The Foreign Service Journal, December 2013

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2013 45 AFSA NEWS On Nov. 13, AFSA hosted a Congressional networking reception in the Russell Sen- ate Office Building. The pur- pose was twofold: creating an opportunity for Hill staffers and Foreign Service mem- bers to meet and exchange views in an informal setting; and to honor Congressio- nal friends of the Foreign Service. AFSA President Bob Silverman and Vice Presi- dent Matthew Asada were the evening’s hosts. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., was the keynote speaker. He spoke of his family’s long connection to the Foreign Service—his father, grand- father, uncle and first cousin have all served as ambas- sadors. AFSA presented the senator with a plaque in recognition of his support of the Foreign Service. AFSA Expands Its Congressional Outreach Engel, D-N.Y., both of whom spoke strongly in support of the men and women of the Foreign Service. n Ambassador James Jef- frey also spoke eloquently of his long service in the Foreign Service, and of the impor- tance of having the U.S. Sen- ate confirm ambassadors, as it conveys the trust of both the executive and legislative branches to their service. AFSA was also honored by the presence of Senator Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., and Representative Eliot BY JAVIER CUEBAS. AFSA DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY Support AFSA’s Fund for American Diplomacy in 2013 The Fund for American Diplo- macy is AFSA’s vehicle for telling the story of the For- eign Service to the American public, creating awareness and understanding of the importance of diplomacy and development. We do this through lecture series, speaker programs and educational seminars around the country, the publica- tion of our bestselling book, Inside a U.S. Embassy and various AFSA events staged here at AFSA headquarters, such as Book Notes discus- sions and expert panels. The FAD also encourages the interest of students who are interested in a Foreign Service career. We do this through our essay contest, the minority summer intern- ship program, and career seminars at universities across the country. Finally, the FAD honors members of the Foreign Service community who have Center, left to right: FCS Rep Barbara Farrar, State Rep Chuck Fee, AFSA Executive Director Ian Houston, State Rep Nancy Rios- Brooks, Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., AFSA President Bob Silverman, USAID VP Sharon Wayne, FCS VP Steve Morrison. Corner: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. Bottom: AFSA President Bob Silverman with Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Md. performed exemplary ser- vice, dissented courageously and constructively, or given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. You can also support the Fund for American Diplomacy through the ongoing Com- bined Federal Campaign. Yo u will find us under #10646, Diplomacy Matters-AFSA. Please visit www.afsa.org/ fad for additional information on how to give. n ASGEIRSIGFUSSON Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry pay tribute to fallen Foreign Service members at AFSA’s Memorial Plaque ceremony on May 3, 20 13. DONNAAYERST