| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 1999 |
CONTACT: Sharon J. Wells (202) 606-2402 sjwells@opm.gov |
Washington, DC — Office of Personnel Management Director Janice Lachance extolled the contributions of federal employees to building communities as she presented the 1998 GEICO Public Service Awards on Monday, March 15. The ceremony was held at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
The $2,500 awards honored four civilian career federal employees and one retired federal employee for outstanding achievements in the fields of substance abuse prevention and treatment; fire prevention and safety; physical rehabilitation; and traffic safety and accident prevention.
On presenting the awards, Director Lachance said, “It is such a privilege and an honor to be here tonight, to recognize the people who are making a real difference in the lives of others people who are showing the Nation all the good things both current and retired federal employees do in service to their communities.”
“Every day, federal employees apply their varied skills to the unique needs and problems of their local communities. They refurbish homes, reclaim polluted rivers, and rehabilitate peoples' lives. Federal employees are mentors, tutors, and fundraisers. Volunteers from federal agencies provide transportation to the sick and elderly, put out fires, teach computer skills, and save lives.”
Recipients of the 1998 awards are Jacqueline A. Anderson-Parker, patrol officer, United States Park Police, Washington, D.C., for her work in substance abuse prevention and treatment; Kathryn A. Morgan, safety and health officer, National Security Agency, Ft. Meade, Maryland, for her work in fire prevention and safety; Albert A. (Bert) Swalla, biological laboratory technician, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Soil Tilth Laboratory, Ames, Iowa, for his work in physical rehabilitation; Angela I. Zangerle, intelligence specialist and resources manager, Headquarters of the U.S. Commander in Chief, Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii, for her work in traffic safety and accident prevention; and Michele Appellate, retired deputy administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Hedgesville, West Virginia, for her work in substance abuse prevention and treatment.
“Knowing that our federal employees are capable of being so selfless with their time adds a new dimension to the federal governments relationship with the nation as a whole. Their volunteer activities extend our governments network of support far beyond the traditional federal family into the homes and the hearts of all of Americas people.”
GEICO was founded in 1936 to serve the insurance needs of federal employees. Even though GEICO now also services the general public, GEICO has maintained its relationship with federal employees, recognizing the special qualities of these individuals.
In 1980, The GEICO Public Service Awards were established to emphasize GEICO's belief that the contributions of many hardworking, talented government employees are deserving of special acclaim. GEICO Philanthropic Foundation sponsors and grants the awards.
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