The Kennedy Center recently hosted the Service to America Medals (Sammies) gala, celebrating the exceptional work of federal civil servants. This event, organized by the Partnership for Public Service, stands in stark contrast to the rhetoric of some politicians who criticize government employees.
Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, emphasized the critical role of federal employees in protecting public health and safety, innovating for national benefit, and ensuring continuity across administrations. He stressed the importance of maintaining a merit-based and apolitical federal service, indirectly addressing concerns about potential changes to the civil service system.
The Sammies honored several outstanding federal employees:
Federal Employees of the Year: A team from the Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division uncovered extensive child labor violations in meat processing plants across eight states. Their investigation led to significant changes in child labor investigation strategies.
Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement Medal: Christopher Mark of the Mine Safety and Health Administration was recognized for his life-saving contributions to mine safety.
Emerging Leaders Medal: Jerry Ma of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office developed AI tools to improve the patent approval process.
Management Excellence Medal: Amira Boland from the Office of Management and Budget worked to improve customer service across various federal agencies.
Science, Technology and Environment Medal: A team from the National Institute of Standards and Technology created the world's first tornado-resistant building codes.
Safety, Security and International Affairs Medal: An EPA team led the removal of hazardous materials following the 2023 Maui wildfires.
People's Choice Award: Yan Ping (Judy) Chen and Jay D. Evans of the Agriculture Department made significant advancements in honeybee health research.
These achievements highlight the diverse and crucial work performed by federal employees across various sectors. From protecting workers' rights to enhancing public safety and advancing scientific research, civil servants play a vital role in the functioning of the nation.
"Every day, you protect our homeland, our health, our environment, our economy, and so much more. We are grateful for your service and sacrifice, and that of your families."
The Sammies serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a professional, merit-based civil service system. This tradition, which dates back to the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, has been crucial in ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of government operations across administrations.
As the federal government employs over 2 million civilian workers across more than 430 departments, agencies, and sub-agencies, the impact of their work on American life cannot be overstated. The Sammies gala not only recognizes individual achievements but also underscores the collective contribution of federal employees to the nation's progress and well-being.