USPS Retail Associate Jessica Escobar, right, presents Yuba City Postmaster Claire Stanley with the ESGR Patriot Award. Photo by Jessica Escobar

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Yuba City Postmaster Claire Stanley received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award for her commitment to supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

The award recognizes civilian supervisors who accommodate military obligations, support service members and their families and help employees balance their military and civilian careers.

Jessica Escobar, a Yuba City postal retail associate and recently retired Air Force veteran, nominated Stanley for the award citing her leadership, understanding and willingness to support employees beyond their daily responsibilities.

“The reason I nominated Claire is for exceeding any expectations I have ever had personally for a supervisor, leader or boss,” Escobar said. “I have had a wide range of supervisors. Even in the military, I never met a leader like [Claire]. She is the type of person you would like to be.”

Stanley became Yuba City's postmaster in October 2024, bringing more than three decades of Postal Service experience to the position.

She began her postal career in 1993 as a letter sorting machine clerk and continued working as a clerk until 2018, when she became an administrative assistant for the Postal Service's California 2 District.

Since taking charge of the Yuba City office, Stanley has focused on listening to employees, addressing workplace concerns and providing support when personal or professional obligations arise.

For employees with military commitments, that support includes accommodating training schedules, extended assignments and the transition back to civilian employment.

Escobar, who served more than 20 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard, credited Stanley with helping her meet those obligations without unnecessary workplace difficulties.

During the California wildfires in 2025, Escobar received military orders to assist with the response. She said Stanley supported her assignment and helped ensure her return to postal duties went smoothly.

Stanley's understanding of military service comes in part from her family.

Her father, James Lujan, and late brother-in-law, Sonny San Nicolas, both served in the Air Force. Growing up in a military family gave Stanley an understanding of the responsibilities military personnel carry and the importance of employer support.

“I knew what it meant,” Stanley said. “When you are in the service, you need to be able to leave and it is important to have that support.”

The Patriot Award is part of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognition program, which honors civilian employers and supervisors who support National Guard and Reserve members.

The program recognizes measures such as flexible scheduling, military leave, time off before and after deployments and assistance to military families.

Escobar submitted Stanley's nomination in December 2025 and learned in March that her postmaster had been selected for the honor. She kept it a surprise until Sept. 13, when she arrived at the Yuba City Post Office in her Air Force uniform and presented Stanley with a framed certificate and pin.

“I was shocked and very humbled to receive such an award,” Stanley said.

Beyond accommodating military obligations, Escobar said Stanley takes time to recognize employees' accomplishments, encourage teamwork and provide personal support when employees face difficulties.

She described Stanley as a supervisor who regularly checks on employees, listens to their concerns and encourages them to take pride in their work.

“She is just a genuine, kindhearted, one-of-a-kind leader,” Escobar said.