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Longtime South Bay Postal Employee Honored

By Associated Press

San Jose — He could be called the Cal Ripken Jr. of the U.S. Postal Service, and to some he is considered one of the greatest Americans San Jose has ever seen.

When 83-year-old postal worker Michael Miyahara hit the time clock last week, he ended 46 years of faithful service to the U.S. Postal Service and his reign as the No.1 clerk in seniority in the San Jose Post Office.

Miyahara joined the Postal Service in 1958 and, aside from six months on the night shift, has worked his entire career in what the post office calls Tour Three, from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. During that time, he amassed more than 4,000 hours of sick leave, but only took one sick day about 20 years ago when he had a mild heart attack.

After World War II broke out, he was sent to an internment camp and then drafted into the army at 24, returning to California after serving his country for a year. That was when he moved his wife and child to Sunnyvale, where his parents lived, and later to Morgan Hill.

Postal officials say Miyahara’s story is unique because he never sought recognition — just the opportunity to prove his loyalty and devotion through his work.