NEWPORT NEWS, VA - On Thursday, June 28, postal employees, customers and city officials will gather to recognize Newport News Letter Carrier William "Wash" Washington for his 50 years of government service.

A Newport News native, Washington spent four years in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed throughout the world. After returning to civilian life, he applied for a job with the Newport News Post Office as a Letter Carrier and was hired on June 23, 1961. After a year of delivering mail at several stations and handling mail collection runs throughout the city, Washington began delivering mail on Route 604 in the Hidenwood section of the city. Forty five years later, he is still on the same route, carrying mail door-to-door for approximately 300 addresses.

Washington has received a number of commendations throughout the years, among them the Million Miles Safe Driving citation for being accident-free. After 45 years on the same route, Washington, who says he loves his job and his customers, is now delivering mail to some of the grandchildren of the children he has seen grow up throughout the years.

Senior postal officials will present Washington with his 50-year service pin as part of the community celebration being staged at the Fellowship Hall of Grace United Methodist Church, 1209 Country Club Road. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m., and customers are welcomed to come by between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to share their memories with Washington and his personal and postal family.