02/21/2025
Message from Tom Montoya, President, PNWFSA
After I wrote the President’s Message for the Winter newsletter, the roll out of firings across the Forest Service occurred. I therefore did a last-minute revision of my message to reflect on this important and what I consider an unprecedented event.
When writing this revised President’s Message, I am reminded that life is fragile and caring for your fellow Forest Service employees is what truly is important. I have heard from several employees who are among the estimated 3,400 hard-working public servants who were fired; Their stories are heartfelt and disconcerting when thinking about the impact upon friends and their families.
As a retiree, I know these individuals are hard-working, dedicated to serving not only the public but also the communities they live in and love. They are our neighbors, friends and family. As President of PNWFSA, I can say without a doubt that our organization strongly supports these employees as they go through this very difficult time. Employees are what has made this agency so unique in carrying out its mission of caring for the land and serving the people. We encourage employees to stay proud and strong in their commitment to the agency mission.
The PNWFSA Board of Directors is urging our members to support agency employees by offering assistance to impacted employees and their families. After all, we all are part of a larger Forest Service family who cares deeply about our coworkers and friends. The Board of Directors has started dialog on how we may advocate and support these employees through avenues like the Elmer Moyer Emergency Fund. I would ask if you, as an Old Smokeys member, can donate to this important fund, please do as the need is great. More information will be provided on how we can help employees.
I believe it is also important that we connect with folks who you may know are going through a difficult time. During times like this, our members do a wonderful job coming together to help employees. So please reach out say, “Hello” and, most importantly, ask how you might help and let them know that you do care. Being the President of this wonderful Association has afforded me the opportunity to see first-hand the compassion and care that our members provide to our fellow employees and retirees. That is what makes us unique and special in a world that seems to waiver on its commitment to our National Forests.
Link to donate to the Elmer Moyer Emergency Fund:
https://oldsmokeys.org/Moyer-Fund
Thank you for your many continued commitments that you make to the Old Smokeys – you all are our biggest champions.
Tom Montoya
President, PNWFSA
Later, in 2012, it was named after Elmer Moyer, who was instrumental in establishing the Old Smokeys as a 501(c)(3) and in shaping the organization into what it is today - even changing the name from the "30 Year Club" to the "Pacific Northwest Forest Service Association".
