[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E82]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING STEPHEN J. HAWKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen J. 
Hawkins, retiring Postmaster of Fresno, California. He has announced 
his retirement after serving the public for more than 35 years with the 
United States Postal Service.
  Stephen arrived in Fresno with an extensive background of successful 
postal experience in San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles prior to 
taking the oath of office in Fresno. Since arriving in Fresno, he has 
dedicated himself to improving customer satisfaction and serving the 
community members in numerous ways.
  As the population of Fresno grew, Stephen was instrumental in 
increasing the number of postal stations by opening Post Office 
Express, Cedar Station, Blythe Station, Sunnyside Station, and Ashlan 
Park Station. From 1994 through 1999 he served as Chairman of the 
Fresno/Madera County Combined Federal Campaign where he helped raise 
over $500,000 for local charities. He has also served on the Board of 
Directors of Fresno United Way and as President of the Federal 
Executive Association. Stephen has actively motivated postal employees 
to volunteer and contribute in the community with teams in events like 
the Juvenile Diabetes Walk and the American Cancer Society Run, which 
help raise money locally for worthy causes.
  Mr. Hawkins has hosted several stamp release events, including the 
Breast Cancer Stamp, the Honoring Those Who Served Stamp, the Hospice 
Stamp, and the Adoption Stamp. He has also sponsored the Youth for Art 
artists, whose paintings are still located in the lobby of the Main 
Office Station. Stephen has worked with the Sister Cities Organization 
and made a presentation and tour of the Fresno Postal Facilities to our 
sister city from China. Mr. Hawkins has received national recognition 
by becoming the only Postmaster in the United States to be presented 
the prestigious Benjamin Award for outstanding communications and 
community outreach accomplishments four years in a row.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Postmaster Stephen J. Hawkins for 
his numerous contributions to his community. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in wishing Postmaster Hawkins many more years of continued 
success.

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