To celebrate 25 years of the Partnership for Public Service and another year of our Service to America Medals® program, we are shining a spotlight on past Sammies honorees to showcase the impact that civil servants’ work has on our everyday lives.
Since 2002, the award program has proudly honored more than 800 career federal employees whose work makes our nation safer, stronger, healthier and more prosperous.
Learn more about six Sammies honorees who have worked to keep Americans healthy.
Creating a preventive vaccine for cancer causing viruses
Douglas R. Lowy and John T. Schiller: 2007 Federal Employees of the Year Recipients
Physicians Douglas Lowy and John Schiller of the National Cancer Institute made critical discoveries that led to the development of a revolutionary vaccine for the virus that causes a majority of cervical cancers worldwide.
Developing life-saving treatments for millions of cancer patients
Steven A. Rosenberg: 2015 Federal Employee of the Year
Dr. Steven Rosenberg of the National Cancer Institute pioneered the use of the body’s immune system and genetically engineered anti-tumor cells to successfully treat cancer patients, making immunotherapy a mainstream approach along with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Leading research on preventive remedies for peanut and tree nut allergies
Soheila J. Maleki, Ph.D.: 2018 Science, Technology and Environment Honoree
Soheila Maleki of the Department of Agriculture led life-changing research on the causes, detection, prevention and potential remedies for peanut and tree nut allergies which can result in potentially life-threatening reactions and symptoms for an estimated 1.5 to 2 million children in the United States.
Revolutionizing scientific research to understand long-term effects of concussions
Ann Mckee, M.D.: 2019 Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement Medalist
Dr. Ann McKee, working with Veterans Health Administration, revolutionized our understanding of the serious and long-term effects of concussions, demonstrating that repetitive mild head traumas that have often affected veterans and athletes are not just an acute injury but can provoke a progressive mental degeneration.
Leading cross-agency collaboration to create methods of addressing air pollution
James Szykman: 2026 Service to America Medals Honoree
James Szykman of the Environmental Protection Agency contributed to the successful validation of NASA’s TEMPO satellite, paving the way to ground-breaking methods of monitoring, tracking and addressing air pollution.
As we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we remain committed to spotlighting civil servants who exemplify our mission of building a better government and stronger democracy.
To learn more about the Sammies and read the inspiring stories of our honorees, visit servicetoamericamedals.org.