News Release

Kay Coles James, Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), honored America’s heroes in a ceremony today in OPM’s Campbell auditorium. The ceremony honored all of America’s Armed Services and in particular the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, as well as the men and women of the OPM staff that served in the Armed Services.

“I want to start by saluting all the men and women who serve and have served America and the cause of freedom across the world. In particular, I want to recognize and thank those of you here today who have served in America’s Armed Services,” James began. “As you know, the American Civil Service has a proud tradition of honoring veterans through Veterans’ Preference. And with 16% of OPM employees veterans’ preference eligible, I am proud to continue in this tradition, to see that veterans are afforded opportunities to continue serving their country once they have finished their tour of duty in the Armed Forces.”

In special recognition of OPM employees, the American flag that was flying above the U.S. aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt on the day Baghdad fell to Coalition Forces, was presented to Director James today by the wife of the ship’s Commanding Officer. Eileen O’Hanlon, representing Captain Richard J. O’Hanlon, awarded the flag to OPM in recognition of their continued support of the ship’s crew since the agency “adopted” the ship in October 2001, as it was preparing to carry out missions against the Taliban in Afghanistan. OPM resides in the Theodore Roosevelt Building in Washington, DC and was the first Federal agency to ever “officially adopt” a US warship.

The USS TR is currently in route to its home port of Norfolk, Virginia after serving as one of six carriers involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the conflict, fighter jets from the carrier attacked Iraqi targets in and around Baghdad leading up to the capital’s collapse on April 9, 2003. “The crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt wanted OPM to have this very special flag as a reminder that you have been a big part of this ship’s family,” Mrs. O’Hanlon told Director James while making the presentation.

Director James told the overflow crowd that “They have become our family. We are there when they ship out, when they return to port and every minute and mile in-between.”

Honored guests and keynote speakers during the celebration included Richard O’Hanlon, Captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt; his wife, Mrs. Eileen O’Hanlon, who presided as Master of Ceremonies for the event; Barbara Lehman who christened the USS Theodore Roosevelt; and Former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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