Saluting Private Benjamin

Local Far Rockaway families came together to honor and thank a special man, Mr. Donald Benjamin, who has been delivering UPS packages to the Far Rockaway area for 18 years and has formed friendships with many of the families and local institutions. They compiled a book of thank-you messages from close to 100 families as a goodbye present as he moves on to a new position in UPS.

Donald sent this beautiful thank-you letter to everyone:

“Twenty-six years ago, after I returned home from active duty, I knew that I wanted to work for UPS. I began working in the borough of Brooklyn, but was then relocated to Far Rockaway, where I resided at the time. Eight years later, I was given the opportunity to bid on this route—one I was told would be the perfect retirement route, which made it more desirable to me. From day one, I realized I was somewhere special. After so many friend-filled years, it was revealed to me that you all have created such a tight-knit community centered on kindness and deep reverence for religion—which has impacted me greatly. Every day that I have come to work, you all have made my arduous load seem less so because of your gracious generosity and kind nature. I would like to thank all the children for all the warming coffee on the cold wintry days and cool water in the blazing summer heat. I would also like to extend my gratitude to their parents who reared such caring children.

“Rabbi Perr, whom I would encounter during the workday, was very humble and approachable and we would often reminisce about the good old days. One particular day, we got into a discussion about marriage and we talked about the high divorce rate in America. He asked me what makes a marriage successful. I thought I knew the answer so I hastily declared ‘compromise.’ Rabbi Perr told me I was incorrect, but proceeded with the great secret: to learn how to lose humbly and with humility.

“I also remember one day I was on Plainview making a delivery and a school bus was approaching. Both our vehicles were at a stand-off because there was not enough space for either of us to get by. Sagacious Mr. Benson Altman came out and told me to ‘take the high road’ and reverse into his driveway so the traffic could continue moving. I then realized he meant for me to be rational and not emotional. Those simple words were a true eye-opener for me that I have applied to other parts of my life. I have passed that message on to my daughters and son so they, too, can escape the tethers of emotional thinking and actions.

“I’ve come to see these and other encounters with you all as a blessing—everyday experiences manifesting themselves to me as lessons to be learned have shaped me as a person for the better. I would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming kindness and generosity that will forever be imprinted in my mind.”

Thank You, Donald A. Benjamin & Family

Mr. Benjamin received many responses, including this from 5TJT columnist Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow and his family:

Dear Donald,

You’re moving on and moving up in rank And here in Far Rockaway we want to thank You’ve always been so kind to us Going the extra mile without a fuss We were always secure knowing you were responsibly in charge Of our deliveries small and large We wish you a lot of luck And hope you enjoy driving a huge truck!

The Sebrow Family on Jarvis Avenue

If anyone would like to contact Donald, his e-mail address is sadenyra@aol.com.