Mail Carriers Brave Sub Zero Temperatures

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It was not a day to be outdoors, and many people who normally work outside stayed in Thursday. However, some workers weren't for fortunate and had to brave the cold.

Many home building sites in Norman were idle Thursday, but of course, mail carriers like Jay Gentry still had to walk their round because neither rain, nor snow, nor frigid temperatures keep the carriers from their appointed rounds.

"The mail is going to go through," Gentry said.

Gentry has been delivering the mail for a decade. He delivered in the snow the day after Christmas but said Thursday's route was a bit different.

"It's quite a bit cooler, just a lot more wind, but other than that we just keep on delivering, day in and day out," Gentry said.

Gentry's devotion to duty has impressed one homeowner on his route.

"Years ago I had a landscape nursery, and I had to work out some in the elements, but no way at my age or your age could I work out in this kind of weather," said Norman resident Ron Smithers.

With his experience in working his routine in sub zero temps, Gentry said he can give others a lesson on how to dress for the frigid temps.

"You got to dress in layers and keep yourself pretty much covered in anything exposed like this. Of course, I'll button this back up, you know, here in a minute," Gentry said.