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.”
By Army Maj. Wes Shinego, DOD News