The Foreign Service Journal, June 2016

56 JUNE 2016 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS meeting between American officials and members of the local government. In her remarks, Ambas- sador Stephenson stated: “Steve is the seventh person honored on this wall as the result of service in Iraq, a reminder of the challenging and indeed perilous environ- ments in which we serve. Members of the Foreign Service deploy worldwide to protect and serve America’s people, interests and values. Deploying worldwide inevita- bly sometimes leads us into harm’s way.” Continuing the ceremony, Secretary Kerry spoke about Mr. Farley’s career. “He dedi- cated his life to defending our nation and to promoting our values, and he lost his life in service to our country’s ideals of justice and liberty for all when he was working in Iraq to deliver that to other people, because he believed in that so deeply.” The Secretary also read from a letter written by Mr. Farley, in which he said “My life has been forever changed by the strength and efforts of the Iraqi people.” Secretary Kerry reflected on the faith and commitment of not only Mr. Farley, but “so USAID Administrator Gayle Smith, Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security Greg Starr and former ambas- sadors to Iraq James Jeffrey, John Negroponte and Zalmay Khalilzad—in honoring his life at the ceremony. Denise Marsh, a survivor of the attack that killed Mr. Farley, was also present to honor her friend. Ms. Marsh, still serving as a Foreign Service officer, was awarded the Medal of Valor for her actions. Also in attendance were Mr. Farley’s friends and col- leagues from service with the State Department and the military, including other col- leagues who served with him in Iraq. n —Gemma Dvorak, Associate Editor and Marcy O’Halloran, Awards Intern Secretary Kerry speaks at the AFSA memorial ceremony. The Farley family stands at the memorial plaques. AFSA/JOAQUINSOSA AFSA/JOAQUINSOSA Memorial Plaque Continued from page 51 many of the foreign affairs professionals who represent our nation across the globe.” Concluding the ceremony, Secretary Kerry said, “It is fitting that Steve should be remembered by what he did for others—by his selfless actions and his unyielding belief in the better angels of humanity.” The plaque engraved with Mr. Farley’s name was then unveiled by Amb. Stephenson, to a standing ovation from his family, friends and colleagues. Immediately preceding the ceremony, Amb. Stephenson joined the Farley family for a special meeting with the Secretary. Mr. Farley’s wife, parents, sister, two of his sons and one granddaughter joined lead- ers from across the foreign affairs community—including