786 FSS goes full send

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 786th Force Support Squadron have a morning briefing at the Northside Post Office on Ramstein Air Base, Nov. 9. The 786th Force Support Squadron works around the clock to ensure packages get delivered quickly and securely.

The 786th Force Support Squadron works around the clock to provide premier total force support and quality of life at Ramstein Air Base.

Additionally, the 786 FSS runs one of the largest postal offices in the Department of Defense. Sending out packages, official mail and regular mail for all Ramstein residents is just one of many things the squadron does.

“Throughout the holidays there is an influx in mail,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brieland Lanear, 786 FSS postmaster. “Loved ones back from the states are sending packages and people are also ordering much more while sending more packages back to the states.”

This year, 786 FSS upgraded several systems to improve email notifications individuals receive when packages are ready for pickup.

Lanear asks patrons to be patient while Airmen and volunteers work to make sure notifications are sent out properly to ensure members pick up their mail on time.

During this holiday season, 786 FSS is taking volunteers to help sort the expected upsurge of packages.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Troutman, 786th Force Support Squadron postal clerk, assists a customer at the Northside Post Office on Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 26. Members interested in volunteering can sign up on Appointment Plus. Every hour the 786 FSS receives during the holiday season is essential and will help expedite package delivery. 

“We rely heavily on our volunteer force throughout the holiday season to help us get through this surge of packages that comes with being the third largest post office in the Department of Defense,” said Lanear. “We are coming up on our holiday season so we just implore anyone that wants to come out and volunteer to do so.”

Volunteers can sign up to assist the post office on Ramstein’s web-based Appointment Plus tool.

“Every hour of help we get is essential to the mission, especially during the holiday season,” said Tech. Sgt. Darren Webster, 786 FSS postmaster.

Lastly, when ordering packages, patrons should keep in mind that nicotine products, supplements, pills, meat products, counterfeit goods, firearms, coffee, alcohol and home-based businesses are strictly forbidden and will be returned to the sender at their expense.

To become a volunteer, visit https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/9rm3mcns/ and select “Postal Services” under agency and “Volunteer (Holidays)(60min)” under base services. For more information on sending out packages please contact the 786 FSS at DSN: 480-7857.

U.S. Air Force Airman Regan Flatt, 786th Force Support Squadron postal clerk, scans packages at the Northside Post Office on Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 26. According to U.S. customs and border patrol, nicotine products, supplements, pills, meat products, counterfeit goods, firearms, coffee, alcohol and home-based business items are strictly forbidden and will be returned to the sender at their expense.