Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Hurt | Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work speaks at the 5th annual Public Service...... read more read more
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The Defense Department’s workforce is comprised of some of the most patriotic, passionate and knowledgeable people, all dedicated to serving the nation’s military, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work said here today.
Speaking during the fifth annual DoD Spirit of Service Ceremony and Concert in the Pentagon courtyard, Work recognized 31 people from across multiple services and DoD agencies in the National Capital Region for their commitment to success. The event coincided with Public Service Recognition Week.
“We recognize a special group of people,” he said, “whose work exemplifies the absolute very best of this department and who truly embody the spirit of public service.”
The honorees also “represent what is, in my mind, the most talented and dedicated civilian workforce in our government, if not our nation,” Work added.
Spirit of Public Service
The deputy defense secretary said the ceremony is intended to celebrate those people “specifically” chosen because they “exemplify honor, integrity and excellence.”
“They represent the spirit of public service, which in my mind really defines this department,” he said.
“It defines what each and every one of you who are being recognized today -- as well as all those you represent -- makes you so special,” the deputy defense secretary said. “So to today’s awardees, I want to say, ‘Congratulations!’”
Work credited the drive, dedication and professionalism of the awardees with setting “a high bar for all those who support and lead this department.”
On behalf of Defense Secretary Ash Carter, Work thanked the group for their service as well as for the 750,000 “incredible” Americans they represent.
A Common Pledge
“You come from different backgrounds; you have different missions,” Work said. “But all of you are bound together by a common pledge for public service, to serve and defend our nation.”
These missions, he noted, include intelligence analysis, logistics, human resources, overseeing information systems, engaging Congress and developing strategies for the department.
“Your hard work -- and [that] of so many others -- is what keeps us strong, and what allows me to sleep at night,” Work said.
No Mission More Important
Work said the department has a “critical” mission organizing, training and equipping a joint force that is ready to defend the nation and operates forward to preserve the peace.
“There’s no other mission that our government does that is more important,” he said. “Each and every one of you, and those who you represent, are a vital part of that mission.”
The secretary quoted President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address regarding the “real and tangible difference” the civilian workforce makes for the nation and global security.
“‘Let the public service be a proud and lively career,’” Work quoted, “‘and let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and honor in future years, “I served the United States government in that hour of our nation’s needs.”’”
A Proud Nation
Work said with all the “many, many” national security challenges facing the country, there should be “no question” that the department’s workforce is serving in a time of need for the country.
“The nation is proud and grateful for your service,” he said. “The secretary and I are proud and grateful for your service. And all of our citizens and many of our global partners are all the safer for it.”
Each day, Work said, he comes to work “jazzed” that he works alongside the most “patriotic, most passionate, most knowledgeable civilian workforce that you could ever ask for,” from the lowest grade to the senior executive service.
“It is the passion that they display that drives me,” he said, “not only about their work, but the overall mission of the Department of Defense. And it is just so impressive and inspiring. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”
Saluting Public Servants
Work saluted the awardees as he emphasized how important he felt it is to honor the department’s civilian workforce for their selfless spirit.
“We’re indebted to all our public servants throughout the government,” he said, “and the service they’ve given this nation, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Work added, “But today, I’m extra special proud of you. Thank you for what you have done; thank you for what you are doing today and what I know you will do in the future.”
(Follow Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone Marshall on Twitter: @marshallDoDNews)
Story by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr., DoD News, Defense Media Activity
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2025 10:03 |
| Story ID: | 504022 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 0 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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