Eddie Wong and Abe Dones have worked at the Port Washington Post Office for more than 25 years – one inside and one outside.

Wong is a senior sales and service representative and Dones is a mailman.

Now, both are being honored by the Postal Service as part of the “For the Long Haul” program, which was recently launched to honor postal workers who have dedicated more than 25 years to their jobs. The goal of this initiative is to recognize the long-term commitment of these employees and to share their inspiring stories with the public.

Originally from Hong Kong, Wong has worked at the Port Washington storefront for 25 years and is nearing retirement after 41 years of service.

Dones, originally from the Bronx, has served Port Washington on his route continuously for 28 years.

They share the opinion of the residents of Port Washington: that the customers are very friendly.

“It’s difficult to walk into a store quickly, everyone knows everyone and stops to chat. I love that. It’s nice to see everyone growing up and when they come to visit, they say hello,” Dones said.

Dones began his career as a mail carrier, following in the footsteps of his father-in-law, who served the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn for 45 years. “He told us a lot of stories,” he said.

With 591 delivery points on what’s known as a park-and-loop route, his day consists of a mix of driving and walking. He says the rare fall and spring days are his favorite, but admits he doesn’t experience many of them. “Winter goes right into summer,” Dones complained.

Wong said he heard about the job at the postal service by chance.

“It was a coincidence. I was reading the newspaper in the library and saw a job advertisement,” said Wong. “I never thought I would work at the post office for so long. The best thing for me is seeing the joy of customers when they pick up a package they have been waiting for.”

Although Wong is the one who lives in the apartment, he takes walks around the neighborhood during his lunch break.

“I have a lot of favorite spots in the neighborhood. It’s nice and quiet and the people are friendly. They all know each other. If I don’t work at the window for a while, they notice when I’m gone,” Wong said.

Both employees are being honored as part of the Postal Service’s “For the Long Haul” initiative, which was launched this summer.

For the Long Haul features profiles of letter carriers, retail workers and postmasters who have faithfully served their communities for decades. The campaign will highlight their lasting relationships with residents and their exceptional service.

The initiative includeshowcasing postmen who have managed the same delivery routes for over 25 years, fWhen considering retail workers who have been part of their community for 25 years or more,Highlighting postmasters who have managed their respective post offices for at least 25 years andWe want to encourage people to share their personal stories and experiences with these long-serving postal workers, highlighting the deep connections between them.

“Our letter carriers, retail workers and postmasters are the heart of the neighborhoods they serve,” said John Tortorice, New York USPS District Manager. “The ‘For the Long Haul’ initiative recognizes their tireless dedication and the personal bonds they have built over the years. Their stories reflect the important role postal workers play in everyday American life.”