The Foreign Service Journal, September 2014

66 SEPTEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS Exemplary Performance Awards Runners-Up THE NELSON B . DELAVAN AWARD RUNNERS - UP CAROL R. JOHNSON, EMBASSY ACCRA Carol R. Johnson organized a holiday dinner for the local embassy security force in Accra to let the 350 employees know how valuable they are to the mission. Johnson found a local caterer and helped devise a menu incorporating popular local dishes. The guards had never before received such a tribute from the embassy community and were truly grateful. MARIAM H. ABDULLE, EMBASSY BAGHDAD Mariam H. Abdulle sustained morale at Embassy Baghdad during the termination of the Police Development Program, part of a general drawdown of the embassy’s security staff. Abdulle personally managed the acting chief of mission’s pro- gram recognizing more than 150 individuals departing Iraq in the wake of these changes, preparing letters and certificates of appreciation for presentation at farewells. M. JUAN I TA GUESS AWARD RUNNER - UP TRICIA J. CANTON, EMBASSY CAIRO Following the ordered departure from Mission Egypt in July 2013, more than 600 people were scattered across the United States and Europe. CLO Tricia J. Canton created comprehen- sive contact lists and built a sense of community with scat- tered mission members through weekly newsletters, activities and personal emails. When personnel were allowed to return to post in November, Canton helped with visa applications and organized orientation sessions and social events to put the mission back on normal footing. AV I S BOHLEN AWARD RUNNER - UP JAVIER DARIO ARAQUE, CON GEN TIJUANA Javier Araque’s volunteer work for several organizations aided disadvantaged children. At Ciudad de los Niños, a refuge for abandoned children, he established trust among children who had had little experience with caring adults. He volunteered at Eunime por Tijuana, an orphanage dedicated to children with HIV and AIDS. And he assisted in educational workshops at AFABI, A.C., a nonprofit binational organization that provides support and information for victims of HIV/AIDS in Tijuana and San Diego. AFSAWelcomes New Staff Member AFSA is pleased to welcome Brittany DeLong to the staff. Brittany is the Edito- rial/Publications Specialist with The For- eign Service Journal. She recently earned her master’s degree in publishing from The George Washington University, with a track in technology and electronic publishing. She has contributed to vari- ous publications in the D.C. area and has worked as an editor for an online university press in West Virginia. A native of northern Virginia, Brittany became interested in writing at a young age and was first published in a local sports maga- zine in high school. She went on to graduate from George Mason University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and she continues to write on topics of health and wellness in her spare time. She completes the newly-reorganized publications division at AFSA, and we are thrilled to have her on board. AFSA CATCHES F I FA FEVER Reveling in World Cup fever, AFSA opened its doors to members for two exciting matches this summer. Food and drinks were provided to a large crowd of AFSA members and staff who came out to support the U.S. in its vital match against Germany on June 26, and again on July 1 as the team battled Belgium. Both events were well attended, and everyone was in high spirits. They cheered the U.S. to advancement into the Round of 16 and celebrated a remarkable World Cup run by the U.S. Men’s National Team. AFSA/ÁSGEIRSIGFÚSSON