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Honor the Fallen

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Photo from a flag folding ceremony. (USDA Forest Service Photo) We honor those who died in the line of duty.USDA Forest Service Employees2021 - Present2024Austin Davidson - Shawnee National ForestDaniel Foley - Fremont-Winema National ForestCasey Budlong - La Grande Hotshots2023Benjamin…
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Honor Guard - History

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The Concept of the US Forest Service "Honor Guard" first surfaced in 1998, and launched in 1999.  Several employees in Southern California joined together and designed the program and uniform which honored the history of the Forest Service. The Stetson hat along with the dark green uniform represents early Agency attire. The "Ike" jacket from the 50’s also honors the old traditional uniform…
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Honor Guard

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For many members, their participation in the Honor Guard is the most important part of their job with the agency because it’s a way to honor fallen Forest Service employees and represent the agency at its highest standard. They can give back to the agency, fellow employees and families of employees. Members mentioned a loss of a friend in the line of duty as one reason for their involvement and…
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2025 Rise to the Future award winners

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Each year, the USDA Forest Service, along with our partners, honors exceptional employees who have exhibited leadership and management excellence in our fisheries, hydrology, wildlife, air resources and soil science programs across the country with our Rise to the Future awards. These top performers were nominated by both peers and Forest Service partners for their outstanding contributions both…
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Deferred Resignation Program participants: Guidance for supporting wildfire response

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Firefighter lookouts monitor fires and provide support to air operations, Mendocino National Forest, California. (USDA Forest Service photo by Cecilio Ricardo) In support of USDA’s top priority of wildfire preparedness and response, Forest Service employees in the Deferred Resignation Program who have…
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USDA: Important political activitity reminder

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The USDA Office of Ethics is providing this timely reminder of the applicable statutory restrictions on political activity imposed by the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-7326).The Hatch Act generally prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities (those activities involving a political…
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