The Foreign Service Journal, October 2016

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2016 67 AFSA NEWS Marine Corps Embassy Security Guards Honored On July 13, AFSA, DACOR, the American Academy of Diplomacy, the American Foreign Service Protective Association, the Council of American Ambassadors and the Foreign Area Officers Association co-hosted a reception in honor of the detachment commanders of Marine embassy security guards (MESG). At the event, AFSA Presi- dent Ambassador Barbara Stephenson met with the graduates of the most recent U.S. Marine Corps Embassy Guard Detachment Commanders class and their spouses. Deployed in more than 120 countries to protect diplomatic facilities and classified information, provide security for visiting dignitaries and, where nec- essary, protect U.S citizens in exigent circumstances, MESGs play a vital role in the Department of State’s mission. AFSA thanks them for their service. n AFSA Engages Consular Fellows On July 11, AFSA attended an event on Capitol Hill to promote the Consular Fellows Program. AFSA President Ambassador Barbara Stephenson met with participants and discussesd the program, language training and employment opportunities with the Department of State. AFSA/ALLANSAUNDERS At a luncheon on Aug. 14, AFSA President Ambassador Barbara Stephenson welcomed members of the 11th Consular Fellows class. Above, AFSA State Representative Erin O’Connor (at left) meets with incoming Consular Fellows at the luncheon. AFSA/GEMMADVORAK AFSA State Representative John Dinkelman (second from left) speaks to the new Consular Fellows class. A number of AFSA Governing Board members attended the luncheon to provide insight and advice on life in the Foreign Service. AFSA/GEMMADVORAK AFSA President Ambassador Barbara Stephenson meets Staff Sergeant Brittany Clayborne. The only female graduate in this detachment commanders’ class, Staff Sgt. Clayborne will be posted to Libreville, Gabon. AFSA/GEMMADVORAK