This article first appeared in the March/April 2019 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine) 

At the beginning of the year, Kathy Danek retired as APWU Auxilary President, a position she has served in since 2012.

When Kathy Danek’s husband Terry became a Postal Service employee in 1974, he brought home a paycheck worth over two-and-a-half times what his old job as a minimum wage worker brought in. When she saw the value of the check, Danek quickly realized the importance of joining the APWU Auxiliary to support the union during political battles.

“I knew I needed to protect that paycheck,” Danek says about why she initially became an APWU Auxiliary activist. After joining the Auxiliary in 1975, Danek first became a local officer in 1978, and took on various other positions, including Nebraska State President and National Legislative Aide Editor.

“Kathy gave her heart to the organization for many decades,” says new APWU Auxiliary President Trisa Mannion. “She will be sorely missed.”

While she is retiring as a national officer, Danek is still heavily involved in the Lincoln (NE) Local Auxiliary, where she now holds the role of Secretary-Treasurer. She is also in her fifth term on the Lincoln School Board, where she has held a seat since 2001. Danek credits the good union wage for the freedom to run for political office.

“I want to thank Sister Danek and the APWU Auxiliary for all their work in support of the APWU, postal workers and our families,” said President Dimondstein.

“Every APWU member should sign up an Auxiliary member, get them active, and work together long into the future.” Danek said.

In Memoriam

Walter T. Kenney, Sr.

Former APWU National Officer and Richmond, VA Mayor

Walter T. Kenney, Sr., a community and civic leader, former APWU National Officer, and Richmond, VA mayor, passed away on Jan. 28 at the age of 88. Brother Kenney leaves behind a significant legacy as a tireless advocate for racial justice and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Brother Kenney was first hired by the Richmond, VA Post Office in 1954, where he served as a distribution clerk, and served as a local officer in what was then the United Federation of Postal Clerks (UFPC). He was elected National Vice President, Washington DC Region, Clerk Craft, in 1970, becoming the first African- American to be elected as a National Union Officer. He held the position for ten years before his retirement from the APWU in 1980.

Brother Kenney held a spot on the Richmond City Council for 17 years – the last four as mayor, from 1990 to 1994. During his tenure on the council, he made racial reconciliation a priority for the city.