News Release

Washington, D.C. -- Two federal agencies with distinctly different missions united today to honor America’s servicemen and servicewomen serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James and Department of the Interior Secretary Gale Norton appeared on the steps of the South Interior Building overlooking the west end of the National Mall to reaffirm their agencies’ support of and make new commitments to America’s troops serving halfway around the world.

Citing OPM’s ongoing support of America’s armed forces, Secretary Norton announced Interior Department employees have adopted the 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, New York. Norton said the idea to adopt the units came from employees who had been asked by the agency to look for ways to demonstrate support for American troops.

The two divisions were chosen by the Interior Department because their nicknames -- “The Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Airborne, and the “Polar Bears” of the 10th Mountain Division -- refer to species under the care of Interior employees.

James commended the actions of Norton and Interior’s employees.

“Some of our nation’s best men and women are in harm’s way,” said James. “Adopt them, make them part of your extended family. Keep them in your hearts and in your prayers.”

More than one year ago, OPM adopted the 5,500 men and women of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. James said the adoption of the crew, whose ship bears the name of the agency’s headquarters, has meant that care packages containing CDs, movies, and nonperishable foods were delivered to the crew, while nearly 1,000 toys were delivered to the crew’s children for Christmas.

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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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