MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- The convenience of a fully operational air station post office will be available to Cherry Point military families next week.
The air station’s post office, located in building 153 on 2nd Ave. next to the chapel, reopened its doors for military mail, Jan. 20.
The post office will be fully operational Monday and will allow military families to send personal mail and packages, and purchase postal stamps and money orders from the renovated post office.
The 5-month renovation project was aimed at eliminating health hazards in the building.
Cpl. Evens A. Charles, a postal clerk and noncommissioned officer in charge of operations with the post office, said the convenience of the newly renovated building was well worth the five-month wait.
“At the old location near the Cherry Tree House, we would have to wait every morning for the trucks to bring the mail,” Charles said. “They have the keys to the new location, so when we get there in the morning the mail is waiting for us.”
Gunnery Sgt. Regina J. Waymon, postal chief for the post office, said the time saved not waiting for the trucks is a huge benefit for the squadrons aboard the air station.
“We will be able to get the mail out to units sooner because our preparation is done sooner,’” Waymon added.
Waymon also said the post office boxes for Cherry Point housing residents are now open and military families may resume picking up their mail.
According to Charles, the next step in fully reopening will include the front section, civilian-run U.S. Postal Service portion.
Charles said the opening of the civilian portion of the post office will alleviate problems Marines were facing with having to leave the air station to send personal mail.
“Not everyone can change over to civilian clothing during the day in order to leave the air station to go to the Havelock post office,” Charles said.
According to Waymon, the renovations included taking out asbestos in the ceilings and removing lead paint. Both asbestos and lead paint posed potential health risks for post office workers and patrons.
“The inside of the building looks outstanding,” Waymon said about the improvements. “We are so happy to be back in the building.”
Charles said the new look does something for the post office Marines.
“The building feels brand new,” Charles said. “It really boosts morale to be in such a nice building and gives us something to look forward to in the morning on the way to work.”