(WASHINGTON, D.C.)-Bobby L. Harnage, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), today issued the following statement after yesterday's horrific terrorist attacks on American soil:
"The American Federation of Government Employees extends its heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by this American tragedy.
"Federal employees return to work today with tremendous pride for their country and strengthened determination that our government, as always, will continue to provide vital services to the American people.
"As Americans, we understand the critical need to keep our government running at full capacity during this crisis. Our borders must remain protected, services for America's citizens must continue and the readiness of our armed forces must be maintained.
"AFGE is proud of the public employees who have, and will in the days ahead, continue to exemplify America's values for all the world to see. We encourage AFGE members across the country to schedule blood drives at federal facilities over the next several weeks, as the American labor movement rises to meet our country's critical needs."
AFGE urges those who wish to help the federal employee victims and survivors of yesterday's tragedies to donate to the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) which has set up a special fund-the World Trade Center/Pentagon Fund to assist affected federal families. Families who need assistance may contact FEEA at 1-800-323-4140 or 303-933-7580.
Donations to the fund may be made via credit card by calling FEEA at 303-933-7580 or by sending a check to: FEEA World Trade Center/Pentagon Fund, 8441 West Bowles Avenue, Suite 200, Littleton, Colo., 80123-9501.
The American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, is the largest union for government employees, representing 600,000 federal workers in the United States and overseas, as well as employees of the District of Columbia. For more information about AFGE, visit www.afge.org.