Tulsa letter carrier sets a special record on Wednesday

30 years on one job is a career for most people. The News on 6's Rick Wells shows us 30 years on the job for one Tulsa letter carrier is a record. <br><br>â€œMailâ€™s kind of light today." Linda

Wednesday, April 28th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

30 years on one job is a career for most people. The News on 6's Rick Wells shows us 30 years on the job for one Tulsa letter carrier is a record.

â€œMailâ€™s kind of light today." Linda Hodges is about half way through her last day delivering the mail. She's the first female letter carrier in Tulsa ever to make it to 30 years and retire. "I do about 2 and a half to three hours of hoppin in and out."

The first half of her route is business customers in the 71st and Memorial area. Most of it is hopping in and out of a USPS truck, but every now and then she gets to stop and talk. Postal customer Kim Sullender: "Enjoy your retirement." Hodges: "I will, I think." Meeting and talking to the customers is one of the things she'll miss the most. Sullender: "Thank you Linda." Hodges: "I'll see you around.â€ Sullender: "You better come by and see us."

The first chance to stand still for a while comes at the Quail Creek Villas. So while she stuffed the mail boxes, Rick Wells got to ask some questions about her retirement. "I know what I'm gonna do, I'm gonna have to start cooking. As long as I don't start watching soap operas. â€œSheâ€™s afraid sheâ€™ll get hooked on 'em.

After 30 years delivering the mail, you would think she would be sick of junk mail, but she likes it. "I think it's interesting the stuff they think up to sell."

She has special friends all along her route, like Richard Hallum at Quail Creek. He gives her a piece of candy everyday when he sees her.

Linda Hodges' boss once suggested she go out with another single letter carrier in the Post Office. She did, and married him. He retired 3 years ago.