Federal employees place service above self throughout their careers. I accomplished 25 years of federal service and my co-workers were exemplary.

They serve and protect us every day at every level across the country. At no time was this more evident than during the 35-day partial government shutdown earlier this year.

From ensuring safe air travel to regulating new medicines to maintaining a safe food supply to processing Social Security checks, civil servants are everywhere, yet invisibly so. And contrary to popular belief, 85 percent of the federal workforce is located outside of Washington, D.C.

When natural disasters strike, they provide relief and help us rebuild. When mass shootings take place, they enter harm’s way and care for the wounded. And, when once-eradicated viruses reappear, they investigate public health crises.

As we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week, let’s thank a federal employee for keeping our country running safely and efficiently.

Richard Jackson

Kuakini

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