Bill payment arrives in deployed Airman’s package

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dave Simons
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  The Elvis Presley song goes, “Return to Sender.” The song came true for a Lott, Texas, woman who attempted to pay a bill which was accidentally delivered to a forward-deployed location here.

Like millions of Americans, Mary Morris sent a bill payment via the U.S. Postal Service. Apparently, her payment fell into a care package which had accidentally broken open at a post office.

The box was being sent to Senior Airman Patrick Walsh. When postal workers repaired and repackaged Airman Walsh’s box, Ms. Morris’ payment was inadvertently included in the package.

Recognizing the importance of the errant payment, Airman Walsh went to local postal officials to get assistance in sending the payment to the rightful billing agent.

He also wrote a letter to Ms. Morris explaining the story of the payment that was “in the mail,” and advised her to notify her creditor about the mishap.

In his letter, he said, “I wanted you to know that I took the payment to our post office. They are remailing it. I thought you might want to contact the company. I hope it makes it this time.” In a postscript, Airman Walsh said, “Your letter made it all the way to Southwest Asia.”

Melba Parker, the sister of Mary Morris, sent a letter to Airman Walsh’s commander, Capt. Bruce Jenkins of the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron. In the letter she said, “This was very emotional -- that Airman Walsh took his time and effort to do what he did under the conditions and other (dangers) he and his fellow troops face each day.” She also said, “Thank you and all the troops for protecting our country.”

Captain Jenkins said he thought this was typical of Airman Walsh’s character.

“It touched me that someone was moved by one of our troops’ actions,” the captain said. “I was proud of Airman Walsh and the fact that he would take time from his hectic schedule, mail the payment to the rightful party, and then write a letter to Ms. Morris explaining the situation.”