First class farewell

If you’ve mailed anything on base in the last 16 years, Frank Dobry probably helped send your package on its way, single-handedly keeping the mail flowing at the center here located near the base gas station. Mr. Dobry has worked with the U.S. Post Office for more than four decades and came to Tinker in 1994. Through holiday rushes and years on the job, he says he learned patience is the key. The quiet, smiling man behind the counter retired at the end of January, and plans to travel America with his wife and grandson and attend NASCAR races in several states. As word of his pending retirement spread, customers came with best wishes, hugs, coins, a hand-made mini aircraft chalk coin-holder and a large sheet cake beside his station that he shared with his customers. Asked if he’ll miss the convenience of working in a post office when holiday mail time rolls around this year, he grins and says he’ll miss it but it won’t be a problem, he always mails two weeks ahead of time anyway. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)