As I reflect on how I became involved with the NAPUS National Postmaster Representation Committee, I look back with fondness to a great friend of Postmasters and my mentor, the late, emeritus Ed Clarke, national PM rep from Pennsylvania. I began advocacy work back in the early 80s with the National Association of Postal Supervisors, taught by a great group of labor relations specialists, Charle Scialla and Associates. Shortly after becoming a Postmaster, I was selected to be one of our state's first local Postmaster reps, and shortly thereafter, moved on to become a national PM rep.

I am reminded of the many hours spent talking with Ed Clarke about the local, state cases and how he would go about settling them in his own subtle ways. He always was a perfect gentleman, never raised his voice, stayed calm throughout the entire process from investigation to settlement and always fought hard for the underdog — the Postmaster in trouble.

He had a way of winning cases with this gentle demeanor. Ed always had a smile to begin the challenging negotiation process with the upper echelon of officials with whom we must all deal. After thoroughly investigating the Postmaster in trouble, and not always hearing the entire truth about the case, he would begin his own investigation into the facts and circumstances. Often, we would talk about new programs, ever-changing rules and regulations and the latest technology on the market, changing and shaping the way we operate our offices and do business today.

After completing his investigation of the facts, he would schedule a meeting with officials and tell me, with a smile, this was a tough case he was appealing and he was going in with his hat in his hand. He always believed in the Postmaster and would find some way to bring out the good in all of those he vigorously represented.

I believe most, if not all, Postmaster reps have adopted some quality from Ed's character and personality over the years. We have learned at meetings with him never to give up, believe in the truth, treat everyone with dignity and respect and it will or should be returned a hundred-fold.

When the chips are down and the days seem dim, believe in the cause and fight for the underdog. A goal I have set is to one day be half the Postmaster rep Ed was, as his legacy lives on in those of us he inspired and coached. He truly believed in the phrase, "dignity and respect".

Wouldn't it be great if everyone did?