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As more and more shopping shifts online, with anything from toilet paper to a TV available with a few clicks of a mouse, the job of a delivery driver can often be anonymous and, at times, thankless.
A driver typically drives long hours, makes frequent stops and is ultimately responsible for ensuring things get to where they need to be, when they need to be there.
While Kevin Aselton’s commitment to Pe Ell already inspired the town to proclaim Dec. 1 as “UPS Kevin Day,” the residents had another surprise for him this week: a United States flag flown over the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., on the first annual municipal holiday.
“For your great support of our town. Coming out, being out here, delivering packages every day with a smile and a wave,” Mayor Lonnie Willey said while presenting Aselton with the flag. “We appreciate you. We love you.”
Joined by his wife, Juli, and daughter, Kelsey, Aselton was presented with the flag in a surprise ceremony at Pe Ell Town Hall on Thursday. The distinction comes days after the end of the busy holiday shopping season, when Aselton delivered to nearly 100 addresses in the town.
“I’ve got the total American dream,” Aselton said, holding the flag while surrounded by his family.
The flag was arranged through the office of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington. According to the website for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), which oversees the flag program, the flags are flown year-round on designated flag poles, weather permitting, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
The program began in 1937 with a single request from a member of Congress, and it has grown steadily. Currently, the AOC fulfills about 100,000 requests a year.
For Aselton, the recognition comes after a UPS career of making sure people receive their orders. While fresh out of high school, he started out as a helper during the holiday season, where he noticed how quickly his days flew by.
“That’s one of the things with my job. I’m never looking at my watch like the day is dragging on,” Aselton said. “It’s more like, ‘I’ve got to get moving, I’ve got to get moving.’”
After moving into a part-time driver role for five years, Aselton moved into a full-time role, though it took him a total of 14 years with the company to get his current route.
Aselton’s dedication to UPS, and the residents of Pe Ell, has earned him several recent accolades. In November, the Pe Ell Town Council adopted a proclamation that declared Dec. 1. as “UPS Kevin Day” to recognize Aselton for the “punctuality, honesty and reliability" he's brought over the past 20 years.
The proclamation encouraged “all businesses, citizens and members of all nearby communities'' to “show our appreciation to a man who goes far beyond what is required of him.”
The town proclamation sparked questions about whether Aselton planned to hang up his brown button down shirt and shorts. Aselton said retirement isn’t in the works.
“This isn’t me retiring yet. I’m going to keep working,” he said.
On Thursday, Aselton’s flag came with a certificate of authenticity signed by Murray.
“This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown over the United States Capitol on Dec. 1, 2023 in recognition of Kevin Aselton,” the certificate reads. “Proclamation of December 1st of each year being UPS KEVIN DAY in Pe Ell, Washington.”
Unbeknownst to him earlier this month, Aselton delivered a triangular-shaped package, which turned out to be a case to hold the flag. Aselton said he plans to display the flag and letter of authenticity in his man cave.
“That is so cool. I’m so lucky,” Aselton said. “I have a great job. You guys are great people.”
In February 2021, Aselton entered the UPS Circle of Honor, a recognition that commemorates drivers who have at least 25 years of a clean driving record. Aselton will reach 29 years of safe driving in February in a career that includes 840,000 miles driven and almost 1.5 million packages delivered.
“UPS, they’ve been very good to me,” Aselton said. “They’ve put me in a good spot. They’ve given me all of the tools to succeed.”
The appreciation for Aselton is felt by residents of all ages. It inspired a 3-year-old to dress up in a mini UPS uniform for Halloween.
The gratitude even seems to transcend the longstanding rivalry between delivery man and dog: Aselton said it’s been nearly five years since he’s been bitten while on a route, and never while in Pe Ell.
“Everyone makes it so easy on me, and I don’t ever get up in the morning and dread going to work,” Aselton said. “I’ve got it so good.”
