— Denver Man, Retired Postal Employee Addresses the Popular Phrase —
In his memoir, Garland Lewis Sr talks about the many atrocities he faced while employed with the postal service, including having the police point guns at him and being falsely arrested.
Denver, CO — When mass shootings happen in the workplace, schools and public settings, the world is left in pain, often wondering why. Although meaningful answers can remain elusive, Garland D. Lewis, Sr. shares some insight in his 326-page memoir, The Truth Behind Going Postal: Surviving the Torture in the United States Postal Service.As a young disabled veteran returning from the war in Vietnam, Garland brought his aspirations for a better life and his personal sense of character and integrity to his first position at the United States Postal Service in Denver, Colorado in May 1980, beginning what would become a 33-year career. But Lewis’s plan was undermined by the realities of the institutional dysfunctions and unusual stress of the U.S. Postal Service work environment.
His career path took him through a maze of harsh retributions, intimidation, fear and threats – but Lewis had an abiding belief in justice, so he fought back. In the end he needed a civil attorney, a team of criminal attorneys, a bail bondsman, an employment specialist, the Postal Workers Union, marriage counseling, group therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous and his buddies at the gym to maintain his job and well-being.
In the process he came to understand why the phrase “going postal” has become associated with the U.S. Postal Service, and is more than just a cliché. Lewis’ story shines a light on American society as a whole – with all its pressures, social conflicts and emotional landmines – and is relevant to the myriad of questions that arise when so many people seem to be “going postal.”
Fellow veterans and retired postal workers who have read Lewis’ self-published memoir, in paperback and on Kindle, have reached out to him with gratitude for sharing his experiences. “I wouldn’t wish my experiences on my worst enemy, but it’s validating to know that I’m not alone in what I endured. I’m hopeful that more people will share their experience so that in some way we can find solutions in the workplace that are humane and less disruptive to our individual lives and spirit.”
Since the book was published on Oct. 27, 2017, Lewis has been speaking to veteran support groups in Denver about how to survive in a hostile work environment while experiencing a number of issues and disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder. To learn more about his memoir, visit www.thetruthbehindgoingpostal.com or email thetruthgdl@gmail.com
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Angelia McGowan
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