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DoD Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week

MAY 9, 2025 – The Defense Department celebrates Public Service Recognition Week, observed annually during the first week of May since 1985, to honor federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees who serve the nation. This year, the Pentagon recognized members of its civilian workforce for their vital contributions to national security.

Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell praised their essential role.

“Public Service Recognition Week honors the important contributions of public servants at all levels of government,” Parnell said. “It provides an opportunity for the nation to recognize and thank this capable workforce, as well as for the government to highlight the scope, scale and impact of its efforts.”

Within the Defense Department, civilians are critical to mission success.

“Our civilian patriots are essential to achieving peace through strength,” Parnell said. “These talented men and women work side by side with our warfighters to advance key policies and programs, and to offer the continuity required to sustain these important initiatives.”

Their expertise in fields like federal law enforcement, research, and development supports President Donald J. Trump’s priorities of reviving the warrior ethos, reestablishing deterrence and rebuilding the military.

Edward V. Akacki, 77, has over 50 years of military and civilian service. Both Akacki and his brother were drafted due to the Vietnam War’s escalating demands. However, the Army staggered their deployments to avoid simultaneous service, citing the Sullivan Rule, which aimed to prevent multiple family members from serving in combat zones concurrently after the tragic loss of the five Sullivan brothers in World War II.

“My brother enlisted before me, and the Army delayed my deployment until he returned from Vietnam,” Akacki said.

Akacki shipped to basic training in 1970 and trained as a court reporter before deploying to Long Binh, Vietnam, the following year, where he supported the Army’s judicial system.

“[My tour] was pretty routine: breakfast, office work, lunch at the hooch, back to the office,” he recalled. “We heard gunfire and bombings at night, but our area was secure.”

Akacki visited Vung Tau, a coastal rest area, on weekends.

“Vietnam was beautiful, despite … the war,” he said.

When his tour ended in 1975, Akacki was assigned as a court reporter on the Joint Staff in Washington, where he created a written record of the key points, discussions, decisions and actions from meetings. His talents and military education transformed a three-year tour into a permanent position, offering family stability.

“The Joint Staff decided to keep me and another steno typist to avoid retraining costs,” he said. “So, I was the exception. My kids didn’t move and grew up with lifelong friends.”

Akacki retired from the Army in 2000 after nearly 30 years of active-duty service. However, he continues to serve as a civilian in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s protocol division.

“It’s been a privilege working with the Joint Chiefs,” he said. “Each chairman and vice chairman is unique, but all are dedicated to national security.”

Akacki ensures the protocol office runs smoothly, supporting the vice chairman while the director focuses on the chairman. “I stay for the people and because I enjoy the work,” he said. “I grew up on a farm in Pine Island, New York, working from a young age, so stopping feels unnatural.”

Akacki’s commitment reflects a lifelong commitment to his country and its armed forces.

“Our job is to support the chairman and vice chairman, regardless of administration,” he said. “If their requests are legal and ethical, we deliver.”

As he nears retirement, Akacki encourages young people to explore public service. “If you’re serious about it, give it a shot,” he said.

His daughter followed in his footsteps as a public servant. She works in social services with Fairfax County, Virginia.

Parnell emphasized the year-round impact of civilians like Akacki, who provide continuity across administrations and support warfighters in logistics, policy and research. “These hardworking men and women are vital to our work, and we remain deeply grateful for their professionalism, dedication and myriad contributions to the mission during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year,” he said.

The Pentagon expresses deep gratitude for the civilian workforce as their work strengthens national defense against evolving threats.

“We thank our civilian workforce for their unwavering commitment,” Parnell said. “Their efforts ensure the Defense Department remains a cornerstone of national security.”

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By Army Maj. Wes Shinego, DOD News

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Navy Flies Solar UAS Nonstop for Three Days

JULY 30, 2025 – The Navy, in partnership with Skydweller Aero, recently achieved continuous solar-powered unmanned flight during a nonstop three-day test from Stennis, Mississippi. Led by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), the test of Skydweller UAS marks a significant advancement in both long-endurance solar-powered UAS technology and its potential to enhance […]

Air National Guard Unveils New Bonus Program

MARCH 11, 2023 – On March 1st, the Air National Guard (ANG) launched a new bonus program to attract and retain personnel in critical specialties. The initiative offers significant financial rewards, with bonuses of up to $90,000 for eligible members, depending on their Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). This strategic move aims to strengthen the […]

Education Benefits Make Stronger Service Members

APRIL 3, 2025 – Within the armed forces, a variety of educational benefits are available that allow service members to both improve themselves and make themselves more valuable to their service branch. One example is the Military Tuition Assistance Program. The program is available to enlisted personnel, officers and warrant officers in the Army, Navy, […]

Former Soldier Navigates Job Hunt

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 — In early 2017, Michael Quinn endured what he called the worst day in the worst year of his life. Quinn, then a sergeant major and 24-year Army Soldier, had weathered deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. As an Army counter-intelligence agent, he said he learned to operate under grave circumstances […]

Financial Planning for Military Families

JUNE 25, 2025 – Have you ever wondered how military families manage their finances while dealing with deployments, relocations, and changing pay structures? Financial planning is a vital part of life for families who serve. With unique benefits, challenges, and lifestyle changes, military families must make smart financial decisions that protect their future and help […]

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