Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James today thanked the Dayton, Ohio metropolitan area recipients of the Federal Employee of the Year Award for their continued service to the American people. The award is given annually to those federal employees who best exemplify the spirit and character of the civil service.

"These awards are considered one of the most important and esteemed recognitions available to employees of the United States government," stated James. "Today, we salute you not only for your day-to-day outstanding performance in your regular duties, but also for the impact you have had beyond the scope of your normal assignments. Because of your hard work and dedication, your wonderful sense of optimism and confidence, America's future looks bright."

The theme for this year's event was Federal Employees - Strategic Path to Excellence, and it included 51 nominations from 7 agencies.

"You are truly that standard of excellence, which is why you have been selected from all of the civil servants in the Dayton area federal work force," James told award recipients.

Eleven individuals were presented with awards during the ceremony. The categories included: Human Resource Management; Administrative/Clerical Assistant; Specialist (Administrative/Technical/General); Scientific/Engineering/Medical/Legal; Supervisory/Managerial; and Trades and Crafts.

James spoke of the significant contributions civil servants continue to make in post 9-11 America, and how involved federal employees are in protecting the homeland, regardless of the tasks.

"In unsettled times such as these, people look to government for direction and protection. You realize the risk and you accept that challenge. You will not be intimidated by freedom's foes. There are no insignificant jobs for you, the quiet soldiers of liberty."

The awards were presented in coordination with Public Service Recognition Week, a time set aside each year to better inform Americans about the wide variety of services provided by the government and an opportunity to show appreciation of public employees at the federal, state, and local levels of government.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM 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.