The Foreign Service Journal, May 2012

MA Y 2 0 1 2 / F OR E I GN S E R V I C E J OU R N A L 45 A F S A N E W S ries whenever possible and find ways to speak to your communities.” He highlighted the importance that former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and current Defense Secretary Leon Panetta have placed on diplomacy and development initiatives, noting that diplomatic readiness needs to be recog- nized as part of our national security strat- egy. “We need to build a better appre- ciation of the work done by the Foreign Service and the fact that we have a mul- tifaceted security strategy.” Johnson asked the congressman about the possibility of linking diplomacy and defense in an overall national secu- rity budget, and what effect that could have on funding for foreign affairs agencies. AlthoughRep. VanHollen recognized the difficulty of competing one-on-one with the defense budget, he pointed out that competing with budgets for educa- tion or infrastructure would also be dif- ficult: “That’s not an easy place to be either, just in terms of the political dynam- ics of the budget.” Although there are a number of dif- ferent scenarios that could play out as Congress works on the budget for 2013, he is hopeful that a balanced, responsible budget can be agreed on. The alternative could prove to be “amess that would have very bad results for federal agencies and their ability to do important work for the country.” L ast spring, when running as a candidate for one of the four retiree representative positions on the 2011–2013 AFSA Governing Board, I never imagined I wouldwind upwrit- ing this column as your retiree vice president. “Expect the unex- pected” applies to retirees as well as active-duty employees. Fortunately for me and for AFSA, Bob Houdek, the outgoing retiree VP, remains amember of the board, so we will continue to benefit from his experience and sound advice. Bob’s final column, “AnAdieu,WithReflections” ( AFSANews , January), and “Laws CanChange; SoCanYour Benefits” ( AFSA News, April 2009) byhis predecessor, Bill Farrand, are sober reflec- tionsonstorieswe seewith increasing frequency in local andnation- al media. Members of Congress and state legislatures are trying touse the salaries, pensions andbenefitsof public servants toresolve budgetary shortfalls. Facts about hard work, sacrifice and com- mitment to public service just seem to get in the way of a snap- py sound bite. Is there an immediate threat to Foreign Service retiree pen- sions? No. Could there be a threat to current and future retire- ment benefits? Anything is possible as Congress and the admin- istration struggle with the federal budget and competing visions of the role and size of government. To defend our hard-won benefits, AFSA is working hardwith friends of the Foreign Service on the Hill. But members of Congress respond best to their con- stituents, especiallywhen the constituents arewell-informed andpresent compelling arguments that can stand against other, equally compelling inter- ests. Retiree members, reaching out in person by phone, letter or e-mail, put a human face — and a human cost — on what busy members of Congress and their staff may sometimes per- ceive as an abstract policy chip to be negotiated away in the process of trying to move legislation. Many of our retireeswrite articles andbooks, deliver talks and offer radio and television commentary. This, too, puts a human face on the ForeignService andhelps to raise our profile. On this front, I am happy to report that State management, responding to AFSA, has clarified its policy on pre-publication clearance of manuscripts by retirees: clearance is recommended but not required, unless the author believes that something in the man- uscript may still be classified. AFSA is committed tomaintaining anddeepening services to retiree members. The hiring of a second staff member was approved to respond to requests for assistance from retirees and tomonitor congressional actions affectingcurrent and future retired Foreign Service members. I look forward to working with the professional staff to serve AFSA’s members. V.P. VOICE: VP RETIREES BY MARY ELLEN GILROY Serving AFSA’s Current and Future Retirees Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA RETIREE VP. Van Hollen • Continued from page 39 (Left) Rep. Van Hollen takes a question from the audience during his visit to AFSA. (Right) Rep. Van Hollen engages with attendees following the discussion. PHOTOS BY DONNA AYERST