Most of us understand that no matter if it's rain, sleet, snow or hail, the United States Postal Service always delivers.
One of the most dedicated employee's at the U.S. Post Service is Lee Bailey. Mr. Bailey has worked through every imaginable weather element in Atlanta, GA during his last 30 years of service, but you can add 911, wars, political conflicts, booming economies, recessions and now coronairus to his resume. Somehow, no matter the situation brewing nationally in America, he finds a way to deliver mail to businesses and individuals with his refreshing attitude, joyful spirit and positive outlook. The hours are long for some USPS workers starting their day at 4 a.m. and having to work Monday through Sunday, but that is part of the job.
Even though it has not been easy for Mr Bailey, his dream after serving his country in the United States Navy was to work for the U.S. Postal Service. His career in the Navy gave him valuable life lessons about respect, discipline and overcoming adversity. These exceptional traits taught him first hand about difficult situations and how to take care of others.
Cornovirus has been a significant national challenge and something that we have not experienced since 1918 and 1919 when the Spanish Flu infected 500 million people. Mr Bailey maintains, “We will get through the Coronavirus, but people need to stay in their homes and let the experts slow it down and find a cure. The only way to slow the outbreak is if we abide by the rules. It just takes a little sacrifice and things will eventually get back to normal. America has made sacrifices in the past and we came back stronger. This adversity will make us better as a nation, but in the meantime, we have to be smart and do our part.”
Every single day, Mr Bailey takes great pride in putting on his United States Post Office uniform. Over his 30 years, he has delivered mail to thousands of Atlanta businesses and residents. Even though he does more with less, and has found a way to get around the difficulties coronavirus has thrown his way, he still manages to deliver letters, bills, packages, medicines and other business essentials. What is amazing about this special postal worker, he does not consider himself a hero, just an ordinary guy providing a service to America.
It is hard to imagine dealing with so much anxiety with such a level head, but if you know Lee Bailey, you know he has a delightful and easy going personality, the kind that works extremely well under pressure. On occasion, getting sick crosses his mind, but he has done a remarkable job taking precautions by wearing his mask and gloves while striving to always keep his 6 foot social distancing in order. The hardest part of the coronavirus for Mr Bailey has been trying to ensure his family stays healthy and that he does not bring the disease home. He loves his family, children and grandchildren dearly, and making distancing adjustments for their safety has been difficult.
By beginning his career in the Navy and now serving with the US Post Office, Mr Bailey summed his career service up succinctly when he said, “I've seen firsthand that we are the greatest country in the world. I pray that I can continue to stay healthy because the good citizens of Atlanta are counting on me. I believe in America and know we will get through this setback.”