In Memoriam - Haiti

The devastating January 12 earthquake in Haiti took the lives of a long-time Foreign Service Officer and at least six dedicated Foreign Service Nationals (with 26 others unaccounted for). Please share your condolences and remembrances of our fallen colleagues and friends. To do so, please send your comments to member@afsa.org and we will post them at once.

Victoria DeLong: A 27-year veteran of the Foreign Service, Victoria served as the Cultural Affairs Officer in Port-au-Prince. She had fallen in love with the people and culture of Haiti and called this tour the highlight of her career. Donations in Vickie's memory can be made to the Little Flower/Rosa Mina Orphanage, where she volunteered. Online donations can be made through the Partners in Progress website (http://www.piphaiti.org/). There, click on "make a donation" to get the donations page. Where it asks "How should we use your donation", there is a dropdown menu, and Little Flower/Rosa Mina is third on the list of options.

We mourn the terrible loss of so many of our FSN colleagues. The Foreign Service National (FSN) Emergency Relief Fund enables the Department of State to respond to crises affecting locally employed staff overseas. To donate to the fund, send a check to the Department’s Gift Fund Coordinator, Donna Bordley, RM/CFO, Rm. 7427, 2201 C Street NW, Washington DC 20520. Make checks payable to the U.S. Department of State, designation for the “FSN Emergency Relief Fund.” State and USAID employees may also check their intranet for guidance on donation by cash or credit cards.

Our thoughts are also with State Department employee Andrew Wyllie, who tragically lost his wife Laurence and his two young sons, Evan and Baptiste, in the earthquake.

Your Condolences and Remembrances

The employees of the Consular Section, U.S. Embassy San Salvador are deeply saddened by the loss of life and suffering of our Foreign Service colleagues and their families as a result of the earthquake in Haiti.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this most difficult time.  We commend their service and dedication.
-Carl Cockburn, Consul General, United States Embassy, San Salvador, El Salvador 

Dear Andrew - My most heartfelt and sincere condolences for your great loss.  Seems words can never adequately convey the profound sentiments of the heart at such a difficult time as this.  May you be comforted through the support and sentiments you receive from family, friends, and colleagues, and in the simplest but most profound way – time.
-Teresa Ledesma

Dear Andrew, although we’ve not met, my heart just goes out to you for the terrible loss you have suffered. Please know that your State colleagues and friends, whether known to you or not, are with you in spirit at this time.  If there is anything that this Washington-based officer can do for you, please let me know!!! 
-Ruth Kurzbauer, HR/REE/BEX

I served in Haiti as a AGSO from 95-97 and can say it was an honor and a privilege to work with our locally employed staff. I will never forget their good nature, love of life and perseverance against all odds. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with all the employees and their loved ones.
-Benny Garcia & Family

As a WAE I did two TDY assignments in Haiti and had an immediate attraction to the proud, generous,creative and remarkably good-humored and good-natured Haitians in spite of the years of devestation they suffered. I do have some understanding of how Victoria loved being in Haiti and contributing in a meaningful way beyound the call of her official duty. I mourn her loss and  that of the local staff. I hope that I can return as a tourist in the near future (or as a helpful volunteer). I will be contributing to the FSN fund and to Partners In Health.
-Sally L. Lindover

Dear Colleagues and Friends. Thank you so very much for your courage and willingness to try to make Haiti and the world a better place and build peace and prosperity for the USA and our partners and friends around the world. You and your family are in our hearts forever.
-Marcie Friedman

Haiti is a beautiful country with so many beautiful people.  My heart goes out to those who have suffered so much in the wake of the terrible earthquake, which added to the numerous burdens Haiti already faced.  So many FSOs choose to work in Haiti and hope to leave it a better place.  FSNs dedicate their lives to staying and doing something positive, and so many of those special FSNs perished in this unfortunate disaster.  Many others survived but lost loved ones, homes, and hope.  May you all be rejuvenated with the strength that has kept Haiti on its feet for over 200 years, and may the renewal and rebuilding revitalize Haiti to reflect the love, vibrancy, and joy depicted in its wonderful music and art. 
-Ellen S. Bienstock

Although I am not a member of AFSA, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to those who gave their lives for our country in the most recent earthquake in Haiti.  I applaud their dedication and strong will and my prayers go out to their loved ones.
-Carol R. Johnson

Victoria and I served in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  She was a valued colleague and friend who will be missed by all her Foreign Service colleagues. 
-Lois L. Bozilov