The Foreign Service Journal, May 2009

his home for his first tour. He played a central role in the embassy’s Con- sular Leadership Day, writing songs and skits for the community. The weekend he was taken from us, he was preparing for a six-week temporary duty assignment to Rwan- da. As in all things, Brian never did anything by half-measures — he was going to do it 100 percent, or not at all. A Fitting Return Home In the days following Brian’s tragic death, the department showed just what it means to be part of a global family. His flag-draped casket trav- eled to Ohio with full honors. Among those attending his funeral were Director General of the Foreign Service Harry K. Thomas, Acting As- sistant Secretary for African Affairs Philip Carter, Embassy Addis Ababa’s DCM Deborah Malac and Ambassa- dor Scott DeLisi, whose first A-100 class as director of the Entry Level Division of the Office of Career De- velopment and Assignments had been the 135th. Secretary of State Clinton called Brian’s family to express the de- partment’s condolences. As Brian’s far-too-short life and ca- reer are honored, we think of how for- tunate we are to have known him, to have called him friend, to have shared in his triumphs and coped along with him in his setbacks. This is the reality when someone signs up for the For- eign Service: We are called on to serve in some of the most dangerous and difficult postings in the world, but we are never alone. Brian Adkins is survived by his par- ents, his sister and brother, his grand- parents, a nephew and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Brian Daniel Adkins Memorial Fund at the WesBanco Bank of Columbus, Ohio. His Legacy Web site can be viewed at http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.as px?bookid=6133336981121. ■ M A Y 2 0 0 9 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 43