Action Line #80511-Postal service

  • Published
  • By Anonymous
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint:

I would like to raise concern with the Postal Service here in Turkey. I have been enlisted for some years now, and have been stationed all over the world to include the desert. Never once have I had such disappointments with the Postal Service as I do here. Let me be clear it is not the Airmen that work at the O.D.C; they have done a great job and are very professional.

I have had packages cut open, damaged by uncaring personal, and by rain. Not to mention several people have had all their contents stolen, removed, or confiscated. Gifts, my wife and I sent to the states, for birthdays or holidays have been opened, contents removed, or arrived in such horrible shape. It is a blessing when the package arrives here or from the states is one piece and all together.

Is it the Turks that violate our mail or is it happening in route? I do understand that our mail goes through security checks for our safety, but why a pair of board shorts, t-shirts, candy would be "confiscated" is beyond me.

Any insight you could provide would be most appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Response:

First I would like to thank you for recognizing the hard work and professionalism of the Incirlik ODC staff. Like almost all of our Airmen, they do their very best to get the job done and I'm sure they appreciate your words.

Packages and letters pass through many hands while traveling through the postal system. In general, mail handlers take pride in their work and do not mishandle mail but they do unfortunately and on rare occasion accidently lose, drop or expose packages to the elements. As for Turkish personnel, Turkish customs officials do not usually conduct inspections of our mail, however if they do the inspections are monitored by US postal personnel and affected packages are marked accordingly. When postal workers receive a damaged or opened package, they rewrap and properly endorse it before passing it along.

It is important to address packages correctly using "APO AE 09824" because mail that includes "Incirlik Air Base, Turkey" in the address is sometimes diverted to the Turkish mail system. While we have no control over the handling of mail that enters the Turkish system, this mail is usually returned to us for delivery. Also remember the sturdy packaging and clear labeling improves your chances of having a package arrive at the destination in one piece.

If you do receive a damaged/opened package, please notify the local Postmaster as they forward this information up their chain to monitor for trends. If the postal workers note numerous problems in one area, they may initiate an investigation to ensure the problem is not systemic.

Sorry you seem to be having so many difficulties. If you have additional questions regarding any aspect of our mail service please contact our postmaster at 676-3466 or 0533-742-8002.