USGS Team Receives Service to America Medal

A team of many USGS scientists has received a 2006 Service to America Medal for their search and rescue work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The scientists, led by Tom Casadevall, USGS regional director in Denver, Colo., are from the USGS National Wetlands Research Center in Lafayette, La., and the USGS Louisiana Water Science Center in Baton Rouge, La. Casadevall and representatives of the team received the medal in Washington, D.C., on September 27 in recognition of both their humanitarian and scientific work immediately after Hurricane Katrina hit the Louisiana coast in late August 2005.

The team is one of nine recipients of Service to America Medals, sponsored by the Atlantic Media Company and the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service to recognize the accomplishments of America’s public servants. Medals are given for significant contributions by Federal employees based on their commitment and innovation as well as on the impact of their work in addressing the needs of the nation.

Partnership for Public Service Article

NWRC Press Release

Hurricane Search and Rescue Photos

Video interview with Tom Casadevall about the Hurricane Katrina Response Team (WMV format, 7.84 MB)

News Coverage:

• The Washington Post: Top Civil Servants Honored - 10/3/2006
• The Daily Advertiser: USGS team wins award - 10/1/2006
• Government Executive: 2006 Service To America Medals:
  Citizen Services - 10/1/2006
• FedNews OnLine: PPS Honors Federal Government’s Top Employees - 9/29/2006
• Federal News Radio: The Federal Drive: How to be a Winner (audio link) - 9/28/2006
• Government Executive: 2006 Service to America Medal Recipients - 9/27/2006
• Government Executive: USGS Hurricane Response Team led by Dr. Thomas Casadevall - 9/27/2006
• The Washington Times: Innovation to the Rescue - 8/29/2006

More information on USGS/NWRC hurricane-related activities