THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2024 67 AFSA NEWS AFSA Hosts Chiefs of Mission On June 4, AFSA hosted its annual Chiefs of Mission Breakfast at headquarters, coinciding with the Chiefs of Mission (COM) Conference. This year marked a milestone as the event was officially included in the COM conference schedule. Some 35 career diplomats chiefs of mission participated. The early morning gathering provided an informal, off-the-record platform for U.S. career Foreign Service ambassadors in from around the world to discuss pressing issues and share insights with one another and with AFSA leadership. AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi kicked off the event U.S. Chiefs of Mission at AFSA, June 4. AFSA/CHRISTINE MIELE AFSA State VP Tina Wong, left, with Ambassadors Julie Chung, Michele Sison, and Hugo Yon on June 4. AFSA/SHAWN DORMAN As part of the centennial celebration, AFSA launched a public outreach initiative to raise awareness about the vital role of the U.S. Foreign Service. A central component of the initiative was a retiree op-ed campaign that successfully placed 15 op-eds and letters to the editor across more than a dozen states. These pieces were further amplified through AFSA’s social media channels and shared with members and contacts on Capitol Hill. One article reflects on the transformation brought about by the Rogers Act, which professionalized the Foreign Service a century ago, enabling individuals from varied backgrounds to serve their country abroad. Another op-ed tells the author’s journey from waiting tables to joining the Foreign Service. A third piece celebrates the enduring nonpartisan ethos of the Foreign Service, essential for effective diplomacy and the promotion of U.S. interests globally. To read these articles, please visit https://afsa.org/ learn-more. As AFSA continues to commemorate this milestone throughout the year, we invite members and supporters to share their stories and contribute to this important conversation. For more information or to participate in this effort, please contact AFSA Communications and Outreach Director Nikki Gamer at gamer@afsa.org. n Featured publications as part of AFSA’s op-ed campaign. Op-Ed Voices Celebrate Centennial with introductory remarks about AFSA’s current priorities, and then opened the floor for discussion. n
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