HQ Administration & Postal Services at Ft. Ord, Ca.

• Establishment: The Headquarters Administration & Postal Services unit was a crucial support entity at Fort Ord, California, primarily responsible for managing administrative affairs and handling all military mail and communications. • World War II Role: During WWII, this unit ensured reliable mail delivery to and from deployed soldiers, maintaining morale among troops and connecting them with families back home. • Vital Link: The postal services section processed thousands of letters and packages daily, becoming a lifeline for soldiers awaiting news from loved ones and essential supplies. • Integration: The administrative and postal services often worked hand-in-hand with other support units, like finance and legal services, to coordinate personnel records and payment documents. • Vietnam War Era: During the Vietnam War, the unit managed the significant increase in mail volume as Fort Ord became a major training and deployment center for troops heading to Southeast Asia. • Technological Advances: Over the decades, the unit transitioned from manual typewriters and hand-sorted mail to computerized personnel and postal tracking systems, modernizing workflow. • Women in Service: The unit was among the first at Fort Ord to integrate female Soldiers into administrative and postal roles, reflecting broader changes in military policy during the 1970s. • Disaster Response: After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the unit played a key role in reestablishing communications and mail delivery for affected military personnel and their families. • Legacy: Former personnel recall a strong sense of camaraderie, as the unit’s members worked long hours, especially during holidays, to ensure every Soldier received their mail on time. • Historical Closure: When Fort Ord was selected for closure under BRAC in 1991, the HQ Administration & Postal Services unit managed the complex administrative process of outprocessing thousands of Soldiers and transferring official records.