Longtime Shoemakersville letter carrier Robert Oswald was honored Friday morning for 40 years of dedicated service with the United States Postal Service. The celebration, held at the Shoemakersville Post Office on Franklin Street, brought together colleagues, friends, and community members to recognize Oswald’s four-decade career, including 37 years serving the Shoemakersville area.
During the ceremony, Acting Post Office Operations Manager Al Tariq Franklin presented Oswald with a plaque and praised his commitment, calling him a “model employee” and highlighting his Million Mile Award for more than 30 years of safe driving. “If we could give you a statue, we would,” Franklin said. “This gentleman has been here for 37 years… he’s a piece of the community.”
Franklin, who began his own career as a letter carrier in New Jersey, noted the importance of such milestones within the Postal Service. “We are a piece of the community. Anyone looking to start or finish their career here should take pride in the longevity and dedication of employees like Robert,” he said.
Officer in Charge Sheena Bissell also spoke, describing Oswald as “wonderful” to work with and expressing gratitude for his many years of service. “I just wanted to make a special day for him and celebrate him,” Bissell said.
Oswald, who began his postal career in 1985, reflected on the significance of the milestone. “It’s been a long time. It’s still gonna go on for a little while yet. I’m not retiring, but forty years is a long time,” he said, adding that while the early years felt slow, the last few have flown by.
Known for his strong relationships with customers, Oswald said the connections he made on his route, especially with children, were what kept him motivated through the years. “Some will come to the mailboxes and be looking for me, whether it be lollipops or Smarties,” he said. “That’s what kept me going over the years—the smiles.”
Throughout his career, Oswald has seen the community change and grow, watching children on his route grow up and start families of their own. After the presentation, he shared that his role as a letter carrier has involved much more than just delivering mail, from looking out for the well-being of residents to handling unexpected and sometimes dangerous situations with care.
Offering advice to those considering a career with the Postal Service, Oswald emphasized the importance of dedication. “You have to want to work hard. Learn your job, do it well, and care about your customers. And when you make a mistake, own up to it,” he said. “Do your job in an honorable way.”
Reflecting on the broader impact of Oswald’s service, Franklin said, “We are the most trusted federal agency because of the longevity and dedication of employees like Robert. These connections with the community are what make us more than just a business. We’re a service, and Robert is a great example of that.”
