SANTA CLARA, CA — Richard Keppeler Jr. will follow a proud tradition dating back to 1851 when Fletcher Cooper was appointed the first Santa Clara Postmaster. On Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, at 10 a.m., Keppeler will raise his right hand to take the official oath of office at the Santa Clara Post Office, 1200 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara, CA 95050. The oath of office will be administered by Darrell Stoke, Manager of Post Office Operations, Bay-Valley District.

Keppeler began his U.S. Postal Service career in 1994 as a letter carrier in San Jose. He began his managerial career in 1998 as a graduate of the Associate Supervisor Program, a grueling 16-week management training course that prepared him for his first supervisor position at the Salinas Post Office. This was followed by managerial assignments in San Jose, CA, San Antonio, TX, and Soquel, CA. He served as the Seaside Postmaster prior to be appointed as the Santa Clara Postmaster.

“As the new Santa Clara Postmaster, it is an honor and privilege to be appointed to this important civic position,” said Keppeler. “As the son of a career Army veteran, and an Army veteran myself, my whole life has been about government service and duty. I’m proud to have served my community as a soldier and will continue to do so as a postmaster.”

Keppeler resides in Salinas, with his wife Mindy, and their daughter Teaghan, 3. He also has two sons, Jacob, 18, Benjamin, 15, who reside in San Antonio, TX. He enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his family.

As Santa Clara Postmaster, Keppeler oversees 178 employees who process and deliver daily mail volume of more than 210,000 pieces to 51,535 delivery points (addresses), 89 routes and 3,935 Post Office boxes, six days a week.

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