Wolf Pack post office keeps families connected

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  For many, the upcoming holiday season means Christmas trees, decorations and gifts to exchange among friends and family. Despite being at a remote location away from loved ones, Kunsan's 3,000 service members can still galvanize a joyful holiday spirit - all thanks to the Military Postal Service Agency here on base. 

From Nov. 24 to Jan. 3, the Kunsan post office will be extending their parcel pickup window hours from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the finance window from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to accommodate shift workers, ensuring packages arrive to their destination in time for the holidays.

"We want to make sure everyone gets their packages sent and received because we know we're going to be flooded with shipments," said Willie Mims, 8th Communications Squadron postmaster. "This year our last shipment will be 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and we will be open until 8 p.m."

Airmen sending packages during the upcoming holidays can ensure Christmas delivery state-side by shipping no later than Dec. 3 at standard delivery rate; Dec. 10 at priority rate and Dec. 17 at express rate. In addition to extended hours, the post office will be sending holiday packages on an appointment-based system. Those sending more than five packages will need to schedule an appointment before 7 a.m.

"We're all away from our families," said Tech. Sgt. Kim Min, 8 CS NCO in charge of postal operations. "We're trying to provide the holiday spirit to all the Airmen at Kunsan because they can't be with their families. We try our hardest to make sure their gifts can get to their destination in time."

Mims suggests Airmen completely pre-fill forms and prepare packages before arriving at the post office to avoid waiting. Airmen can pre-calculate shipment prices by going to http://postcalc.usps.com/.

Although service members stationed in the Army/Air Post Office region pay domestic U.S. shipment prices, they are still required to follow specific guidelines.

The following are general prohibited items to send and receive: alcohol, perfume, prescription drugs, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and firearms.

For more information on sending restricted or prohibited items, call 800-ASK-USPS®. For more information on shipment prices or to schedule an appointment at the Kunsan post office, call DSN: 782-5514.