Dear Editor,

This week, let’s celebrate Federal, State, and local government employees and members of the uniformed services who deliver services that Americans depend upon. May 3-9, 2026, is Public Service Recognition Week.

There are 19,886 federal employees, 7,055 Postal workers, and 34,620 Federal/Postal retirees in Oregon. The US Postal Service is the 3rd-largest employer, the Department of Veterans Affairs is the 5th-largest employer, and the Department of Agriculture, which includes the US Forest Service, is the 9th-largest employer in Oregon. Representative Val Hoyle’s 4th District includes 8,150 federal employees, more than any other Oregon district.

This past year, the federal workforce lost over 300,000 public servants due to firings and resignations. They endured several government shutdowns while working without pay, which is stressful, but government employees are resilient, proud of the work they do, and ready to serve all of us.

As a retired Air Traffic Controller, I appreciate the work that the current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees accomplish. Air Traffic Controllers across the nation are working 6 days a week and 10 hours a day. Just the thought of that is exhausting.

Many of the services we enjoy are provided by public-sector and Federal/Postal employees. They fight wildfires, deliver mail, teach children, promote environmental protections, keep the flying public safe, control our dams, distribute IRS refunds, take care of Social Security and Medicare payments, and collectively provide a positive impact on daily living.

So, this week, take a minute and thank your friends and neighbors who work for a Federal, State, or local government or who serve our nation in uniform. Life is better for all of us because of public servants!

Ruthann Couch, President, NARFE Chapter 79
National Active and Retired Federal
Employees Association (NARFE)