FEDS: A salute for independence

As a former federal worker with 35 years of service including the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Interior, the Fourth of July is an important day for me. Since the dawn of our nation, federal workers have played a significant role in America’s achievements.

The contributions of federal workers will be very much in evidence this week as Americans prepare to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Millions of Americans will check a weather report prepared by the National Weather Service, grill meat inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and fly in skies kept safe by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. Others will enjoy time outdoors in our national parks, travel with children protected by car seats inspected by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and visit post offices to mail letters and packages to loved ones serving in the military.

My fellow federal workers and I are proud of the jobs we’ve done for America for the last 236 years. We wish you, and the nation we love, a happy Independence Day.

BOB CONQUERGOOD

Hayden Lake