[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S6047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO POSTMASTER SHAUNA D. ANDREWS

 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today I want to recognize and honor 
Postmaster Shauna D. Andrews, of Hereford, OR, for her exceptional 
service to her customers and dedication to her neighbors.
  Located in eastern Oregon, Hereford is a highly rural, unincorporated 
community in Baker County. Although Hereford is unincorporated it has a 
post office that serves approximately 100 postal patrons. Like many 
rural postmasters, Shauna knows her customers well and connects with 
them on a regular basis; especially older folks who don't have access 
to the Internet, cell phones, and other conveniences that are driving 
down the traditional use of post offices. In Hereford, the post office 
is a place where people send and receive packages, including mail order 
prescriptions and vote by mail.
  Over the years, Shauna, who is also a first responder, has 
demonstrated a strong commitment to the folks she considers customers 
and neighbors. During the week of September 19, 2011, she became 
concerned when an 85-year-old patron who lives alone on a rural route 
failed to collect her mail. After 2 days, she grew worried and decided 
to go to the patron's home. When Shauna and her 19-year-old son arrived 
at the patron's house, they discovered the woman lying incapacitated on 
the floor. Shauna immediately called Baker City for transport to the 
nearest hospital, located 38 miles from Hereford. As of last week, the 
patron remained in the hospital in Baker City. It is more than a 
possibility that by taking the time to check on her postal patron, 
Shauna saved this woman's life.
  Shauna has displayed exceptional service and dedication to her 
customers and neighbors. The Hereford Post Office is on the national 
closure study list and as we address the future of the Postal Service, 
it is absolutely imperative that we examine the function of post 
offices in rural communities. As Shauna has demonstrated, many rural 
postmasters know their customers well and having a post office is 
central to a town's identity and vitality.
  I recognize Shauna Andrews for her exceptional service to the 
community of Hereford. Her example is one from which we can all 
learn.

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