From left, Bradenton Palma Sola Station Manager, Customer Services Johanna Tucker, Letter Carrier Woody
Brandon, Bradenton Postmaster Jon Musin, District Manager Stephen Hardin and Manager, Post Office Operations (J) Phil Fleener.
Bradenton Palma Sola Station Letter Carrier Willie "Woody" Brandon was celebrated on May 25th for achieving 50 years of service.
Woody started his career in the Post Office on October 4,1980 at Palma Sola Station, where he's worked his entire career. Prior to coming to USPS, he served nine years in the Air Force – as a Crew Chief on a C5 cargo aircraft and in Operations System Management.
He grew up in the Miami area and is still a Dolphins fan. However, he loves the Yankees when it comes to baseball. He is an avid bowler, surfer and loves karaoke.
Reminiscing about the early days of his postal career, Brandon said he worked out of Willys Quarter-ton Jeep until the LLVs came along. "DPS hadn't been developed so we had to case flats and then sequence them in order of delivery. Those were the days, and after a holiday the volume was ridiculous!" he laughed.
Brandon some he had the great privilege of working alongside the likes of Charlie Taxdal and Ralph Boyd for over forty years. "Charlie and I played on the Post Offices softball teams for about four years; Ralph and I played on the basketball team for at least two years. Tony Harper, another longtimer and I, were on the bowling team together several years ago."
Brandon has over 3,200 hours of sick leave and counting, “I come to work every day. If I’m on the schedule, I come to work. It’s important for the new employees to understand the importance of coming to work every day." he added.
"I've enjoyed the people who I have gotten to know over the years at this job. To me, the customer is always the most important thing.”
Brandon and his son, Brian, celebrate his father’s achievement.
