The Foreign Service Journal, September 2014

64 SEPTEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS Offsetting the Impact of Kabul’s Wartime Environment AFSA EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE AWARDS : THE M. JUAN I TA GUESS AWARD FOR A COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICE COORDINATOR The M. Juanita Guess Award is given to a Community Liaison Office coordinator who has demonstrated out- standing dedication, energy and imagination in assisting employees and their families serving in missions overseas. The job of CLO in wartime Kabul, a mission community with more than 5,000 mem- bers, is a major challenge. Mary Kay Cunningham faced that challenge. Her “flawless” performance as CLO in Kabul “directly ben- efited everyone assigned,” according to her award nomination. Her “inspiring programs and events” helped offset the impact of the wartime environment and the danger everyone faced on a daily basis.” Cunningham knew that providing constant activi- ties and events was the key to success in “combating boredom and also providing a positive work-life balance.” She not only established the tradition of an elaborate Fourth of July celebration, but orchestrated dancing sessions, special dinners, performances and lectures that were all well attended. She also collaborated with the Afghan business com- munity to set up bazaars and events that helped stimulate the local economy. In response to the deaths of mission members, Cun- ningham arranged oppor- tunities for individuals to grieve by holding memorial services and made provi- sions for people to receive timely information, whether they were assigned to the embassy or in remote loca- tions in Afghanistan. Cunningham also knew that, in the aftermath of trag- edy, the CLO had to bring the community together; and she organized activities, such as the 2014 Kabul Water Bottle Boat Races, to do so. Teams were given a month to construct boats, using only water bottles and duct tape, that could hold at least two people and complete a lap in the swimming pool without sinking. Almost the entire community came out to support the 15 teams that entered. As Cunningham recalls, “the teamwork, cama- raderie and sheer fun of the event helped lift the spirits of the entire community.” Also significant was her personal involvement in advocating for the hiring of eligible family members. She constantly sought opportuni- ties to benefit EFMs as a way to keep families intact. “This award has meant so much to me and the CLO office,” said Cunningham. “Despite the challenging environment, we always kept humor at the forefront, never limited ourselves in how creative we could be, and con- stantly inspired and encour- aged each other to maintain the energy to make it all hap- pen. It is very heartwarming to know that our efforts made a difference to so many.” Cunningham and her hus- band began their “Foreign Service adventure,” as she calls it, 10 years ago. They have lived in Baku, Dar es Salaam and Kabul. She is currently in Texas while her husband serves in Islam- abad. n (Above) Mary Kay Cunningham with local antique vendor Mir during a CLO- sponsored Friday bazaar. (Below) The 2014 Kabul Water Bottle Boat Races energized the community. COURTESYOFMARYKAYCUNNINGHAM COURTESYOFMARYKAYCUNNINGHAM