With the end of the Government Shutdown yesterday, federal employees were asked to report to work on October 17. Offices and field stations of the Southwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are now open and the Region looks forward to continued service to the public.
To All Employees of the Southwest Region:
The first thing I would like to do is thank you for keeping a “stiff upper lip” during this shut down. I know that this disruption in the appropriation process has been personally upsetting and frustrating, and in some cases created significant hardship on you and your families. I know how much you wanted to be at work and I am extremely proud of all of all our employees; for their professionalism, exemplary dedication and unmatched skills as stewards our natural resources.
Now that this is behind us I am reminded of an old English proverb, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Now that we have navigated these turbulent waters I think this adversity has just made us stronger and more focused. It will take us a little time to get back to normal but I have no doubt that each of you will do your part to help close that gap.
I know that there will be questions about a number of administrative issues. We are preparing Q & A materials to address issues such a payroll, time and attendance and other key issues that may generate questions. Our commitment is to communicate all pertinent information to you as quickly as possible. However if you have specific questions that are not addressed by these materials, please contact Human Resources.
We have to make sure that we continue to look forward and work together to put this unpleasant period behind us. You need to know that America values our public servants for the extraordinary service and sacrifice that they provide to this country. And as U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, America values you for the same reasons. Let’s get back to our mission – “working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.”
Thank you again for your patience, commitment, everything that you do to contribute to our agency’s mission, I am proud to represent you as your Regional Director.
