[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 20, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRIAN WAGNER

  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, the U.S. Postal Service always provides 
outstanding service during every election, but 2020 was something 
unseen in more than a century. Last year, USPS had to manage processing 
nearly 66 million ballots, countless safety concerns, and a hostile 
administration. And as expected, it met these challenges with 
incredible efforts and determination. A big part of that strength came 
from the National Association of Postal Supervisors, or NAPS. What 
started as 50 postal supervisors dedicating themselves to helping their 
fellow supervisors more than a century ago has become a critical force 
during our election. They have kept our Nation connected through the 
mail, and in 2020, they helped keep us connected to our democracy.
  With a membership of 27,000, NAPS local ballot ambassadors helped 
postal leadership process millions of ballots during this pivotal 
election. Leading the effort was NAPS national president Brian Wagner. 
I am grateful for his leadership and service. He has served in NAPS for 
more than 25 years, and in August, he will be retiring from his 
position. I would like to share his amazing story with you.
  Brian was a paperboy while growing up in Peoria, IL. Right out of 
high school, he joined the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier. It 
was a perfect fit; Brian just enjoys people. He loves connecting with 
his neighbors and naturally made friends all along his route. A 
lifelong lover of ice cream, Brian was happy to have The Spotted Cow 
ice cream shop on his route as well. Brian even met his wife Carol when 
he was a letter carrier. Carol ran the mailroom of a business on 
Brian's route.
  While working as a letter carrier, Brian worked hard on his formal 
education. He earned an associate's degree in business from Illinois 
Central Junior College, a bachelor's degree in finance from Illinois 
State University, and an MBA from Illinois State, all while still 
completing his route every day. Brian and Carol married after he 
graduated.
  In 1990, Brian joined NAPS. He joined NAPS because be knew that being 
a postal worker was a wonderful job with benefits that were worth 
fighting to keep. Others deserved to have the same opportunities he 
had. He began representing NAPS members in 1994 when members elected 
him president of the Heart of IL Branch 255. Throughout the years, he 
has served as NAPS secretary/treasurer, central region vice president, 
and NAPS Illinois State area vice president.
  In August 2016, Brian was elected NAPS national president and has 
been a consistent fighter for postal supervisors. His dedication to 
NAPS is incredible. Brian even celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary 
at a NAPS convention. He has been in their corner through these 
especially tough times in the last several years.
  This summer, Brian will retire from his role. He will have more time 
to travel, practice for his marathons, and watch his beloved St. Louis 
Cardinals play baseball. In addition, he will be able to spend time 
with his sons Justin and Ryan and dote on his new grandchild. I have 
heard Idaho and Hawaii are on the docket for travel plans. I hope he 
will also find time to enjoy his favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream 
at The Spotted Cow.
  Wishing our best to one of our best.

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