Fedweek

A space image captured by the Webb telescope: Thousands of never-before-seen young stars in the Tarantula Nebula. The James Webb Space Telescope reveals details of the structure and composition of the nebula, as well as dozens of background galaxies. Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Webb ERO Production Team - license.

Gregory Robinson, who oversaw the launch of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, “setting the stage for spectacular discoveries about the origins of the universe” has been named the Federal Employee of the Year in the annual Service to America Medals, or Sammies, sponsored by the Partnership for Public Service.

The Career Achievement Award went to Dr. H. Clifford Lane of the National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases for conducting research and developing treatment guidelines for infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, Ebola and COVID-19. The COVID-19 Response Medal meanwhile went to Amanda Cohn, Anita Paten and Davis Fitter of the CDC for designing and implementing plans to distribute vaccine and providing health information to the public.

Other winners are:

* Krista Kinnard of Labor won the Emerging Leaders Medal for “automating repetitive administrative processes, saving time and money, and creating greater efficiencies.”

* Barbara Morton of the VA won the Management Excellence Medal for building “trust and a customer-oriented culture among veterans and their families seeking services and benefits.”

* Hilary Ingraham, Holly Herrera, and Kiera Berdinner of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration won the Safety, Security and International Affairs Medal for coordinating resettlement of refugees from Afghanistan.

* Cindy Newberg of the EPA won the Science, Technology and Environment Medal for work to “curb the use of hydrofluorocarbons, incredibly potent greenhouse gases that are major contributors to climate change.”

* Joshua Josa of USAID won the People’s Choice award for his work in providing educational opportunities to children with disabilities in developing nations.

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See also,

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Exceptions to the 10 Percent Early Withdrawal Penalty

Your FERS Annuity is Worth More Than You Think

FERS Retirement Guide 2022