Team Kadena volunteers keep holiday mail moving Published Dec. 14, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Angelique Perez 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Kadena Post Office is requesting volunteers to keep the extra half million pounds of holiday mail moving smoothly. Every holiday season, the post office relies on 150 to 300 volunteers to help with the additional mail. Kadena's Assistant Postmaster, Tech. Sgt Brian Barlow, said without the volunteers, "there would be a lot of overtime for our staff and a large backlog in the post office." Volunteers get mail processing experience and learn how the system works. "We are very comparable to the United States Postal System in the states with some differences," said Sergeant Barlow. Volunteers work one hour shifts. There are currently about ten volunteers, but more people have been contacting the post office, offering to help this holiday season. Some volunteers said they schedule their time during the busiest times for the post office, such as lunch and after work. First Lt. Shawn Crowe, who volunteers from the 18th Communication Squadron, said, "Being a member of the 18th CS, I know the stress the holiday season can put on some of our squadron's Airmen. So donating some of my time to help alleviate stress in this work center is the least I can do." Staff Sgt. Bobbie Jones, who volunteered from the 353rd Operations Support Squadron last year, is back again. "I volunteer at the post office because I have the time and I enjoy helping out there. The people there are nice to work alongside and I enjoy being in a customer service position to help people." Sergeant Barlow said he is grateful for the volunteer support, adding that Kadena volunteers have "kept our mission to deliver the mail a herculean ongoing process." The Post Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Christmas Eve. Those interested in volunteering should contact 632-6516. To prevent mail backup, Kadena Post Office officials encourage patrons to check their mail frequently during the holiday season.