AFSA NEWS AFSA NEWSTHE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION Celebrating 100 Years in Style CALENDAR Please check afsa.org/events for the most up-to-date information. September 2 Labor Day AFSA offices closed September 10 & 11 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Employee Organization Onboarding Fair at State September 12 4:30-6:30 p.m. AFSA Centennial Happy Hour September 18 12:00-1:30 p.m. AFSA Governing Board meeting September 26 7:00-8:00 a.m. or 12:00-1:00 p.m. Early to Mid-Career Retirement Planning with John Naland September 27 7:05 p.m. FS Night at Nationals Park On the evening of May 21, AFSA, alongside Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Global Talent Marcia S. Bernicat, co-hosted a centennial gala for the Foreign Service in the State Department’s Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room. The gala marked a century of modern American diplomacy, celebrating the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Foreign Service. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headlined the list of distinguished speakers, which also included USAID Counselor Clinton White and CIA Director William Burns (for Burns’ comments, see box on page 63). More than 250 guests—Foreign Service veterans and newly commissioned diplomats, representatives from all the foreign affairs agencies, Foreign Service retirees, and AFSA officials and professional staff—gathered to reflect and raise a glass to a century of global service. AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi opened the formal part of the evening with heartfelt appreciation for the men and women of agencies represented at the event, showcasing the strong sense of community and dedication within the Foreign Service. He proudly noted that more than 80 percent of activeduty Foreign Service employees are members of AFSA, emphasizing its critical role as THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2024 59 Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers keynote remarks. AFSA/JOAQUIN SOSA Continued on page 63 USAID Counselor Clinton White shares a childhood experience that prompted his commitment to international development. the unified voice of the U.S. Foreign Service. “1924 saw the birth of AFSA as the professional association of this Service. It is thus fitting that tonight, we are here together, the State Department and AFSA, as the joint stewards of the Foreign Service since 1924,” he said. Yazdgerdi expressed gratitude to Director General Bernicat, AFSA staff, and the Department of State for their indispensable support and paid tribute to the late Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, who was a member of AFSA/JOAQUIN SOSA Gala attendees raise a glass to 100 years of global service. AFSA/JOAQUIN SOSA
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