The Foreign Service Journal, September 2015

58 SEPTEMBER 2015 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS Diplomacy Publishers, Popu- lation Services International and the Henry L. Stimson Center. As president and chair of the Diplomacy Center Foun- dation, he is leading efforts to construct an interactive museum that will highlight the unique and crucial role of diplomacy in America’s past, present and future. In accepting the award, the five-time ambassador emphasized the Service’s unique role in and rich his- tory of promoting America’s values and objectives. “If we imagine the international relations of the United States to be a great ship, the Foreign Service would be its keel. The elected Democratic or Republican administration steers the rudder of foreign policy while the keel contrib- utes stability and continu- ity—as well as practical expertise.” Please see page 22 for an interview with Amb. Harrop. Exemplary Performance Awards The first honor, the Avis Bohlen Award, was presented by Ambassador Avis T. Bohlen (daughter of the award’s namesake) to Mary Beth Bechtel of Embassy Bamako. This performance award, made possible by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, honors an FS family member whose relations with both American and foreign commu- nities at post have advanced U.S. foreign policy goals. Bechtel received the award for her commitment to advancing special needs edu- cation in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, a project she initiated during her husband’s posting in Dhahran. Bechtel’s profile is on page 68. Rodney Ford accepted the Nelson B. Delavan Award, presented by Office Manage- ment Specialist Coordinator Teresa Holtzman, on behalf of Julia Harrison of Consul- ate General Erbil. This award is made possible by the Nelson B. Delavan Founda- tion and recognizes an office management specialist for extraordinary contributions to effectiveness and morale at post. After the threat of a ter- rorist takeover of the city prompted the drawdown of staff in Erbil, Harrison took on the duties of community liai- son officer (CLO), in addition to her own, to boost morale among remaining personnel in this critical hardship post. Harrison’s profile is on page 66. Jon Clements, CEO and chair of Clements Worldwide, presented the M. Juanita Guess Award (named for his mother) to Alexei Trofim of Embassy Dushanbe. This award, created and sponsored by Clements Worldwide, cel- ebrates a CLO whose dedica- tion, creativity and energy has improved morale and quality of life at post. Trofim compensated for limited recreational opportu- nities in Dushanbe by organiz- ing a rich lineup of activities bringing American and local staff together to get out and explore Tajikistan’s natural Office Management Specialist Coordinator Teresa Holtzman presents the Nelson B. Delavan Award to OMS Julia Harrison. AFSA/JOAQUINSOSA Members of AFSA’s 2013-2015 Governing Board are recognized at the ceremony. Dr. Sushma Palmer presents the first-ever Mark Palmer Award for the Advancement of Democracy to FSOAndrewYoung. AFSA/JOAQUINSOSA AFSA/JOAQUINSOSA