Celebrate Public Service Recognition Week, May 7-13

During Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), May 7-13, 2023, VA recognizes our incredible workforce for their commitment and dedication to fulfilling our mission “to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers and survivors.”

Celebrated annually during the first week of May since 1985, PSRW honors those who serve the public at the federal, state, county and local levels. During this week-long celebration, it’s important to honor public servants and tell them their dedication and service are noticed and appreciated. 

VA employees have the most inspiring mission in the federal government—the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Veterans, serving and honoring them.   

VA employees have different reasons for being civil servants. Some are Veterans. Some are parents of service members or had parents who served. And some simply feel inspired by serving those who served our country. 

Help us recognize our VA heroes!  

Have you seen a VA employee doing something noteworthy, in words or action, and making a positive difference to the Veterans we serve? If so, you can recognize these heroes by nominating them for an I CARE Award. 

In a changing world, VA’s core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence (I CARE) provide an enduring description of our culture and the quality of service VA provides to Veterans. These values aren’t new—VA employees live by them every day—but formalized, they offer a clear path to our success in fulfilling our sacred obligation to care for Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. 

“Core values describe our culture and serve as the foundation for the way we are committed to interacting with Veterans and their supporters, fellow employees, and those outside the organization,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. 

There are many wonderful examples of employees demonstrating these values in their day-to-day work. One of the best ways to recognize them is to simply thank them and acknowledge the difference they are making.  

An “I CARE” award gives Veterans, their caregivers or family members a voice to recognize those who meant something special to them while building morale and giving employees something to strive toward. 

“When we reward those who demonstrate our I CARE values, we reinforce the very behaviors and actions that build and sustain a culture of service,” McDonough added.

PSRW provides an opportunity to express gratitude to VA employees for their unwavering commitment to public service. 

Please thank our VA employees for their service to our nation’s Veterans. 

Veterans can share their stories about VA employees demonstrating I CARE core values in their daily interactions. You can nominate an employee or group who has gone above and beyond, one who displays the I CARE core values. 

If you would like to nominate a VA employee for an I CARE certificate, contact us and tell us what they did that demonstrated one or more of our I CARE values (attachments are allowed with the submission). 

For more information, visit the I CARE website.