Background:
City Carrier Cecil Thomas has achieved an elite status: 50 years of Federal service. In recognition of passing this remarkable career milestone, the Postal Service will make a special presentation during a recognition ceremony at the Youngstown Boardman Post Office on Wednesday, May 25 at 8:00 a.m.

Born in Bremen, Georgia in 1942, Thomas was six years old when he moved with his parents to Youngstown. He is a 1959 graduate from South High School, an alumnus of Youngstown State University and was drafted into the Army in 1966. Following his honorable discharge in 1968, Thomas came to work for the Postal Service. He worked two years in Washington D.C. and then transferred to his hometown of Youngstown.

In 1968, Thomas made $2.95 an hour.

“That was good money back then,” said Thomas. “But when I was in D.C., the cost of living was so high I had to work two jobs to support my family. Some couples I knew had two jobs each – I found that to be overwhelming.” 

“When I first started, there were no mail delivery vehicles and mail was sorted manually,” said Thomas. “I would ride a bus to my route to deliver the mail. In those days, we would deliver in the morning, take a bus back to the office, reload and take a bus back out to deliver in the afternoon. Things have changed a lot over the years. The technological transitions that have taken place in the Postal Service are impressive. It is exciting to me.”

Thomas often goes out of his way for his customers, including occasional after-work shopping for those who are housebound.  He is an encourager at work, motivating coworkers to reach their potentials. One coworker went on to become a successful lawyer.

 “People here have a lot of talent and working here has been a rewarding experience,” said Thomas. “I am very happy in my job, happy with my coworkers and I love the people on my route.”

Thomas is an elder at the Mount Cavalry Pentecostal Church where he has been a member since 1958. He and his wife have four children, four grandchildren and currently reside in Canfield Township. He has no immediate retirement plans.  

# # #

Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm.

For reporters interested in speaking with a regional Postal Service public relations professional, please go to about.usps.com/news/media-contacts/usps-local-media-contacts.pdf.

Follow us on twitter.com/USPS and like us at facebook.com/USPS. For more information about the Postal Service, go to usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts.