AFSA NEWS 64 JULY-AUGUST 2026 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA Welcomes New Hires On April 5 and May 6, AFSA hosted welcome receptions at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., for the two most recent Foreign Service orientation classes (once again called A-100). The April event drew approximately 40 members of the incoming class, while the May gathering brought together around 50 new officers and specialists to connect with AFSA Governing Board members, staff, and alumni hosts. Set up in an open-house format with food and refreshments, the gatherings offered new Foreign Service members an informal opportunity to connect with AFSA leadership and staff to learn more about the association’s work in support of the Foreign Service. AFSA President John Dinkelman opened the program at both events, which included brief remarks from former Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Greg Starr, AFSA State Representative Connor FerrySmith, and AFSA General Counsel Raeka Safai, all of whom shared their perspectives on AFSA’s advocacy, legal services, and member benefits. While AFSA has been excluded from the official orientation schedule by current department leadership, these receptions provided valuable opportunities to welcome the new classes, hear how they are doing, and share AFSA’s mission of protecting and strengthening the Foreign Service. Many of the attendees chose to join AFSA as members. Those who were unable to attend are encouraged to reach out to AFSA at member@afsa.org to learn more about membership and upcoming events. To sign up online, go to https://afsa.org/active -membership. n AFSA President John Dinkelman addresses new FSOs at AFSA HQ on May 6. AFSA/MARK PARKHOMENKO AFSA’s Road Scholar Program Returns to D.C. Each spring and fall, a group of curious, civically engaged Americans descends on Washington, D.C., for an immersive introduction to U.S. foreign policy. AFSA has partnered with Road Scholar, the nonprofit educational travel organization, since 1996, when AFSA Retiree Representative Ambassador Bill De Pree and alumna Lillian “Petey” Mullin launched the program under its original name, Elderhostel. The goal then, as now, was to raise public awareness of the Foreign Service and the case for strong U.S. diplomatic resources. Since that founding, the program has reached nearly 12,000 Americans from across the country through close to 280 week with an introduction to the U.S. Foreign Service. Ambassador Sandra Clark drew on her experience as U.S. ambassador to Burkina Faso to walk participants through life and work at a U.S. embassy. Chair of the Board of the Arms Control Association Tom Countryman, a retired Senior Foreign Service officer, led a session on nuclear affairs and Iran policy. Phil Shull, a 31-year Foreign Agricultural Service veteran, discussed U.S. agricultural diplomacy. Patsy Widakuswara of Voice of America addressed press freedom and international broadcasting. Jay Carreiro, AFSA’s current Foreign Commercial Service vice president, covered the role of the Foreign Commercial Service. And retired USAID Foreign Service Officer Nancy Eslick rounded out the program with a session on the future of international development. The week also included a visit to the Georgetown Institute for the Study of Diplomacy for a session with Ambassador Barbara Bodine, a tour of Embassy Row, and lunch at the DACOR Bacon House. AFSA’s Strategic Communications Manager Nadja Ruzica currently administers the program, which is open to all through Road Scholar. To learn more, visit https:// afsa.org/road-scholar. n programs held in Washington, D.C., San Diego, Tucson, Atlanta, Seattle, Colorado Springs, and other cities. Today, active programs continue in Washington and Chautauqua, New York. This year’s Washington program, titled “Inside American Diplomacy with the Foreign Service,” ran April 12–16 at the Cambria Hotel in the Navy Yard neighborhood. Participants, mostly retired professionals active in their communities, heard lectures from a roster of seasoned diplomats and foreign affairs specialists covering a wide range of topics. Lisa Heller, AFSA’s director of professional policy issues and a 34-year Foreign Service veteran, opened the
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