WASHINGTON, D.C.—Earlier this month, the Washington Office held its first Length of Service awards ceremony in two years. The virtual ceremony was emceed by Deputy Chief Tony Dixon and featured Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Meryl Harrell and Associate Chief Angela Coleman.

This year's theme was Rising Above: United Through Service, reflecting all our employees have overcome during the nearly two-year pandemic. Prior to the virtual ceremony, recipients were asked to share their thoughts on the agency, its mission, how it's changed during their careers and advice for new employees. Below are just a few of the responses:

5-15 Years

I was a contractor. The dedication and commitment to excellence from the agency employees was astounding, and at that time I knew I wanted to be a part of the agency. – Tommy Martinez

We commit to the American people that we will always serve as stewards of their public trust, as we also commit to each other as fellow servants. For me, our mission means commitment. – Michael Reed

What brought me to the Forest Service was visionaries that saw the potential in me. Today I am here hoping I can carry the same vision and inspire young Latinos to get to know this agency. – Juana Rosas

Before the Forest Service, I couldn’t see myself camping, hiking or having fun in the forest. Now, I encourage others to enjoy these natural spaces and see for themselves. – Michaela Hall

20-35 Years

The Forest Service has been a gift to me. To be picked up through a program for low-income families [gave me] all the opportunities that I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams. – Michelle Reugebrink

For me, the Forest Service represents all the messiness and beauty of America and its relationships with people and land. I was asked once by my boss whether “caring for the land” or “serving people” came first. You can’t have one without the other. – Jeremiah “Jerry” Ingersoll

What really stands out and is important to me is that WHAT we do—our agency mission—has not changed. It has stood the test of time. – Rhonda O'Byrne

When I started 36 years ago, I was one of two females graduating from our university in forestry. The Forest Service hired both of us. We both had to prove ourselves quite a bit to show we could do the job just as well as, if not better, than the males. Fortunately, now the Forest Service hires & represents a very diverse audience & works diligently to create a workforce that is accepting of all cultures. – Gwen Beavans

40-50 Years

Love what you do, do your best and be ready for change and more change. 
– Duane Fisher

Read the owner’s manual! Understanding how things work and then allowing space for the “human element” may prevent unnecessary frustration and anxiety. – Christopher Wood

Give yourself patience and time to adjust to a career that will have numerous changes going forward, some bad and many good. Also, find a mentor, that's extremely important! – Suzanne Layne