MADERA, CA — In 1984, Tetris dropped its first block, the world watched the longest game in Major League Baseball history and Javier Alcala’s father gave him the nudge ‘if you’re not going to school, go get a government job.’ And that’s exactly what Alcala did when he joined the ranks of the Postal Service.  Now, 38 years later, Madera Letter Carrier Javier Alcala will clock in for the very last time after over 3 decades of dedicated Postal Service.

He won’t leave without a party though. His friends and coworkers will gather to celebrate at the Madera Post Office, 201 S. D St., Madera, CA 93638 on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 8:15 a.m., to give him a proper send off.

Alcala started his postal career in December 1984 as a carrier at the San Leandro Post Office before transferring to the Madera Post Office in 1987 where he has served much of his career.

His appointed rounds have been marked by many achievements including his status as a Million Mile Driver. As a Million Mile Driver award recipient he has driven a million miles without even a fender-bender after logging more than a million miles delivering the mail. He has driven the equivalent of 40 times around the globe, all without leaving the city limits.

While the job itself was rewarding Alcala was also able to provide for his family through his career with the postal service. “I was able to buy a home and pay it off. I was able to help my two daughters with their college education,” said Alcala.

“I will miss my postal family. They are not just co-workers; they became like family members to me. We went through good times and some bad times,” said Alcala. One of his most memorable moments was a big party that was thrown for him when he received his U.S. citizenship in 1985.

Alcala is looking forward to spending his retirement travelling with his friends and family and plans to take an R.V. tour across the United States before venturing to Europe.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.

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