The Foreign Service Journal, May 2013

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MAY 2013 55 AFSA NEWS FCS VP VOICE | BY KEITH CURTIS Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA FCS VP. My four-plus years as your vice president have proven to be busy, fruitful and meaningful. I hope I have done well. Serving during an interesting period (to cite the Chinese curse) has been a heavy responsibility and an honor. I thank you all and the Good Lord (many of you know He had to go out of his way to make it happen!) for having given me the chance to serve. Together, we have done a lot (see www.afsa.org/ FSJ/0313/index.html#/49/) . But I think our most impor- tant role has been to pro- tect the Service within the building, the administration and on the Hill. I spent much of my time developing and maintaining a relationship with Congress, where there is a real appreciation for what we do and its importance. During these last four years, that appreciation has grown, even though it has been dif- ficult to translate into budget advances. We did get an extra $15 million added to our budget in Fiscal Year 2012, much of it due to the support and relationships we have developed which, despite tough times, continue to benefit FCS. I have discovered that this office, and the wider AFSA connection on the Hill, is a very powerful tool for the well-being of the Service. At times, I found AFSA’s voice to be at least equal to that of the administration and the leadership at Commerce. Much of this is because the Hill really does value the work that you do, as does the administration and our stakeholders. Never underes- timate what AFSA can do for you and how important it is in these times. No one knows what is ahead on the big ques- tions we have wrestled with together: economic state- craft, consolidation and government sequestration, and downsizing. What you can be sure of is that you will be better off, through all of it, with AFSA at your side. I have no doubt that my replace- ment will continue to ably fill that role. I would also like to recom- mend that you consider the AFSA FCS vice president and representative positions at some point during your career. The 100-percent freedom that the VP now has is empowering. You are free to make your own schedule and determine—outside priorities and restraints of management and the rush of the moment—what the long-term, most important issues are. You bring an abso- lutely vital perspective to the management process both as a partner and as a kind of “watchdog.”You engage in the most important issues of our Service, while becoming better acquainted with our colleagues and find special ways to help people. It is a truly rewarding experience good of the Service. Equally important, but less seen by FCS, is the incredible support we have gotten these past four years from AFSA President Susan Johnson. She has never hesi- tated to give us unqualified support when we had to fight to be recognized. Thank you, Chuck and Susan. It has been said man's feelings are purest in the hour of farewell. And that great philosopher, Dale Evans, said it’s the way you ride the trail that counts. I sincerely hope I was helpful and that I may continue to be so down the dusty road. Thanks for the chance to serve and God bless. n (while earning time in class and time in service). I also want to take a moment to thank our lead- ers, Acting Director General Chuck Ford and Deputy Assistant Secretary Tom Moore, along with Bill Zarit, Karen Zens and Carmine D’Aloisio (all previous deputy assistant secretaries for international operations) before them. Without their hearts being in the right place, we could not have been safe. I am grateful for the rare opportunity to have served with Chuck, whose dedication, perseverance and care, have proven to be a once-in-a-career boon for us in this time of need. I know he will continue to work for the Farewell Notice: Death of Michael Drabin NEWS BRIEF It is with great sadness that the ICASS Service Center reports the death of our dear colleague and friend. Michael passed away on Friday, March 29, after a long battle with cancer.  Michael served as a Financial Management Officer in Antananarivo from 2005 to 2008; and in Pretoria from 2008 to 2009 before coming to the ICASS Service Center.  He lived life to the fullest and passed with faith, dignity and courage. He is survived by his loving wife, Somsawalee, and his sweet daughter, Sofia.  In lieu of flowers, family and friends have asked that memorial donations be made to a 529 educa- tion trust for Sofia a t sofiadrabin.com. Sympathy cards may be sent to the following address: Som- sawalee Drabin, 5744 Calais Blvd., #6, St. Peters- burg, FL 33714.