HELLO TENNESSEE!
To paraphrase a Rolling Stones song from the late 1960s, "please allow me to introduce myself". My name is Larry Minniear. I have recently retired from the postmaster ranks and relocated to Chattanooga, TN with my wife, Janet. Some of you more seasoned Tennessee Leaguers may have heard of me from years gone by. I was involved when Dot Bridges was making her climb in the League.
I retired in March with 34 years of government service (30.5 in USPS; 3.5 in VA). It has been quite a ride these past 30+ years. I have seen numerous changes as have many of you who have been around that long or longer. Some changes have been my own doing as I have moved several times in my home state of Illinois and three times since 1993 for out of state promotions. I have served as PM/OIC in all levels 13-24. I was also a MPOO in Pittsburgh and Missouri for 10 years. During that time I was not around the League much. You can ask the Leaguers in those areas how I was as MPOO. Comparing myself with the MPOOs of today (especially MPOO-Bs) I think I treated PMs pretty well.
I will try and contribute to your newsletter on a somewhat regular basis. Now that I can really speak my mind, it might make for interesting reading.
Some folks have asked why I retired to Tennessee. The answer is simple. If you have never been here. You only need a short visit to answer. If you live anywhere near this area, then you already know the answer. They do not call this the "scenic city" for nothing. Beautiful scenery, reasonable cost of living, and best of all very friendly people make for a retirement package that is hard to beat.
I regret not making Las Vegas this year, but I look forward to meeting many of you next June when Chattanooga hosts the 5 state convention. It promises to be a great event. Til next time!
Larry Minniear
RETIREES CORNER
