APHIS Employees Finalists for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals

Dear Stakeholders:

I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Burke Healey, along with the team of Dr. Jack Shere, Dr. Mia Torchetti, Carol Tuszynski, Dr. Steve Karli, Dr. Jon Zack and Dr. Patty Fox, all from our Veterinary Services program, are finalists for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals for their work to stop the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States in 2015.

The “Sammies”, as they are often called, honor federal employees whose remarkable and inspiring accomplishments make our government and our nation stronger. The Partnership for Public Service gives the award each year to federal employees who are breaking down barriers, overcoming huge challenges, putting service before self and making a lasting difference for the United States.

I couldn’t be more proud of the work that Burke and the team, along with so many APHIS employees, did to respond to the HPAI outbreak last year. It was the single largest and most expensive animal disease outbreak the federal government ever dealt with, and it took a large team from across APHIS, as well as the states, industry, and other stakeholders, working together to eradicate it.

I encourage you to take a look at Dr. Healey and the team’s nomination, as well as the other nominees from across government. If you have a Facebook account, you can vote for the People’s Choice Award, which goes to the team you think made the most admirable contribution to the American people.

Kevin Shea

APHIS Administrator