BARRIGADA – In the spirit of Liberation Day, the U.S. Postal Service recently recognized one of its Guam mail carriers for his exemplary sacrifice and service to the community, including once rescuing a lost toddler.

Barrigada Mail Carrier James Chong has delivered mail and served as a leader within the Guam postal family for more than three decades.

“James is committed to providing excellent service to the customers on his route,” said Guam Postmaster Tammy Schoenen. “He comes to work every day with a smile on his face, a positive attitude and a true respect for the responsibilities of his job.”

Chong began his postal career as a mail carrier in March 1994 and has reliably, cheerfully and efficiently served the customers on his current mail delivery route in Yona and Talo’fo’fo for the past 17 years.

“I joined the Postal Service because of its retirement and other benefits,’ said Chong. “But I quickly gained a respect for all of the behind-the-scenes efforts of my fellow employees and developed a sense of pride in the important role that I played in the lives of my customers, especially those with limited abilities to travel to the post office.”

Over the course of three decades Chong has encountered and overcome many challenges, including high winds, rain, flooded streets and extreme heat. He always finds a way to deliver the mail.

But his most memorable delivery didn’t involve mail or packages.

While out on his route some years ago he noticed a toddler running towards the highway while being chased by a pack of stray dogs. “I quickly stopped my vehicle, ran to her and pulled her away from the dogs,” said Chong. “She was crying hysterically and calling out for her mother. I comforted her, assuring her that she was safe, then asked her where her house was. But she didn’t know.

“I called my supervisor for assistance and when she arrived she transported the child to the local mayor’s office. Police then arrived on the scene, intending to conduct a door-to-door search for the child’s house. But by that time the child’s mother and her neighbors were out in the neighborhood looking for her. The child was then quickly reunited with her grateful mother.

“The incident shook me because at the time it occurred I had two toddlers myself. As soon as my workday was done I went home and reminded my children not to leave the house without mom or dad and ensured that they knew our address and phone numbers.

“I care for my customers like they’re my own family and friends.”

Chong was born and raised on Guam and attended Juan Q. San Miguel Elementary School, Untalan Middle School, George Washington High School and Guam Community College. He and his wife Salamea have two daughters and two grandchildren. His hobbies include spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, exploring, and off-roading.

“James and his fellow Guam postal employees make me proud because they are proud to perform their duties and to keep our operations running like a well-oiled machine,” Schoenen said. “I couldn’t ask for a better workforce!”

Note to media: James Chong and Tammy Schoenen are available for interviews related to the above story. Also, high-resolution versions of the images above of Chong are available upon request. Please submit your requests to duke.gonzales@usps.gov

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