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About 85% of the Federal Workforce Works outside of Washington DC. NARFE is there to stand up for your benefits.
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May 2-8, 2021 -- Celebrating 36 years of honoring public servants
and connecting citizens with their government #PSRW |
Narfe 2021 National Photo Contest
Capture the image that conveys your interpretation of the phrase “Greetings from the USA” and submit it to the 2021 NARFE Photo Contest. Winning photos will be featured in the 2022 NARFE Calendar. Submissions will be accepted from now through April 2, 2021. |
Public Service Recognition Week May 3 - 9, 2020
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Letter to the Editor:
May 3-9 is Public Service Recognition Week 2020 – a time to recognize our government employees and retirees. With all we are going through with COVID-19, now is an especially opportune time I believe to say “thank you,” to these dedicated workers and retirees. We know about Department of Energy employees at Hanford and the Bonneville Power Administration; but what about those in the Social Security Office, post offices, and the air traffic controllers and security screeners at our Tri-Cities Airport. Additionally, there are many others, e.g., with the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, Treasury, VA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. If you checked the weather forecast today, thank National Weather Service federal employees. If your child played with a toy today, thank the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission federal employees who administer our toy safety standards. If you travel to a national park this summer, thank the park rangers. Many services we rely on, across the government spectrum, are made possible by America’s federal workforce – employees working for all of us. While we may not know all they do for us, I hope they know their service is appreciated. Again, thank you, current and retired government employees. Pat Turner President, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) Tri-Cities Chapter 1192 Tri-Cities, Wash. |
As a former federal employee, I have seen the bravery and dedication of public employees firsthand. We see them when hurricanes strike, floods destroy communities and pandemics spread worldwide. We know that they help land our planes safely, perform inspections to maintain a healthy food and water supply, and keep the power flowing to our homes. But for every image you see on TV, thousands more work behind the scenes, invisible but critical to government operations.
They process tax refunds, small-business loans, stimulus payments, Social Security checks, and loans for college students. They track biological threats and alert Americans to treacherous weather conditions, among other critical and life-saving tasks. They took us to the moon and back. COVID-19 is the latest crisis during which we expect the public workforce to work tirelessly and often around the clock. I take comfort in knowing that our country is fortunate to have dedicated professionals who continue to selflessly serve their fellow man all for the greater good. Throughout the year, but especially during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3-9, we should gratefully acknowledge their service. While we remain shuttered indoors, let’s recognize and appreciate these public servants for what they truly are: our friends and neighbors, the backbone of America. Linda Wallers Vancouver, WA |
