HAZELWOOD, MO — Cheryl Benford took the official Oath of Office today as the 12th Postmaster, Hazelwood, MO.

Benford was appointed Postmaster, Hazelwood, on January 9, 2016.  She is the third woman to earn this distinction since the Post Office was established in 1904 when rural free delivery was first established in the Anglum, MO Post Office. The office became the Robertson Post Office in 1929 before becoming the Hazelwood Post Office in 1958.

Manager, Post Office Operations Nancy Theobald administered the historic Oath of Office in the lobby Hazelwood Carrier Annex located at 5750 Phantom Dr.  Standing at Benford’s side were her parents Bobby and Clarice Campbell. Benford rested her left hand on a Bible held by her mother Clarice as she recited the official oath all postmasters receive upon taking office.

Benford said, “The Postal Service has a proud tradition of serving the American public. I feel privileged to serve the community as Postmaster.”

National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 5487 President Kyle Turner; USPS District Manager of the Gateway District Charles Miller, Brian Goldman from the NW Chamber of Commerce and Rev. Dr. F.J. Clark, Shalom Church City of Peace stepped to the lectern to offer remarks and congratulations to the new postmaster.

As Hazelwood Postmaster, Benford has administrative authority and operational oversight for the collection and delivery of mail to over 27,000 addresses in the 63042, 63043, 63044, 63045 ZIP Code areas. Her area of responsibility includes four stations and branches and 120 employees.

Benford began her career with the Postal Service in 1985 in St. Louis where she worked her way through positions of increasing responsibility.  The most recent position she held was Manager, Customer Service in Dallas, TX.

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