The Foreign Service Journal, June 2003

Recognizing and rewarding the professional nature of support functions in the Service and enhancing the status of spouses accompanying per- sonnel overseas. During the 1970s, more names of those killed in overseas service were added to the AFSA memorial plaques in the State Department lobby than in the entire previous history of the U.S. The world of diplomacy was changing, and increased danger was an important aspect of it. Members of all agencies and all specialties — communicators, secre- taries, security personnel, couriers and many others — shared the essential demands of worldwide availability, as did their spouses. It was time to eliminate the dis- tinction between “officers” and other members of the Service labeled simply as “employees,” as well as to deal with the special issues affecting spouses. Thea De Rouville, a career Foreign Service staff officer and the only non-member of the PRO slate, was elected vice president of AFSA in 1979. She mobilized the “staff corps” worldwide and turned dissidence into an effective and articulate vehicle of reform. Her con- tributions to the formation and implementation of the Foreign Service Act profoundly changed the structure of the institution. The Association of American Foreign Service Women, now the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide, ensured that spousal concerns, particularly employment opportuni- ties, survivor benefits and protection for former spous- es, all received appropriate attention. The legislation that emerged in 1980 seeks to avoid the distinctions that previously existed that implied preferential status to one category or another. It con- sistently refers to all Foreign Service personnel as “members of the Service” and establishes a single Foreign Service pay schedule. And it provides for training for spouses and protection for former spouses. Balancing the role of the professional organiza- tion representing all members, including senior F O C U S 44 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U N E 2 0 0 3 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA S I NCE 1 9 7 1 www.dmauto.com (516) 822-6662; FAX: (516) 822-5020; E-mail: info@dmauto.com OUR THANKS GOES TO THE MEN AND WOMEN AT HOME AND ABROAD WHO REPRESENT AND DEFEND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA You know that intimate, boutique all-suite hotel that everyone wants to find? The one that has cutting-edge style and service, but is still reasonably priced? You just found it! • Located minutes from State Department Headquarters • Government per diem accepted all year • Newly Renovated suites with full kitchens • Visit our new restaurant “Dish” For more information please visit www.theriverinn.com or call (202) 337-7600. L OTS OF S TYLE , N OT A LOT OF P R I CE 9 2 4 2 5 T H S T R E E T , NW W A S H I N G T O N , DC 2 0 0 3 7