(USPS Press Release) Today in a ceremony at the Pentagon, Secretary of the Army, Frances J. Harvey, honored the U.S. Postal Service for being one of the nation’s largest employers of men and women who served in the Army, National Guard and Army Reserve. Secretary Harvey presented Postmaster General John E. Potter with a special “Freedom Team Salute” pin to recognize this achievement.The Freedom Team Salute program was designed to give people and organizations an opportunity to honor U.S. Army veterans. It also provides soldiers an opportunity to recognize their parents and spouses for the support and strength they provide, and, it gives Reserve and National Guard soldiers the ability to honor their employers.

Over 185,000 — or nearly a quarter of the Postal Service’s 700,000 employees — come from a military background, and the majority served in the Army. Nearly 1,900 employees are currently serving in the National Guard, nearly 4,800 are currently in the Army Reserve and more than 4,000 current postal employees are retired Army veterans.

“We at the Postal Service deeply appreciate the men and women who have volunteered to serve as members of the Army and their families who support them,” said Postmaster General John E. Potter. “They proudly protect the ideals that have made this country great.”

The Secretary of the Army, along with Postmaster General Potter, recognized three employees who were chosen to represent the thousands of Postal employees from across the country who have served in the U.S. Army.

Human Resource Specialist, Beverly Adams, was honored for the support and encouragement she has given her daughter, Staff Sgt. Ashley Adams, who is currently on active duty with the 82nd Medical Battalion in Baghdad, Iraq. Acting Manager, Community Relations Toni DeLancey was honored for her support and devotion to her husband, Lt. Col. Douglas DeLancey, Battalion Commander of The Old Guard. Administrative Service Supervisor, Cordell Riddick, was honored for his support and dedication as a Army veteran.

Freedom Team Salute Ceremonies can be held in your community. For additional information or to nominate someone, go to: http://www.freedomteamsalute.com/. Interviews with postal-employed Army veterans, Guardsman or Reserve Soldiers can be arranged in your area. Please contact Lauren Sposato at +1-202-268-8524 for additional information.

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The Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government – FY 2004 - The chart below was included in an OPM report earlier this year.