News Release

OPM Director James Launches Third Annual
USS Theodore Roosevelt Toy Drive

USS TR Captain and Senior Staff Join OPM Team for
Toy Drive Kickoff Celebration

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James kicked off the third annual toy drive for the families and crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (USS TR). USS TR Captain "Turk" Green joined the Director in the OPM Auditorium, welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd, to assist with the toy drive kickoff. The carrier's Executive Officer, Command Master Chief, and the Public Affairs Officer also accompanied him.

The kickoff included a warm "Thank You" from Captain Green and his staff. Green also discussed their mission in the Middle East earlier this year and presented and narrated a video highlighting many of the ship's activities during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I just want to thank you, the people of OPM, for your magnanimous support of the men and women of the USS Theodore Roosevelt," expressed Green. "Just 10 months after returning from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), USS TR was tasked once again to head overseas, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just like in OEF, the men and women of OPM opened up their hearts and their pocket books to show their support for the sailors aboard USS TR. The morale boost given to these sailors by your kind gestures is immeasurable."

Director James reminded all those attending that it is not only the men and women that serve in our nation's armed services that make sacrifices for their country, but their families and children also pay the price for freedom.

"These children sacrifice as much as anyone involved in the war on terrorism. They deserve our thoughts and generosity this holiday season," said James in talking with the OPM employees. "You should be so proud that in the past two years you have generously provided over 1600 toys for their holiday celebrations. This will be our third toy drive for the USS TR children, whose parents are continuing to serve on the frontlines."

James also spoke about some of the difficulties and sacrifices made by those who work in the Theodore Roosevelt building and the needs faced in Washington as well as with our adopted TR family in Norfolk.

"During last year's toy drive it was brought to my attention that there are, unfortunately, some OPM employees whose children may also be in need," said James. "They are, indeed, important too, and I know that none of us want to let their need go unanswered. So -- we are going to act on that need as well. Let's make this a toy drive for the kids of Theodore Roosevelt, both on land and at sea."

The Office of Personnel Management which is housed in the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building officially "adopted" the USS Theodore Roosevelt shortly after September 11, 2001 when the ship and crew were serving in the Middle East in the war on terrorism. The ship was deployed for five months this year in support for Operation Iraqi Freedom and is continually undergoing sea testing, requiring the crew to spend long weeks from their families.

"When we adopted the crew and their families of the USS Theodore Roosevelt it wasn't just for a few days, weeks or months. The OPM staff and I are in this for the long haul. Every day the crew members put on those uniforms they are prepared to go into harm's way and that's something we all must remember," said James.

The OPM goal for the toy drive this year is 1,000 toys to be delivered to the ship during the annual holiday party on Saturday December 13, 2003.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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