The Foreign Service Journal, December 2004

itoring Overseas Direct Employment Staff in the Office of the Under Secretary of State for Management. Upon retirement in 1994, he received the John Jacob Rogers Distinguished Service Medal. Carolyn Lowengart, a longtime professional colleague of Mr. Mays, praised his “unwavering integrity and professionalism,” and said he “inspired countless subordinates to produce far more and better than they ever thought possible.” Another colleague wrote of him: “He was one of those very special people who made the department work and influenced the lives of many.” A former ambassador and assistant secretary of State will “remember him fondly as a fount of knowledge and wisdom, and also for his sense of humor.” For over 50 years, Mr. Mays was an active member of the Silver Spring Presbyterian Church and served as an elder five times. In the 1980s, he served as executive direc- tor of Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity, and remained involved in the organization until weeks before his death. During his two decades of volunteer service, he oversaw nearly two dozen con- struction and renovation projects. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush awarded him a “Thousand Points of Light” award for his Habitat service. William J. McGovern , 82, diplo- matic courier, consular officer and one of the few — perhaps only — FSOs to become a consular agent, died in Adelaide, South Australia, on Aug. 8. Born in 1922 in Taunton, Mass., Bill McGovern served on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier during World War II, earning three battle stars to his Pacific ribbon. In 1946, he entered Mount St. Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, Md., receiving a B.S. degree in 1950. In that same year, Mr. McGovern joined the Diplo- matic Courier Service, which sent him to the Far East, Europe, South America, North Africa and Australia. Following his traveling courier years, D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 4 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 69 I N M E M O R Y Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives