekend.
Bob Rapoza
NAPUS National President