The mail must go through

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Charles Smith
  • 48th Communications Squadron postmaster
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The RAF Lakenheath Post Office is preparing for the holiday's huge increase in mail volume that will occur through the first week of January.

During the 2009 holiday season, the Lakenheath Post Office processed more than 2,000,000 pounds of mail from November 15, 2009, through January 15, 2010. To support the intense mail volume increase during the holiday, the parcel pickup window will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Also, to allow the most opportunity for all parcels to be delivered, the parcel pickup window will be open December 24 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The postal finance section will also increase its hours, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To ensure gifts arrive by December 25, items must be mailed before December 17 for Express mail.

To help mail arrive at its destination on time, addresses should be clearly written on the box or use printed labels with the return address on the upper left-hand corner, with proper names in the "to" and "from" address. Custom forms must also list everything contained in the package. Generic terms such as gift or present cannot be used.

During the holiday season the post office always runs out of storage space. Check mail regularly, every two to three days or more if expecting packages. All packages that remain longer than 15 days will be returned to sender if a mail hold is not established. In the event of leave or temporary duty longer than 15 days, provide the post office with the dates to place mail on hold. Someone can also be appointed to pick up mail for personnel on leave or TDY. The appointee must be an authorized user of the APO.

Many people want to send gifts such as alcohol and meat products. These items are restricted and cannot be mailed through the military postal system.

The post office traditionally experiences rushes at opening, during lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at closing from 5 to 6 p.m. By avoiding these times, customers may have an easier time conducting their business quickly.