PUBLIC SERVANTS – A VERY SPECIAL BREED OF HEROES

Rarely do we think about all the things that are ours for the taking because of our Public Servants. Many of them come from humble beginnings, have overcome great difficulties, and yet they remain dedicated to a life of service to their communities and their country. This week we celebrate those who choose the path of public service. And for the next year, we will be looking at the individuals, past and present, who have given of themselves to make our lives a little safer, a little longer, and a little more remarkable. Secure our nation • William Friedman, a civilian employee of the War Department, ultimately deciphered the Japanese diplomatic code in World War II, thus playing a vital role in winning the war in the Pacific. • More than two million public servants protect our nation through the armed forces. • Dr. Eddie Bernard of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration created a tsunami detection system that significantly increased the warning time before a tsunami hits land. Improve our health care • Ninety-five percent of America’s children are protected against major disease through vaccines administered by public employees. Thanks to the government, polio and measles have been all but wiped out in the U.S. • A government employee invented the plastic cornea, a discovery that has returned eyesight to thousands. • The discoveries of Dr. Douglas R. Lowy and Dr. John T. Schiller of the National Cancer Institute inspired a vaccine for a majority of cervical cancers. • A government employee invented the CAT scan, which helps physicians diagnose cancer, brain disorders and other diseases. • Half of all U.S. medical doctors in practice today received training as government employees working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Help the homeless and poor • Clara Barton’s spirit of compassion led this employee of the U.S. Patent Office to found the Red Cross, a world-renowned humanitarian organization caring for lives worldwide in times of emergency. Invent new products that change our lives • Herman Hollerith, a U.S. Census Bureau accountant, invented the first modern computer. • Agricultural Research Service researchers in New Orleans created flame-retardant clothing for fire fighters and astronauts. • Two employees of the National Institute of Standards and Technology invented the neon light. • Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have constructed many of our nations’ architectural masterpieces. Forge the path to new frontiers and unlock the mysteries of the universe • The first person to set foot on the moon, Neil Armstrong, was a public employee. • In their search to unlock the mysteries of the universe, NASA scientists discovered the first Black Hole. Public Employees also: • Educate our children • Help our nation’s veterans and care for our wounded soldiers • Investigate crime and prosecute criminals • Keep our food safe • Negotiate international agreements • Fight fires • Develop new technologies for renewable energy • Manage our public parks • Protect our environment • Design and build our roads and bridges • Distribute financial aid to schools and students