Honoring Public Servants
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- Published: May 03, 2020
Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), a yearly celebration to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees, starts Sunday, May 3.
This, however, is a year unlike any other. Since the beginning of March, public service employees nationwide have been on the job under extraordinary circumstances. Bus and subway operators working in confined quarters, risking exposure to COVID-19. Public school teachers engaging students now confined at home through video conferences. State government workers trying to keep up with the crush of unemployment claims. Postal workers providing a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable citizens. Firefighters and first responders always on the frontlines, not knowing what the next 911 call will bring. And employees at public hospitals from coast to coast struggling under the worst of it.
Federal employees, too, are on the job, working on behalf of their fellow citizens. Across agencies, across the country and at U.S. facilities around the globe, federal workers are doing their best to keep the nation’s work on track. And they include the employees PASS proudly represents at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense.
“The people we represent are highly skilled, experienced and dedicated to the job of keeping our skies safe,” said PASS National President Mike Perrone. “Now more than ever,” he continued, “their commitment to the mission is unwavering.”
While there is no ‘pause’ button during a pandemic, PASS would like to take a moment during PSRW to recognize the employees the union represents at the FAA and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Air traffic may be down significantly, but essential medical workers, critical equipment and medication still need to reach their final destination. Tens of thousands of Americans, including military personnel, have been stranded overseas. PASS members are ready to help bring them home.
These dedicated public servants include: the systems specialist who keeps the National Airspace System equipment in service, the inspector who makes sure planes are safe to fly, the flight inspection and mission support employees who ensure the integrity of procedures, safety support staff who are there every step of the way, and all the professionals represented by PASS who are on the job 24/7.
“I salute all the employees PASS represents. I am honored to be their national president and take every chance I can to tell agency leadership, the media and the American public they so proudly serve about the incredible work they do,” said President Perrone. “Many are military veterans; service is in their blood.”
With sincere gratitude this PSRW, PASS thanks its members and all public servants for their commitment and dedication to this country, not only in good times, but when a national emergency presents a challenge to us all.
Since 1985, Congress has designated the first full week of May as Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW); the event program is managed by the Public Employees Roundtable, a coalition of government employee advocacy groups.