The Foreign Service Journal, June 2013

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 45 AFSA NEWS WOMEN IN SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT FOCUS AFSA NEWS On May 3, Foreign Affairs Day, AFSA held its 80th annual Memorial Plaque ceremony, honoring eight fallen Foreign Service personnel who gave their lives in service to the United States and the Ameri- can people. AFSA President Susan R. Johnson introduced Vice President Joseph Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry to the 110 family mem- bers and friends seated in the Department of State’s C Street lobby. It was a solemn and historic occasion, marked by the words of condolence spoken by the vice president and secretary of state. Each of the heroes, whose names are now inscribed in marble, were remembered for their dedication, fearlessness Honoring Heroes: AFSA’s Memorial Plaque Ceremony BY JENNIFER LOWRY, AFSA STAFF PHOTOBYDONNAAYERST CALENDAR THE OFFICIAL R CORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION and commitment to service, despite the risks and dangers a career in the Foreign Ser- vice may present. They were also remembered as sons, daughter, husbands, fathers, sister, brothers, friends and colleagues to the hundreds of people their lives touched. Together, their deaths span 46 years from 1967 to 2013. AFSA’s memorial plaques are a somber reminder of the precarious, yet heroic nature of the Foreign Service, and of the men and women who served. The ceremony provides a unique moment to celebrate their accom- plishments and recognize the significant contributions they have made to American diplomacy. The Memorial Plaque Honors: Anne T. Smedinghoff joined the State Depart- ment immediately following graduation from The Johns Hopkins University. Her first assignment was in Caracas. When her tour ended, she volunteered to go to Afghani- stan. She had been working with schools and local busi- nesses to improve the lives of girls and women in the province of Zabul. On April 6, she was killed in a terror- ist bombing while delivering books to a local school. Sec- retary of State John Kerry remarked, “She gave her young life working to give Heroes continued on page 48 Vice President Joseph Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and AFSA President Susan R. Johnson at the Memorial Plaque Ceremony on May 3. 6/2/2013 – 6/7/2013 AFSA Road Scholar Program 6/5/2013 12:00 - 2:00 PM AFSA Governing Board Meeting 6/6/2013 9:00 AM Deadline for Completing AFSA Governing Board Election Ballot 6/7/2013 12:00 - 1:30 PM Luncheon: Incoming FCS Class 6/27/2013 4:00 - 6:00 PM AFSA Awards Ceremony 7/4/2013 Independence Day: AFSA Offices Closed 7/10/2013 12:00 - 2:00 PM AFSA Governing Board Meeting 7/11/2013 2:00 - 3:30 PM AFSA Book Notes: “50 Years in USAID” 7/15/2013 The 2013-2015 AFSA Governing Board Assumes Office