Twister mister

Fernando Rodriguez, a general clerk at the Austin, TX, Processing and Distribution Center, was on duty on an eventful March day that saw multiple tornadoes hit the area.

Upon learning that a suburb, Round Rock, was in a twister’s path, Rodriguez sprang into action, calling colleagues who lived there.

He reached one co-worker, Manny Alvarez, who was unaware of the imminent danger.

The heads-up from Rodriguez allowed Alvarez and his family to vacate the second floor of their home and seek shelter in a first-floor closet just moments before a tornado devastated the city.

Alvarez credits Rodriguez with lifesaving aid.

Round Rock’s preliminary assessment was $32 million in damage to 680 residential structures.


Employees featured in “Heroes’ Corner” also receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.