[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E183]]


                        TRIBUTE TO LINDY WINSTON

                                 ______


                          HON. MARTIN R. HOKE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 1996

  Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a man from my district 
who personifies the American work ethic and the American spirit. Lindy 
Winston just retired after 41 years as a postal carrier. The outpouring 
of affection for this man from those who know him is truly 
inspirational and is a testament to his lifetime of community service.
  The son of a coal miner in Boomer, WV, Lindy Winston learned early 
that life would not be easy. After losing his father to black lung and 
then losing his job when the coal mine closed, Lindy moved to Cleveland 
to look for a new job. ``I came to Cleveland on a wing and a prayer,'' 
he said. His prayers were soon answered.
  Once in Cleveland, Lindy took a job at Thompson Products--now TRW, 
and in December 1954 he strapped an Uncle Sam mailbag onto his back and 
began his new career. ``On my first day as a mail man there was a cold 
rain,'' he said, ``my clothes were frozen stiff.''
  So 41 years and 50,000 miles later he walked his last route. At his 
last delivery--and this was a day when the temperature was below zero, 
Mr. Speaker--he was met by a group of friends, family, children, and 
officials who held a rally in his honor. You see, Mr. Speaker, Lindy 
Winston was not your ordinary mailman. He was a mailman who delivered 
more than the mail every time he walked up your drive.
  Looking back Winston states, ``I never wanted to be just a mailman. 
It's more than just putting letters in a box. I wanted to be an 
ambassador. I've seen kids grow up, go to college. I've gone to their 
funerals. I've been their psychologist, their doctor, their lawyer.''
  One individual had told me that Winston, who was also a pastor in his 
church, ``was a preacher and we became his congregation.'' Here's what 
some of the other members of his congregation had to say about him: 
``He's like one of the family.'' ``He walks on water.'' ``I hug him 
every time I see him, he wears Old Spice.''
  Lindy can look forward to enjoying his retirement with his wife 
Carolyn, his childhood sweetheart who he met at age 12, and his family. 
But, there are those who find it hard to let Lindy go, especially the 
children on his route who will sadly miss their friend with the mailbag 
who fixed their bikes, untangled kites, played catch, and brought them 
presents.
  Mr. Speaker, at a time when our newspapers are filled with stories 
about scandal and crime, and when role models for our young people are 
harder to find, I think it is important to take time out here in the 
Congress to recognize those in our community who are true role models 
and who represent what is best about our country. Lindy Winston is just 
such a person.
  Lindy, on behalf of the hard working and compassionate people of this 
country I applaud you. Your love for the people in your community and 
the quality of service that you provided the residents of West Park, 
OH, can serve as an example to all of us of the good one man can do.

                          ____________________