Postal worker Daniel Kistka celebrates 50 years
The Postal Service® has experienced a lot of changes in the last half century including the introduction of ZIP Code™ and Express Mail® service . At the Jackson, MI Post Office™ one thing that hasn’t changed is the friendly presence of Registry Clerk Daniel Kistka, who celebrated 50 years as a Federal employee combining his service from USPS® and the United States Air Force. “This job has been good to me,” said Kistka. “I take pride in my work and wouldn’t change a thing.”
When he started as a collection letter carrier in 1966, Kistka earned $2.65 an hour before he was drafted and served in Vietnam with the Air Force. “I served exactly three years, 10 months and 19 days in the service,” he recalled. “About one year was in Vietnam before I was transferred to the Philippines.”
Serving in no other military conflicts, Kistka returned to work at the Postal Service™ as a window clerk. Preferring the night shift, however, he requested to change positions and was a mail processing clerk for almost 20 years. For the last 30 years, he has worked as the Registry Clerk in his office.
Kistka takes special pride in working in the registry section because of the responsibility of ensuring that accountable mail (such as C.O.D, Certified Mail®, Registered Mail™, and Priority Mail Express®) is processed for delivery. “I’ve spent a lot of good years in the registry area keeping mail secure,” says Kistka. “I’ve got the best job. I won’t hesitate to help wherever I am needed to help sort mail and scan parcels.”
In a special ceremony at the Jackson Post Office, Kistka was presented with a 50-year pin by District Manager Lee Thompson, Postmaster Cheryl Bell, and Post Office Operations Manager Stephanie Brantly. Also celebrating with Kistka were coworkers, his wife of 40 years, Mary, two of his four daughters, and two of his seven grandchildren. “Family is important to me,” he beamed. “My wife never complained when I had to work late with long hours. I never had to use an alarm clock because she always made sure I got up in time for work.”
“My father told me you’ll never be rich with money, but nothing can compare to the richness of family,” says Kistka. “If you do your job, the Post Office will take care of you. It’s a great way to make a living and take care of your family.”