Rural Carrier Melissa Jackson of Forks recently has been recognized by the USPS for the achievement of attaining 1 million miles or 30 years of safe driving without a preventable incident.

Jackson was born and raised in Sequim where her parents owned Olympic Disposal. She graduated from Sequim High School in 1981.

Jackson started work with the United States Postal Service on Aug. 21, 1985, as Rural Carrier Associate providing coverage for Sequim’s career rural carriers. In 1994, she became career carrier and took over her own route in Sequim.

In 1998, she saw an opportunity and transferred to the Forks Post Office taking over Route 1.

During her career, she has covered at least 12 different routes and has gone through seven cars, four used and three new. Jackson actually is starting to think about retirement in the next 3-5 years. She is the mother of four boys who were raised during her career.

Laura Huling said, “As Melissa’s boss, I appreciate her dedication and customer service. Melissa takes her job serious, she travels 37.8 miles each day delivering to just over 500 boxes. A lot goes into our local delivery system and all employees work hard here as our mail does not arrive until 8:05 in the morning and then leaves Forks at 3:30 each day. During that time it is broken down, sorted, cased and delivered. A lot to do in such a short time span. Melissa is deserving of this award as she makes safety a priority in the office and on the road.”