Five Female Federal workers share the toll of losing their identity

'Devastated.' 'Cruel.' 'Surreal.'

Anna Conn, 35, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Asheville, N.C.

• They were scientists. Veterans. Park rangers. Lawyers. Researchers. Administrative staff.

• They work on fire safety. Safe drinking water. Veterans' health. Combating bird flu.

• They're from all over the country, in red states and blue. They're young and old.

Thousands of federal work…