The Foreign Service Journal - November 2017

6 NOVEMBER 2017 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 59 The Foreign Service: A Home Run for America 60 AFSA On the Hill—Supporting U.S. Policy Objectives 61 State VP Voice—Doing Your Part: The Post Rep’s Role 62 FCS VP Voice—Working In Concert: FCS at Home and Overseas 62 Sinclaire Language Award Nominations 63 Retiree VP Voice—Threats to Your Retirement Benefits 63 Welcome to New Staff 64 Notes from Labor Management: USAID Performance Management System 64 AFSA-USAID Agreement on FSL Hiring 65 The Perils of Post Allowances 65 APHIS Framework Agreement Approved 66 Closing In on AFSA’s 50 States Outreach Goal 66 AFSA Congratulates JSP Graduates 67 A Great Way to Support AFSA 68 Book Notes: Career Diplomacy 69 AFSA Governing Board Meeting Notes 69 New Editorial Board Members Get toWork AFSA NEWS THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION On the Cover: Photo and design by Gemma Dvorak. Departments 10 Letters 13 Talking Points 70 In Memory 86 Local Lens London, United Kingdom By B r i t t a n y McAn a l l y Marketplace 80 Classifieds 82 Real Estate 84 Index to Advertisers FOREIGN SERVICE 7 President’s Views Serving in Hardship Posts By Ba r ba r a S t e p h e n s o n 9 Letter from the Editor The Writing Life By Sh awn Do rma n 19 Speaking Out Owning Leadership By M i c h a e l Pe l l e t i e r Perspectives 85 Reflections An Ambassador Returns to China By Be a Camp 69