One of the greatest blessings since taking on this role just over one year ago has been getting to know so many of our career team @USDA. Many of whom have proudly been here for decades (and their parents before them!) To honor their work, I decided to take nominations and launch an “Unsung Hero” award. The best part… to surprise our winners! With Annette James, Branch Chief of Printing Services, as the first recipient! She started working for USDA in High School — 37 years ago!🇺🇸❤️ As I made my way to the basement of our South building and turned the corner, she burst into tears. She had never met any of her Secretaries, and certainly none had ever come down to the print shop. Meeting her and her team was such a highlight. And later, we had a wonderful lunch at the White House to celebrate! For her entire career spanning three decades, Annette has served the Department — and our nation — with extraordinary dedication, unmatched professionalism, and quiet grace. She has built an exemplary team that delivers professional documents, posters, exhibits, and other materials that carry the USDA name, all delivered flawlessly, on time, and with the highest standards of excellence. A working mom of three, her children grew up watching her advance her career at USDA. This Department thrives because of dedicated career professionals like Annette: the unsung heroes whose integrity, consistency, and behind-the-scenes excellence keep America’s agricultural mission moving forward every single day. Annette, on behalf of USDA, our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and all who depend on this vital work — thank you for your nearly 40 years of selfless service to the American people. You embody what makes USDA great, and this recognition is long overdue!