This senior federal scientist works to stop outsourcing

June 4, 2021

Presidents shake quite a few hands in their careers. The familiar picture of a teenaged Bill Clinton shaking hands with President John F. Kennedy in bright sunlight stands as one of those great coincidence moments — if you believe in coincidence.

The grandeur of Kennedy’s words, and the grace with which he delivered them, inspired many to public service. Bill Clinton’s presidency concluded in 2001.

The other day I spoke with a federal employee who also shook President Kennedy’s hand. Amazingly he is still working. In fact, he joined federal service in 1960, working for the Army Map Service for the grand sum of $46 per week. He shared more details on Federal Drive with Tom Temin.