The Foreign Service Journal, January-February 2014

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 83 AFSA NEWS 6 percent with additions of between 0.5 and 1 percent in some jurisdictions. WISCONSIN Pensions and annuities are fully taxable. Those age 65 or over may take two personal deductions totaling $950. Benefits received from a federal retirement system account established before Dec. 31, 1963, are not taxable. Wisconsin does not tax Social Security benefits included in Federal Adjusted Gross Income. For tax years after 2009, those over 65 and with an FAGI of less than $15,000 (single filers) or $30,000 (joint filers)may take a $5,000 deduction on income from federal retirement systems or IRAs. State sales tax is 5 percent; most counties charge an extra 0.5 percent. WYOMING No personal income tax. State sales tax is 4 percent. Local taxes may increase the total to 6 percent. n Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs: Jameson DeBose, Bangkok Jameson DeBose, a Foreign Service officer, provided effec- tive support to the Ban Kru Noi Child Development Center in Bangkok, which helps disadvantaged children to attend school. Jameson spearheaded a project to renovate the center and was awarded a J. Kirby Simon grant for this expanded project. The center's staff and children were brought together with more than 40 volunteers from across the U.S. mission. Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs: Marilyn Kott, Pristina Defense attaché spouse Marilyn Kott, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, co-founded and runs “Clothes for Kosovo,” giving embassy personnel in Pristina an easy way to donate used items. Since 2012, the program has donated more than 1,200 pounds of clothes, along with furniture and food, to local charities. Marilyn also established and taught three levels of low-cost English courses for the nonprofit organization, AYA Pjeter Bogdani, and provided the NGO with funds for projects promoting cultural and ethnic diversity. Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs: Amber Boyd-Eiholzer, Amman Amber Boyd-Eiholzer, an office management specialist, coordinated an extremely successful series of events for Black History Month, culminating in the sold-out Black and White Ball. The event raised a record $10,000 for support of local charities, including an NGO that assists Syrian refugees and an orphanage for Jordanian children. She also coordinated the embassy’s participation in the annual diplomatic holiday bazaar, benefitting the Al Hussein Society for the Habilitation/ Rehabilitation of the Physically Challenged. Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs: Gretel Patch, Kathmandu Foreign Service spouse Gretel Patch used her professional training in the field of educational technology to bring 21st century skills to underprivileged and at-risk youth in Nepal. Teaming-up with an English language program for students aged 14-18, she broadened the curriculum by incorporating computer and technological skills that educate, engage and empower the students. Gretel designed lesson plans using slideshows, movies, presentations and interactive quizzes. She posted the resources online for the use of future instruc- tors and students. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs: Megan Gallardo, La Paz Office management specialist Megan Gallardo responded to a request for help with collecting blankets for a local cancer treatment clinic by launching a project to improve the facility. Through a J. Kirby Simon grant, Megan and a group of Ameri- cans and Bolivians made major repairs to the building. She also found the time to raise funds to have a security wall built around a shelter that helps young women victims rescued from sex trafficking. She organized a “girls-only” prom and a series of professional workshops and mentoring sessions for the girls. The 2013 Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award To Foreign Service spouse Bob Castro for his contributions to the professional well-being of FS family members through his organization PROPS: Professional Partners & Spouses of the Foreign Service. PROPS is a network of FS family mem- bers that convene through LinkedIn to support one another in seeking employment locally, telecommuting or engaging in civic and professional development activities while based abroad. The 2013 Lesley Dorman Award To FS spouse Barbara Reioux, for her outstanding service to AAFSW and the Foreign Service community. Barbara plays an important role in many AAFSW programs and initiatives. She is always willing to take on new responsibilities and is an enthusiastic volunteer at the Art and BookFair, Art and Small Business Fairs and other AAFSW events. To learn more about AAFSW and the Secretary of State Awards please visit www.aafsw.org. n SOSA continued from page 63