"We Need You."

Michelle Obama got a huge reception here at OPM, and no wonder. She delivered a pean to federal employees and the civil service:

"Without you, we wouldn't keep our air, and rivers, and national parks safe. Our food supply is looked over because of the work you do. You protect us at home and abroad. You provide safety nets for millions of people who are struggling during difficult economic times. All of you here at OPM keep government's most important resource, and that is its people, working. I see first-hand how hard federal employees work. They and workers across America all face the challenge of finding the balance between work and family. That's why I take on this cause, because we all struggle to make sure we're not just good workers...you know how important that work-life balance is in maintaining a strong and committed workforce. If folks are happy at home, they're doing to do better at work.... We need you. Barack Obama cannot make the changes that he hopes to without strong employees....That has to start here in this office if it's going to emanate through the entire federal government. I want to thank you in advance. I will be back, so let's roll up our sleeves and get to work."