Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class William Phillips | Courtesy Graphic read more read more
Throughout the U.S., mayors, governors, agency leaders, communities and public service organizations participate in Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) by issuing proclamations; hosting award ceremonies and special tribute events; and delivering messages about the value of public service.
May 2-6, Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) is offering a free spin class May 5 at 5:15 p.m. at the Fitness Center and two games of bowling and shoe rental for five dollars at the NSAB Bowling Center to show appreciation for public servants’ hard work throughout the year.
NSAB Executive Director Bill Meekins said, “The professionalism and dedication of our employees are the true spirit of NSAB and that is invaluable. As we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week, it’s important to recognize the contributions of our public servants and the work they do.”
Everyone has their own reason as to why they applied for a government position.
“I have always wanted to work for the government and the military was always kind of special and near to me because I grew up in Annapolis,” said Ryan Emery, NSAB’s installation transportation officer. “I had been trying to apply for government jobs for quite a while. I got a contracting position here first to try to get my foot in the door. I just enjoyed the work and my boss pushed to convert it to a civil servant position.”
Some people in the private sector do not look forward to going to work on Mondays because they do not like their job.
“One of the things that I always felt in the private sector, was that on Sunday night there was always that dread of going to work on Monday and knowing there was a week of stress ahead of me,” said Emery. “While there are definitely pressures, stress, and deadlines in my position, the work environment is much better. There is much more of a sense of camaraderie and teamwork in my command.”
In a study conducted by the Cato Institute, federal workers’ pay and benefits were found to be 78 percent higher than private sector employees.
“The benefits are pretty similar to what I had in the military, except now I pay for my medical insurance,” said Dana Hiatt, an administrative support assistant for NSAB. “It’s a price I am willing to pay. I have a lot of friends that have jobs who don’t receive the benefits that I do.”
Some government employees like Hiatt have the opportunity to work alongside their spouses, increasing the time they get to spend together.
“My husband and I work the same hours so we carpool,” said Hiatt. “That was one of the main reasons I wanted this job. It allowed our schedules to sync up so we get to spend more time together.”
Unlike the private sector where companies can go out of business, the U.S. federal government never goes out of business.
“The stability this job offers is the key,” said Emery. “I’m [not worried] at the end of the week that I am going to be relieved of my duties. That helps me actually to work harder, so I can return the investment.”
| Date Taken: | 04.28.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2016 13:49 |
| Story ID: | 196911 |
| Location: | BETHESDA, MD, US |
| Web Views: | 177 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, NSAB Employees Reflect on Public Service, by PO1 William Phillips, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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