During the 1990's, OPEDA member Lousanya Barnes-Keene, suggested that during this week, our organization recognize USDA employees who have demonstrated high level service to the public, directly related to the employee's job duties.
The awards have been given each year since that time. Any USDA employee or retiree can make a nomination and propose candidates for the award. A selection committee is paneled to review the nominations and make the selections.
OPEDA has selected 12 nominees for awards from all mission areas and all locations including Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. All USDA agencies partner with OPEDA in arranging for the travel of awardees and also to make cash awards. The awardees are profiled on the OPEDA website and USDA News also covers the event.
The program is held in the Hall of Heroes Patio, Whitten Building, with chief guests ranging from the Secretary, Under Secretaries, Agency Administrators, Congressman Wolf, and other dignitaries. Each awardee receives an Unsung Hero Award Certificate, a designer fountain pen with the name engraved, a picture with the Secretary and/or other dignitary, and a group photo.
The flyer for the most recent award program is included here.
