Bill Vance is from a different generation. It is one that knows the importance of going to work to serve those who live in your community.

Gowanda certainly has an appreciation for his ethic. At 77 years old, Vance is still going as a postal carrier around the village.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Postal Service celebrated his 50 years of service. He has seen many changes happen during the career — not all for the better.

He knows the importance of the written word, and laments the amount of letters is nowhere near what it once was. In addition, today’s routes are bombarded with numerous items.

“People order everything to be delivered now. You used to only have a few packages, but it’s not like that now,” Vance said.

Vance is still going strong — a testament to his commitment and the unofficial motto of the U.S. Mail: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds”