WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), issued the following statement on behalf of USAID recognizing Veterans Day.

"On this Veterans Day, I am proud to join the entire USAID workforce in recognizing and expressing our sincere appreciation of our country's veterans. The sacrifices they have made on our behalf stand as an inspiring example of service.

Although we formally recognize our nation's men and women in uniform on Veterans Day, we keep them in our thoughts year round. As members of America's diplomatic and development community here and abroad, USAID staff understand the cost of serving far from home - often in harm's way - and we respect the courage of our Armed Forces and honor their service to our country.

We are especially proud of the Agency's veterans and those who continue to serve as members of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves. We value their resiliency and selflessness and will continue to support their service commitments. In paying tribute to our veterans, we also recognize the sacrifices of their families and loved ones who support them and maintain vigils during their absences from home.

Please take a moment to visit our blog at http://blog.usaid.gov/2011/11/veterans-at-usaid-continuing-to-serve-amer..., where EGAT Assistant Administrator Eric Postel has shared his experiences as a U.S. Navy Officer. The blog entry also highlights veteran recruitment efforts here at USAID, as well as resources for veterans and hiring managers that are available through OHR's Veterans Employment Program run by Dennis Hicklin, who is himself a veteran.

On behalf of USAID, I thank our veterans for their service and dedication."