30 DECEMBER 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL The department has been very positive about the blueprints. Deputy Secretary Richard Verma, Under Secretary for Management John Bass, Director General Marcia Bernicat, and FSI Director Joan Polaschik have been open to dialogue and great to work with. We have also found important bipartisan interest in Congress. Let me give you an example of what is happening on the Diplomatic Reserve Corps. Earlier this year, the State Department submitted a report to Congress that “recommends the establishment of a State Department Reserve Corps as a strategic and cost-effective solution to enhance the department’s diplomatic capabilities.” In September, Representative Jason Crow (D-Colo.) introduced legislation that includes a provision calling for establishment of the ‘‘Department of State Reserve Corps’’ to assist the Secretary, the department, and the Foreign Service in the discharge of their responsibilities and functions. These are exciting developments. I should also say that we are happy that many of the other recommendations in the blueprints have been adopted by the department. Building a Better Diplomat FSJ: What are the essential ingredients for a successful diplomat? MG: On my list I would include patriotism, cherishing the opportunity to promote and protect the interests of the United Ambassador Marc Grossman (back left) joins AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi (fourth from right) and ASIRT President Rochelle Sobel (third from left) at a congressional briefing on June 4, 2024. FSJ DIGITAL ARCHIVE/ASIRT At the AFSA Awards Ceremony on Oct. 16, 2024, from left: Mildred Anne Patterson, Anne Grossman, and Ambassador Marc Grossman. AFSA/JOAQUIN SOSA
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