Stories of Service

In this section, you will find short stories about how federal workers serve the public and affect Americans’ lives every day. Share them with your networks so people have a better understanding of what government delivers for the American people.

Civil Servants Keep Our Nation Running and Moving Forward

Our video and stories database highlights hundreds of career civil servants who have made significant contributions to our nation. Their achievements showcase the vital importance of our government and the nonpartisan civil service to the public good. 

Explore the database
Meet the 2025 Service to America Medals honorees

Videos that Inspire

“Only people who know what the problem is can help solve it.” 

Michaela Doelman’s firsthand experience in how systems can create and reinforce disparities has shaped her belief in how she leads as the chief human resources officer for the Washington State government. 

Originally aspiring to become an immigration attorney, Doelman instead found her calling in state government. What began as a one-year plan as a talent recruiter turned into an 18-year human resources career. Today, she leads efforts to transform state hiring practices so they recognize lived experiences, cultural competencies and skills over traditional credentials. 

For Doelman, public service means ensuring government works for everyone, especially those who have been historically excluded. Her mission is to create systems where all people not only have a fair chance to succeed, but the ability to have a lasting impact on their communities. 

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Story Wall

To safeguard the nonpartisan civil service, we need to raise public awareness about why their work matters. Help us meet this challenge by sharing stories about federal employees who have helped the public and made a difference in your life.

Community Engagement
I am so grateful for all of the air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents keeping us all safe and still working without pay during the shutdown. I flew through San Diego, and you wouldn't have known there was a shutdown because the airport was well-staffed and there were minimal delays. So just a huge shout-out to the professionalism and dedication of these fine individuals. We all really appreciate you.
Ellen, California
Workforce Engagement
I started in service more than 20 years ago as a Presidential Management Fellow at a Department of Health and Human Services operating division and was fired in July. My work centered on mental health, dementia, pain, autism, long-term care and other issues that impact millions of Americans enrolled in public health programs. I loved my job and enjoyed working side by side with others dedicated to improving the health and well-being of millions of Americans. It was a shock to be kicked out. The forced retirement process has been awful — people eligible for retirement do not qualify for severance or unemployment, and we continue to wait for the Office of Personnel Management to process our paperwork. Older adult retirement-eligible federal employees are also impacted by backups in Medicare Part B enrollment, as Social Security is similarly stalled. I was diagnosed with cancer only weeks after being fired and have had multiple surgeries. Now I have bills for copays I should not be responsible for. I still can't believe the treatment we've been subjected to.
Ellen B, Maryland
Science
My husband is a federal employee, a hydrologist for the U.S. Geological Survey. A large part of his job is making sure that the bodies of water that feed municipal water supplies are safe. He also has been doing highway runoff studies to see how much water pollution is caused by cars and find a way to lower it. Due to this shutdown, we are extremely affected. I am a cancer survivor who lost my job due to cuts at the Department of Energy.
Erica W, United States of America
Veterans
As a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who served during Vietnam, I would like to share a message of encouragement and appreciation for our federal workers affected by the shutdown. I want to express my heartfelt support for all our federal workers during these unprecedented times. I know how difficult it must be to find yourselves in this situation — working without pay, facing uncertainty, and wondering how long it will last. Many of you, like me, have dedicated your lives to serving this nation. We've made commitments to our country, our communities, and our families. To see that dedication met with indifference by political leaders is painful and unfair. I'd be honored if you would consider posting or sharing it with your community of federal employees.
Regalado "Paul" Lastra, United States of America
Human Services
I fell behind in filing my federal tax return, for which I had a refund coming, and mailed my return for tax year 2021 on the last possible date — April 15, 2025. It never arrived. I called the IRS, and a patient woman walked me through what to do, fielded all my nervous questions, and spelled out follow-up steps if needed. Within a month, my substantial refund was in my bank account. Whew!
Karen , United States of America
Community Engagement
My interaction with federal employees has touched every aspect of my life. I'm the daughter of a retired lifetime federal employee and the daughter and granddaughter of veterans. I'm a former public educator and parent of public school students. I now work in a support role in the health care industry. I've experienced the important role federal employees play in ensuring equity and access to vital services like health care and education. I've enjoyed the benefits of safe travel due to our TSA and air traffic controllers, and access to our country's beautiful natural resources because of our rangers and park staff. And I've experienced the stress of a household where the primary earner is furloughed for an indefinite amount of time. I support our federal employees.
Kerri , United States of America
Workforce Engagement
I worked in DEIA and HR. I am disappointed with how diversity has been discarded. It's salt in the wound today because I have to sell my home in a market sure to go underwater. I remain hopeful and pray for you all who are affected. As much as I feel deflated, I understand this is a time for us to pivot and with fresh perspectives about what is next.
Ian, District of Columbia

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