Q: I just received my renewed passport and my expired passport in separate envelopes. Why would I be sent my expired passport if it is no longer valid?
—Martin Scheuer, Peachtree City
A: Materials used in the U.S. passport application process and passports are mailed in separate envelopes because the passport application is adjudicated in one location, while the new passport book or card is printed in another. "Our processing centers and agencies are located in 26 cities nationwide, while the vast majority of passports are printed at our document printing centers in Hot Springs (Ark.) and Tucson (Ariz.)," a U.S. State Department official told Q&A on the News in an email. Expired passports are returned because there is an "overwhelming demand for us to do so," the official said. "For many Americans, their expired passports serve as a reminder of their travels, bringing back memories of all that they experienced on their journeys." Also, some expired passports contain valid, "hard to replace visas for other countries."
Q: I read there was a contest to find a new voice for the Aflac duck since the previous voice-over person was fired. How much money does the winner earn with his Aflac contract and how long is the contract?
—William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: Daniel McKeague, a radio advertising sales manager from Hugo, Minn., beat out 12,500 contestants to become the current voice of the Aflac Duck in April 2011. He received a one-year deal with a salary in the low six figures, The Associated Press reported. He replaced actor Gilbert Gottfried, who was fired earlier last year.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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