493.1 Overview The characteristics of Service Awards are shown in Exhibit 493.1:
493.2 Service Award Pin
493.21 Description
TheService Award Pin, a noncash recognition award given at milestone years, consists of an emblem pin and a letter of appreciation issued in recognition of government service.
The letter of appreciation is: Signed by the installation head or functional organization head for an employee with 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 years of service.
Signed by the Postmaster General for an employee with 50 years of service. Presented in an official service award folder.
493.22 Basis
The Service Award Pin is presented to career employees who have completed 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 years of creditable service to the government.
All federal civilian and military service is considered creditable. Eligibility for the Service Award Pin is without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or presence of physical or mental disability.
493.23 Responsibility
493.231 Headquarters
The manager of Corporate Personnel Management is responsible for: Administration of the Service Award Pin program for Headquarters and Headquarters-related field units. Oversight of the 50-year Service Award Pin program service-wide.
493.232 Areas
The area vice president is responsible for administration of: The Service Award Pin program for personnel on area rolls and employees reporting directly to the area office. The 50-year Service Award Pin program for eligible employees within the area (see 493.26 for instructions).
493.233 Districts and Plants
District managers are responsible for the administration of the Service Award Pin program for district and plant employees (see 493.26 for instructions).
493.234 Inspection Service
The chief postal inspector is responsible for the administration of: The Service Award Pin program for Inspection Service employees. The 50-year Service Award Pin program for all eligible Inspection Service employees (see 493.26 for instructions).
493.24 Providing Lists of Eligible Employees
Before the end of each quarter, a list of all employees who, based on their retirement computation date, will achieve sufficient government service to qualify for a Service Award Pin during the next quarter, will be made available to the officials responsible for the administration of the program at each district, area, Headquarters, and Headquarters-related field unit office. Note: To determine an individual’s eligibility for the Service Award Pin, federal civilian and military service that is not creditable for retirement purposes must be added to service indicated by the retirement computation date.
