66 DECEMBER 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA Governing Board Meeting, September 18, 2024 At their Sept. 18 meeting, the board approved distribution from the Legal Defense Fund of up to $20,000 to support a collective action challenging a recent State Department ruling on anomalous health incidents (AHI) benefits eligibility. The board approved a $15,000 distribution from the Legal Defense Fund to defray a portion of a member’s legal fees incurred in pursuing disability retirement. The member is also a member of the collective AHI action referenced above. The board appointed AFSA State Representative Heather Pishko to serve as chair of the DEIA committee. The board appointed AFSA FAS Vice President Evan Mangino to serve on the membership and scholarship committees. The board accepted the independent auditor’s report. n AFSA NEWS Foreign Service Night at Nationals Park Continuing a beloved annual tradition for the Foreign Service community, AFSA and the Washington Nationals hosted Foreign Service Night at Nationals Park on Sept. 27, 2024. Despite the rain, more than 300 members of the Foreign Service and their families gathered to watch the Nationals take on the Philadelphia Phillies. AFSA’s group had a bit of extra luck this year, as their section was chosen as the “Lucky Row” for the game. Everyone in the area received fun treats, including M&Ms and Hubba Bubba bubble gum. The Nationals’ dominant 9-1 victory over the Phillies brought plenty of cheers from the crowd. Even after the final out, the festivities continued as country music group Lady A performed a lively postgame concert despite the rainy weather. AFSA extends a big thank you to the Washington Nationals for making this event possible and to everyone who braved the rain to make Foreign Service Night 2024 such a memorable occasion. This annual event, first held in 2016 as part of AFSA’s strategic outreach initiative, continues to offer a wonderful opportunity for the Foreign Service community to gather, celebrate, and enjoy America’s pastime together. n
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