Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Synopsis
Every military base has a postal service, but the relationship between the Postal Service Center staff and the personnel at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base deserves recognition. Employees with disabilities from Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona (CCS) work in the Postal Service Center on an AbilityOne® contract. Their success is built on understanding, respect, and unwavering support. As part of their partnership, the base developed support systems and recognition programs that improved both employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.
The Full Story
Mail has always been a critical tie to loved ones for our nation’s men and women in uniform. Employees with disabilities from Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona perform the mail operations at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. However, the interactions between the mailroom staff and the military personnel are more than just necessary transactions.
"The special relationship between our postal team and the base personnel is built on a clear understanding and mutual respect," Jessica Winchester, program manager, CCS, said.
Everyone who lives and works on the base welcomes, supports, and champions the employees at the Postal Service Center. The original mail services contract with the base started in 1999, and this partnership has been going strong ever since. In 2024, the postal team processed and delivered more than 30,000 packages and pieces of mail to service members across the base.
Quality is always a top priority for the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base team. Creating an environment where employees with disabilities can thrive and grow is also a primary focus. They celebrate employee milestones and embrace collaboration and teambuilding. The base also presents awards to postal employees when they go above and beyond in getting the job done. Winchester attributes much of their team's success to the postal manager on base, Johnny Badilla. She says he leads by example and is dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
"He takes the time to understand the unique strengths and challenges of each of our mail clerks, providing tailored feedback and encouragement," Winchester said. "This personalized approach has not only boosted our team's morale but also enhanced our overall performance."
This supportive environment contributes to employee loyalty, dependability, and excellence in the job. It is an award-winning combination. In 2025, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base received the Military Customer Award, which pays tribute to a military customer who has provided opportunities and support for the employment of people with disabilities through an AbilityOne® contract for products or services. Winchester said this award symbolizes the incredible achievements Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and CCS have accomplished together.
"It stands as a testament to the belief that nothing is impossible when we work collaboratively," Winchester said. "For other organizations and businesses, it represents the power of inclusion, respect, and the positive impact of supporting individuals with disabilities in the workforce."
