Those who make sport out of denigrating the federal workforce should meet the winners of this year's Samuel Heyman ‘Service to America Medals'.

During a period when government workers face the uncertainty of budget cuts, these awards — better known as the "Sammies" — are a welcome and needed relief.

For its 10th anniversary, the Sammies honored public servants at a black-tie gala Thursday night, presented by the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service.

(READ about the winners in the Washington Post)