Citizen Services
Insider Advantage
Thomas Casadevall and quick-thinking U.S. Geological Survey regional managers launched boats and rescue teams in New Orleans in the hours following Hurricane Katrina.
Science And Environment
A Lucky Mistake
A mathematical error proved fruitful for Norden Huang—and other scientists trying to interpret data.
National Security
The Mastermind
When American service members and civilians are captured or missing in Iraq or Afghanistan, it’s the work of Ron McNeal that guides their safe return.
Justice And Law Enforcement
Justice Served
Martin Harrell, a prosecutor at EPA, fights to ensure America stays green.
International Affairs
Seeing the Big Picture
Mark S. Ward was the go-to guy for allocating federal aid after the Asian tsunami and the earthquake in Pakistan.
Homeland Security
Preparing For the Worst
Despite not knowing much about bird flu at the start, Nancy Powell led a U.S. initiative to establish a worldwide protocol for response to the virus.
Call To Service
Legal Eagle
Heading up the legal office at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, Christina Sanford helped craft a plan for replacing Iraq’s interim government.
Career Achievement
More Than a Clock Watcher
A Nobel Prize winner in physics, William D. Phillips has done more than just improve the accuracy of clocks—he’s an ambassador for public service.
Federal Employee Of The Year
Defensive Line
Chasing the evolution of influenza has kept Centers for Disease Control and Prevention virologist Nancy Cox on the run for 31 years.
2006 Service To America Medals
The Finalists
The Service to America Medals 2006 nominees and 2006 Selection Committee
Defense
Negotiators agree to cap interest rates for loans to military
Language added to Defense authorization bill is aimed at stopping unscrupulous payday lenders from targeting service members.
Tech
New pact moves Internet body toward independence
Body will no longer be required to report regularly to the Commerce Department; government will play advisory role.
News
GSA launches a new governmentwide technology procurement
Alliant will be worth up to $65 billion over 10 years, but skeptics note flaws in how GSA has handled the effort.
Tech
New IT agreements may reduce DHS reliance on interagency contracts
Department also is working to hire more acquisition workers to oversee contracts, officials say in response to GAO report.
Defense