Joint Task Force Guantanamo Post Office Prepares for the Holidays

Photo By Marcos Hernandez | Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ricardo Berenguer, logistic specialist with the Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion, sorts mail as part of routine mail processing in the Camp America Post Office at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Nov. 23. On average, the Camp America Post Office cycles through 2,500 pounds of mail weekly during peak seasons such as the holidays.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

12.04.2009

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Marcos Hernandez 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — The holiday season is the busiest time of year for the U.S. Postal Service. The Camp America Post Office at Joint Task Force Guantanamo is not an exception to this rule. Service members are sending out boxes, cards and souvenirs as well as receiving homemade cookies and gifts.

"We prepare by making sure we have enough supplies such as boxes, labels, tape, stamps and money orders to enable us to support the mission," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Tyrone Henderson, a postal clerk.

On average, the Camp America Post Office cycles through 2,500 pounds of mail weekly during peak seasons such as this one. To advise their customers of an approximate delivery date, mailing dates are posted on the shop's bulletin board containing the recommended deadlines to ensure delivery of mail by the holiday date.

"I recommend people take the time to read the holiday season mailing list deadlines posted in the shop," said Henderson. The main concern for customers is likely to be the mailing of parcel post packages which is known to take a much longer time to reach recipients than letters. When mailing from U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to the U.S., customers sending first class letters, cards and priority mail should have these sent out by Dec. 4, 2009.

In addition to mailing items on time, there are a few things service members can do to send their mail more efficiently. A plain box is the best for shipping items. If the box has other markings, be sure to darken them out and make sure the addresses for both sender and recipient are legible.

"My advice is to know what you want," said Navy Seaman Jordan Grainger, a logistics specialist. "For example, if the customer is interested in insuring their mail, then it's a good idea to stop by and pick up all the forms needed. That way, with everything pre-filled upon arrival, half the battle is won."

For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site at www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.

• Date Taken: 12.04.2009
• Date Posted: 12.07.2009 09:51
• Story ID: 42401
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU