Who is this man who knows all about you but you know nothing about him?

Gaston Soria - Judi's mailman. (Photo by Judi Curry)

Who is this man who knows all about you but you know nothing about him?

Let me give you a hint: He is a native San Diegan. Born and raised in San Ysidro thirty-five years ago. (Need more clues?)

Received an AA degree from Southwestern College in Administrative Justice in 1999.  Has an AS degree in the Science of Criminal Justice.

Has received Achievement commendations in forensics, criminal investigations, probation practices, etc. Volunteered for the Chula Vista police department in the traffic and laboratory departments while going to school.

While going to high school he also took adult education classes so that he could graduate sooner.

He is known by his trademark “hat”.

He met his wife through the chat room on Yahoo.com. Melrose was a nurse in the Philippines, and they began corresponding in October, 2007. He went to meet her in March of 2008 and again in February of 2009. In June of 2009 she came to the United States, speaking 4 languages, and they married in July. Until their first child is born in March of 2011, she is attending school with an emphasis in the nursing field.

Still don’t know who he is? Let me introduce you to our Mailman – Gaston Soria – who has been carrying mail in this neighborhood for six years.

While applying for a position with the Chula Vista Police Department, his parents saw an ad in the paper asking for people interested in applying for a post office job to apply. He decided he would study for the test and see how he did. He passed the test and was hired as a “PTF” (part-time flexible) employee.

His first route took him to the “Riverfront” area of North Park. After one year, he was eligible to bid on any other route that was available. He saw the Ocean Beach opening and applied. (I don’t think he knew about all the hills then!)

He now is our regular carrier and will remain with us unless the route is changed. (Delivering 300+ pieces of mail a day, in a 5-6 hour time slot does not indicate that there will be a shift in routes!)

He loves the route; he says people are friendly; helpful; and treat him like he is a member of the family. He is always asked the same questions, “where is my check?; where is the Penny Saver? “where are my ads; where is the TV Guide, etc.”

A few weeks ago, Gaston was concerned because he had not seen an occupant of a house on his route for some time. He was suspicious of that absence, and because of that suspicion, the authorities were called to further investigate. The elderly man living in the house was found dead in his favorite chair. Without Gaston’s concern, a much longer time may have gone by before the man was found.

We are thrilled to have a man of Gaston’s caliber delivering our mail. He is trustworthy; aware of the goings on in the neighborhood, and is like a good friend. Thanks for all you do for us, Gaston. We are anxiously awaiting the birth of your first child.