State Magazine, May 2007

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M A G A Z I N E U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE MAY 2007 Calgary POST OF THE MONTH:

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The May 2007 issue of State Magazine, published by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, looks at how state-of-the-art renovation respects history; explores how the Publications Office tells America’s story through words and pictures; and Calgary, features Canada as our Post of the Month!

Transcript of State Magazine, May 2007

Page 1: State Magazine, May 2007

M A G A Z I N E

U . S . D E P A R T M E N T O F S T A T E

M A Y 2 0 0 7

CalgaryPOST OF THE MONTH:

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Our YoungestDiplomatsStudents stay late to learn American history.

Rewiring HistoryState-of-the-art renovation respects history.

Office of the Month:Publications OfficeThis office tells America’s story in words and pictures.

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ON THE COVERTwo Jack Lake is one of the scenicwonders of Banff National Park.Photograph courtesy of Travel Alberta

STATE MAGAZINE + MAY 2007 + NUMBER 512

CONTENTS

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10 Going Green GloballyNew Sofia embassy certified as ‘green.’

12 Old and NewThe newest ambassador reports to the oldestrepublic.

24 Friendly FieldIngenuity and hard work turn a vacant lot intoa vibrant embassy park.

30 Good to GoTake charge of your medical clearance.

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COLUMNS2 FROM THE UNDER SECRETARY

3 READERS’ FEEDBACK

4 DIRECT FROM THE D.G.

5 IN THE NEWS

30 MEDICAL REPORT

32 EDUCATION & TRAINING

33 APPOINTMENTS

33 RETIREMENTS

34 OBITUARIES

36 THE LAST WORD

POST OF THE MONTH:

A high-energy consulate covers ahigh-energy region.

Calgary

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Within the next months, the Departmentwill be highlighting leadership. I trust that asour program unrolls, you will actively par-ticipate and join us in improving leadershipwithin the Department. Meeting the chal-lenges we face today—advancingtransformational diplomacy, fulfilling thePresident’s Management Agenda, trainingand equipping the Foreign Service of the21st century, to name a few—requires lead-ership from all of us. I first want toemphasize the important role of training.More than 8,000 of you have benefited fromthe mandatory senior and mid-level leader-ship courses, but I urge all of you—whetheror not you have done these courses—to takeadvantage of the broad range of offeringsfrom the Foreign Service Institute’s Schoolof Leadership and Management both onlineand at FSI’s campus.

I would like to tell you about what onebureau in the M family—the Bureau ofConsular Affairs—is doing to cultivate aculture of leadership and results-orientedprofessional development. It is an excellentexample of what each organization in theDepartment can do.

The 10 Consular Leadership Tenets,which were unveiled one year ago, are theresult of a truly collaborative effort, withthoughtful comments from hundreds ofconsular officers and FSNs from 87 postsand a three-month review by a LeadershipDevelopment Committee. They apply toeveryone, regardless of rank or position.They are designed to grow current andfuture leaders and express a holistic view ofleadership development. The Tenets are:

Inspire: We develop and communicate avision for how our work unit can mosteffectively contribute to the Department’smission. In pursuing that vision we relent-lessly challenge employees to strive forexcellence and engage them in the effort toachieve goals and improve all aspects of theoperation.

Model Integrity: We hold ourselves to thehighest standards of integrity and profes-sional conduct and do what is best for theorganization and mission. We generously

share credit for the accomplishments of theorganization and demonstrate courage indealing with difficult decisions and poorperformers.

Develop the Next Generation: We takeseriously their responsibilities as teachers,coaches and mentors and work to developthe skills necessary to play those roles effec-tively. We make time to get to know lessexperienced colleagues and provide themtimely praise, honest feedback and opportu-nities to cultivate their talents.

Delegate Authority—but Not Responsi-bility: We give employees ownership overtheir work, issue clear and concise instruc-tions and provide coaching and furtherclarification if needed. We stand behind ourpeople and take responsibility when mis-takes are made or calculated risks don’twork out.

Communicate: We help others under-stand the mission—and their role inaccomplishing it. We listen actively to eachother’s concerns and encourage innovationin consular work by listening intently forsuggestions.

Build Great Teams: We recruit high-caliber candidates for job vacancies, trainthem right from the start, build trust andfoster a sense of pride and mutual supportin the team. We serve the team by eliminat-ing obstacles, resolving conflicts, obtainingappropriate resources and celebratingsuccess.

Lead by Example: We set the example forwork ethic and demonstrate the willingnessand knowledge of consular work to do anyjob to help the team. We run interference toprevent abuse and undue pressure.

Follow Courageously: We take ownershipof our work and hold ourselves accountablefor improving performance and making ourorganization stronger. We dissent respectful-

ly and help the boss become more effectivein the interest of the team and the mission.

Learn Constantly: We deepen our per-sonal self-awareness in order to cultivate ourtalents and mitigate mission-critical weak-nesses. We display humility byacknowledging our shortcomings and con-tinually work to improve both our skills andour substantive knowledge.

Practice 360-Degree Diplomacy: We con-sider consular work central to coreobjectives of the Mission and the Depart-ment and establish constructive workingrelationships with all mission elements tofurther those objectives. We engage in publicdiplomacy to advance organizational goals.

These Leadership Tenets, which areposted along with a large collection ofrelated stories and case studies athttp://intranet.ca.state.gov/beta/offices/ca/leadership/tenets/tenets_4566.html, are notsimply a set of static principles buried on anInternet site or in frames on an office wall.They truly are becoming management prin-ciples used in the everyday operation ofconsular sections. They are incorporated

into consular training for officers and FSNs.Section chiefs are expected to set up regular-ly scheduled training days, preferablymonthly, for skills development and toorganize special annual events promotingconsular leadership.

I encourage each of you in key manage-ment positions—whether assistant secretary,ambassador, deputy chief of mission, officedirector or branch chief—to think aboutwhat you can do to promote leadershipdevelopment. The Leadership Tenets and arelated program may be a model for you orgive you some new ideas about what you cando in your organization. Good leadershipand management are important parts ofeveryone’s job in the Department of State. n

Promoting Leadership Development

UNDER SECRETARY HENRIETTA FORE

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“The 10 Consular Leadership Tenets are designedto grow current and future leaders and express

a holistic view of leadership development.”

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Mailing AddressState Magazine2401 E Street, NWHR/ER/SMG, SA-1, Room H-236Washington, DC 20522-0108

[email protected]

Phone(202) 663-1700

Letters should not exceed 250words and should include thewriter’s name, address and daytimephone number. All letters becomethe property of State Magazine.Letters will be edited for length,accuracy and clarity. Only signedletters will be considered.

Let Us Hear from You

R E A D E R S ’ F E E D B A C K

Refugees and HolidaysI found the letter from Jeff Gorsky in

your February issue about the Jewishrefugees from Recife,Brazil, in the 1600smaking their way tosafety in New Amster-dam immenselyinteresting and moving.They found a refugeand contributed a greatdeal to that city, whichlater became known asNew York.

Even more interest-ing, though, was theletter immediatelyadjacent—the one thatmourned the use of“Happy Holidays” instead of “MerryChristmas” because the United States was“founded by Christians…(and)... webelieve in Jesus Christ and in Christmas.”

I understand the writer’s sentiment.However, what’s wonderful about “HappyHolidays” is that it is an inclusive term—

while “Merry Christmas”excludes. Since the UnitedStates always has been—and still is— inhabited bypeople of many differentfaiths, “Happy Holidays”recognizes everyone’sspecial celebration. Thatdoesn’t preclude usfrom wishing our friendsand colleagues “MerryChristmas,” “HappyHanukkah” or “EidMubarak” as the occasionwarrants. In fact, thatinclusiveness is what

our country is all about.

Karyn Posner-MullenMain State

I was particularly interested to read the article “Hoover theHero” in the March issue.

My father, Dr. Albert Navez, was in the first group ofBelgian CRB (Commission for Relief in Belgium) fellows tocome to the United States on CRB funds left over after WorldWar I. He went to Harvard as a postdoctoral lecturer in plantphysiology. The funds were sufficient for my mother toaccompany him and I was later born in Cambridge.

The CRB fellows were all given a medallion showing on oneside America offering a sheaf of wheat to a man, woman andchild, with a freighter in the background above the date 1914.On the other side are profiles of Belgian King Albert andQueen Elizabeth.

Apparently, I was the first child born in the United States asa result of the CRB exchange of academics between Belgiumand the U.S. When President Hoover heard of this event, hehad a small version of the medallion struck and sent to myparents for me. I treasure both their medallion and mine.

As a final footnote, my parents both died in the U.S. in the1970s and I retired from the Foreign Service in 1985.

Andre J. NavezHopkinton, Mass.

Tale of Two Medallions

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D.G. GEORGE STAPLES

The U.S. government employs morethan 40,000 Locally Employed Staff world-wide. Most are Foreign Service Nationals,citizens and taxpayers in the countries inwhich they work.

FSNs are an integral part of the StateDepartment family. They provide essentialtechnical and cultural experience, theyguide and develop our new U.S. DirectHire officers and specialists, and theyadvise us all.

Like all of us, FSNs are increasinglyconcerned about the value of their finan-cial resources upon retirement. Thoseconcerns include inadequate benefits fromnominally viable Local Social SecuritySystems. In Brazzaville, for example, itcosts more to take the bus to the socialsecurity office than the value of the checkreceived.

Other concerns include insolvencyissues affecting already bankrupt systemsor political and economic instability ren-dering currently viable systems inadequatebefore our FSNs reach retirement age. Thisis a serious problem that is beingaddressed in several ways.

Fostering a culture of personal saving isimperative in the developing world, wherethere is little opportunity for individualinvestment or savings accounts. FSNDefined Contribution Plans, funded by theU.S. government, are major steps forwardin addressing retirement needs in some ofthe most impoverished countries. ButDCPs now include only 28 countries in themost dire of circumstances. Even the mostdeveloped countries face enormous demo-graphic challenges that will require FSNsto save for their own futures.

Improving the retirement prospects ofour dedicated FSNs is a priority in theBureau of Human Resources. We are cur-rently exploring a voluntary retirement

savings plan for all Locally Employed Staffworldwide. This program would be inaddition to existing systems—Local SocialSecurity Systems, post-specific supplemen-tal retirement plans and definedcontribution plans.

Our objective is a single global plan, ora global network of similar regional plans.In December, our Overseas EmploymentOffice released a request for expressionsof interest to global financial institutions,and our goal is to award a contract bysummer 2007.

We are also instituting a performancemanagement best practice for our LE Staff.Our new performance management policy,07 State 6404, is a full-year cycle that givesemployees and supervisors a moreadvanced tool for outlining, understandingand fulfilling performance expectations.The process includes four new forms,including a new employee performancereport. We recognize in HR that delay ofany kind in the evaluation process is adelay in the employee receiving a withingrade increase. The new EPR streamlinesthe evaluation form and will speed up theevaluation process.

FSNs faithfully serve our nation everyday, and they deserve our attention andsupport. A recent article in the IIP eJour-nal, “The State Department at Work in the21st Century: Global Actions”(http://usinfo.state.gov/journals/itps/0207/ijpe/ijpe0207.htm), shares with the worldthe important contributions made byAmerica’s bridge, our FSN colleagues. Ihope that I have conveyed my deep appre-ciation for all they do and our willingnessin HR to address their concerns.

I invite you to send your thoughtsand ideas to me via unclassified e-mailto DG Direct. n

HR Initiatives for Foreign Service Nationals

“Foreign ServiceNationals are anintegral part of

the StateDepartment

family.”

Page 7: State Magazine, May 2007

(NEWS

Once a year, Mexican and U.S. law enforcement officers meeton the gridiron in Monterrey, Mexico, for a full-contact footballgame to raise money for charity. The game, organized by the U.S.Consulate in Monterrey, has become a local tradition. Americanplayers hail from the Department of State, Department of Home-land Security and the Drug Enforcement Administration andexemplify interagency cooperation at its best.

This year’s game on February 16 was dedicated to the con-sulate’s good friend Marcelo Garza, the State of Nuevo Leóndirector of investigations who was assassinated by narco-traffickersin September 2006. Although the U.S. team lost, the event raisedmore than $20,000 for a local children’s cancer charity and show-cased the cooperation that exists among officers from differentagencies, cultures and countries in Monterrey.

)

PLUS >>> WEARING PURPLE IN MADRID + FSN WINS IT CONTEST IN ROMANIA +VIETNAM-ERA CORDS OFFICERS PLAN REUNION + WINDOWS CUT INTERVIEWWAIT IN SAN JOSÉ + MOM AND SON RIDE ACROSS THAILAND FOR CHARITY

M AY 2 0 0 7 | S TAT E M A G A Z I N E | 5

The U.S. Consulate Patriots, inwhite, lost the game but helpedraise more than $20,000 for alocal charity.

First and Goal

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Members of the visa unit at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid wore purple recent-ly to celebrate International Women’s Day 2007. The color purple has beenassociated with the women’s movement since the time of the suffragettes andwith the cause of stopping violence against women and children. From bottomto top: Gloria Del Campo, Maria de Trinidad, Ana Duenas, Carolina Matilla,Elisa Salvador, Corinne Lis and Clara Davis.

As anyone who has served in the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest cantestify, the Foreign Service National talent in the InformationSystems Center is amazing. The supervisory FSN, Zoltan “Zoli”Csizmadi, stands out even in this distinguished crowd, with hisunparalleled networking and systems skills. He is an aerospaceengineer by training.

The Romanian edition of PC Magazine recently held a nation-wide contest requiring entrants to design and build a securecombined wired/wireless network providing ease of implementa-tion at a reasonable cost to the client. The information technologytalent pool in Romania is deep, and to win such a contest is a sig-nificant achievement.

Zoli, who is humble and quiet, never even mentioned that heplanned to enter. But people found out when it was announcedthat he had won first prize by a large margin.

WEARING PURPLE

FSN Wins National IT Contest in Romania

Zoli Csizmadi in his office.

On May 12, civilian officers from State, theU.S. Agency for International Development,the former U.S. Information Agency andother agencies who served in the field inVietnam will lay a wreath at the Tomb of theUnknowns in Arlington National Cemeteryand visit the graves of Everett Bumgardner,John Paul Vann and William Colby, all ofwhom led CORDS, the organization thatconducted civil operations in rural areasof Vietnam.

The ceremonies are part of a CORDSreunion—to include dinner and presenta-tions. For details, contact Bruce Kinsey at(540) 459-8251 or [email protected].

Vietnam-EraCORDS OfficersPlan May Reunion

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MAGAZINE STAFF

Rob WileyEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Bill PalmerWRITER/EDITOR

Jennifer LelandWRITER/EDITOR

David L. JohnstonART DIRECTOR

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Maurice S. ParkerEXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Kelly Clements

Annette R. Cocchiaro

Margot A. Sullivan

State Magazine (ISSN 1099–4165) is pub-lished monthly, except bimonthly in Julyand August, by the U.S. Department ofState, 2201 C St., N.W., Washington, D.C.Periodicals postage paid at Washington,D.C., and at additional mailing locations.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Send changes of address to State Maga-zine, 2401 E Street, N.W., SA-1, RoomH-236, Washington, D.C. 20522-0108. Youmay also e-mail address changes [email protected].

SUBSCRIPTIONS

State Magazine is available by subscriptionthrough the U.S. Government PrintingOffice by telephone at (202) 512-1800 oron the web at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

SUBMISSIONS

For details on submitting articles toState Magazine, request our guidelines,“Getting Your Story Told,” by e-mail [email protected]; downloadthem from our Web site at www.state.gov;or send your request in writing toState Magazine, 2401 E Street, N.W.,HR/ER/SMG, SA-1, Room H-236,Washington, DC 20522-0108.

The submission deadline for the July/August 2007 issue is June 1. The dead-line for the September issue is July 15.

Ambassador Mark Langdale and con-tractor Vern Martinez of MartinezInternational recently cut the ribbonmarking the opening of the completelyremodeled consular section at the U.S.Embassy in San José, Costa Rica.

The reconfigured section features 30percent more interview windows and amore efficient layout. The waiting time foran interview has plummeted from 90 to 18days. The improved customer service hasbeen reported in local print and broadcastmedia.

Key players in this significant upgradewere Gen. Charles Williams and his Over-seas Buildings Operations staff inWashington, along with the embassy facili-ties section, general services office andregional security office in San José.

Forbes Slater, the 13-year-old son of U.S.Embassy in Bangkok Information Technol-ogy Manager Lizzie Slater, decided hewanted to participate in December’s Tourde Thailand Charity Bike Ride from ChiangMai to Phuket—2,500 kilometerslong. He got an exception to therule that riders be at least 18, pro-vided Lizzie—a non-bike-rider—agreed to ride with him.

She wanted to give Forbes anadventure to remember for therest of his life, so she bought acomputerized training bike andsat for months on her balconyriding 20 miles a day to getin shape.

It was worth the effort. Forbesraised not just the minimum of$2,500 in charitable commitmentsfor the ride, but an astounding$5,953 for two charities: The MaxFoundation, which supports

patients with blood cancers, and The Foun-dation for the Blind of Thailand. He earnedevery penny, biking in extreme heat and, atone point, battling food poisoning.

And Mom survived the ride, too.

More WindowsCut InterviewWait in San José

Embassy Mom and Son RideAcross Thailand for Charity

The new consularsection has moreinterview windows.

Forbes Slater presents a check to benefit the BlindFoundation of Thailand. Behind him are blind riders on tan-dem bikes with sighted riders.

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After inspection, the graduates file in forthe official ceremony, a fife and drummarking their steps along the way. DefenseAttaché Brigadier General Ralph Jodicesings their praises. The Marine Corps hymncues the USMC color guard forward topresent the colors.

Hands to hearts, the graduates recite Thepledge of allegiance and lead the honoredguests and family members in singing thenational anthem. Guest speaker David S.Sedney, deputy chief of mission at the U.S.Embassy in Beijing, addresses the graduatesand notes their initiative, dedication andpatriotism.

Three things make this class of graduatesunique: they are in kindergarten through

9th grade, they have completed the first yearof an after-school program of Americansocial studies and history and they areliving in Beijing, China, where their familiesare posted. This spring, 47 American chil-dren will graduate from this specializedprogram that is now in its second year inBeijing and is open to children of all Ameri-can citizens.

Love and UnderstandingResponding to a void in the international

school’s curricula at post, this United StatesStudies Program was created by ForeignService spouses at the U.S. Embassy inBeijing with the help of the AmericanEmployees Association. The goal of the

program is to inspire good citizenship, loveof country and an understanding of theUnited States of America.

All courses are designed to provide infor-mation and experience and to impartknowledge of American history, geographyand civics. The course syllabus was preparedby experienced American teachers and isbased on the Virginia Standards of Learn-ing. Additionally, the course aims toincorporate aspects of American culturethat the children would experience ifattending a school in the United States.

The children attend classes on Wednes-days after school—an hour for the littleones and an hour and a half for the olderchildren. Some of the children’s work graces

BY WENDY R. SAUNDERS

Our Youngest Diplomats

Second and third graders prepare carepackages for U.S. troops serving in Iraqand Afghanistan as part of their Bootson the Ground project.

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the walls of the embassy cafeteria forparents and government employees toappreciate. Additionally, the classes includesuch special activities as Flat Sam, a U.S.Post Card Project, a State Flags project, aParent Fun Night and our Boots on theGround project, which involved sendingcare packages to troops on the front lines inIraq and Afghanistan.

In total, 58 boxes of thank-you packageswith accompanying letters were preparedand shipped to our brave and deservingmen and women in uniform. The studentsenjoyed receiving notes back from “their”serviceman or -woman acknowledging thereceipt of their goodies.

The program strives not only to bringknowledge of America to the children, butalso to connect them to the larger Americancommunity. With visiting guests such asU.S. Marines stationed in Beijing, theambassador and the deputy chief of

mission, the children are learning about theinner workings of an embassy.

Outreach Connections Official visitors to China also have the

opportunity to connect with the children byjoining them in the classroom for theirlessons, by sharing mementos from theirstate or city or sending words of encourage-ment. This outreach from the Americancommunity strengthens the children’s inter-est in what it means to be an American.

“As citizens of the United States ofAmerica, we should all be familiar withAmerican history and culture,” said U.S.Ambassador to China Clark T. Randt Jr.“This program is helping to fill a void in theinternational curriculum and gives ouryoungest citizens necessary background onwhat it means to be an American. Americanhistory has shaped our core national valuesand is an integral part of our character. We

have an obligation to impart this knowledgeto future generations.”

The American Employees Association inBeijing intends to have a standardizedUnited States Studies program that can beadopted at any embassy or consulate in thefuture. This standardized program will be along-range and comprehensive program forchildren, allowing consistency as they movewith their parents between various overseespostings.

As noted science fiction novelist RobertHeinlein said, “A generation which ignoreshistory has no past and no future.” Thefuture for this program’s youngest diplo-mats is very bright, indeed. n

The author is an eligible family member con-sular assistant at the U.S. Embassy in Beijingand currently the lead teacher of the AEAU.S. Studies Program.

Left: A second grader creates a poster about George Washingtonduring a lesson about President’s Day. Top: Kindergartners and firstgraders begin a lesson about the 43rd president, George W. Bush.Bottom: Seventh and eighth graders vie for the presidency in the“Hail to the Chief” game.

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New Sofia Embassy Certified as ‘Green’By Gina Pinzino

reenoing

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G

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The U.S. Embassy compound in Sofia,Bulgaria, is the first U.S. diplomatic com-pound to receive LEED (Leadership inEnergy and Environmental Design)certification.

In an effort to transform the buildingindustry, the United States Green BuildingCouncil developed the LEED Green Build-ing Rating System. LEED certificationdemonstrates building performance thatreaches beyond basic energy conservation bytargeting five categories of building impact:sustainable site, water efficiency, energy andatmosphere, materials and resources, andindoor environment.

The Department has a long-standingcommitment to the sustainability of theenvironment through its design and con-struction of green embassies around theworld, according to General Charles E.Williams, director of the Office of OverseasBuildings Operations.

“We’re not just building structuresaround the world,” he said. “We’re buildingcompounds that meet security and sustain-ability standards and connect well with thepopulations that surround us. Our hope isthat our compound in Sofia will serve as amodel for future embassies—fulfilling secu-rity concerns on one hand, while balancingenvironmental standards on the other.”

The new embassy compound in Sofiaincorporated a wide range of technologiesand strategies from OBO’s Energy and Sus-tainable Design Program. It is the first U.S.

embassy compound to be measured underthis green building rating system.

Site preservation was assured by conserv-ing and restoring areas to provide habitatand promote biodiversity. Trees were pre-served, as were about 16,300 square metersof open space. Reserved car pool spaces areprovided, as well as bicycle racks. Showeringfacilities encourage biking and running.

Water efficiency is assured throughpulsed-power water treatment, limited useof potable water and water-efficient fixtures

that reduce water use, all of which will helpto save 136,312 gallons of water annuallycompared to conventional options.

Energy is conserved and the atmospherebenefits from many of the building’s fea-tures. Occupancy sensors and time clocksturn off systems when rooms are not in useor after operating hours. A solar water heaterreduces energy consumption by two-thirds.Heating, ventilation and air conditioningsystems are free of chlorofluorocarbons. Thethermal properties of exterior surface mate-rials provide more insulation.

Thirty-two percent of the embassy’sbuilding materials were manufacturedwithin 500 miles of Sofia. Facilities are avail-able for the separation and collection ofrecyclable materials such as paper, glass,plastics and metals. During construction,materials such as wood, drywall, masonry,metals and plastics were used wisely toreduce waste.

The building’s indoor environment isprotected through high air-quality stan-dards. Smoking is prohibited and isolatedair-flow systems preventing hazardouschemicals from adversely affecting airquality are in place. Sensors turn off artifi-cial light when workspaces are sufficiently litby natural daylight. Thermal comfort isachieved through a monitoring system thatallows control of humidity, which alsomaintains system efficiency. n

The author was until recently external affairsmanager in the Office of Overseas BuildingsOperations.

A side view of the embassyentrance shows some of thelandscaping.

A garden at the green embassy.

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On March 8, 2007, Ambassador Ronald P.Spogli—a native Californian of Italian her-itage—presented his credentials and becamethe first U.S. Ambassador to San Marino.The ceremony represented a momentousoccasion in the annals of U.S.-San Marinohistory, and the estimated 2,000 U.S. citi-zens who reside in San Marino were elated.

One-tenth the size of New York City andthe world’s fifth-smallest state, San Marinois situated in the Apennines, a little inlandfrom the Adriatic Sea near Rimini.Acknowledged by many as the oldest repub-lic in the world, it is the sole survivor of theindependent states that existed in Italy atvarious times from the downfall of theWestern Roman Empire to the proclama-tion of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

According to tradition, “San Marino” wasfounded sometime between AD 301 and

350, when a Christian stonemason namedMarinus the Dalmatian, later venerated asSaint Marinus, fled from the Dalmatianisland of Arbe to escape the persecutionsunder Diocletian and hid on the peak ofMonte Titano, the highest of San Marino’sseven hills. He settled on the mountain toply his stonecutting trade and spread Chris-tianity, eventually founding a smallcommunity following Christian beliefs. Inmemory of the stonecutter, the land wasrenamed “Land of San Marino,” and waslater changed to its present-day name,“Republic of San Marino.”

A Modern FaceToday, San Marino has managed to

retain its Old-World charm, yet it has culti-vated an extremely cosmopolitan identity:San Marino maintains diplomatic relations

with approximately 70 countries, one ofwhich is the United States. The U.S. andSan Marino have enjoyed excellent diplo-matic relations for almost 150 years, thecornerstone of which was set when 16thU.S. President Abraham Lincoln acceptedthe honorary citizenship extended to himby the republic. In his letter of acceptancedated May 7, 1861, President Lincolnwrote, “Although your dominion is small,your State is nevertheless one of the mosthonored in all history.”

San Marino covers a geographic area ofonly 24 square miles, but its presence on theinternational scene has grown increasinglyimportant over the years. San Marino is anactive member of the United Nations; theU.N. Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganization; the World Health Organiza-tion; the International Monetary Fund; the

THE NEWEST AMBASSADOR REPORTS TO THE OLDEST REPUBLICBY SARAH BECK, KATHRYN RAKICH AND BRIAN C. WINANS

Old and New

Covering just 24 square miles, SanMarino nonetheless packs somebeautiful scenery into its small area.

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Council of Europe; the Interna-tional Court of Justice; theInternational Whaling Commis-sion; the World TradeOrganization; and many otherlegislative bodies of the interna-tional community.

Until recently, the U.S. ConsulGeneral in Florence officially rep-resented U.S. interests in SanMarino. It has been a fruitful rela-tionship, for San Marino hasconsistently supported U.S.foreign policy positions, as well asU.S. candidates to internationalorganizations. In September 2006,President George W. Bushappointed U.S. Ambassador toItaly Ronald P. Spogli as ambassa-dor extraordinary andplenipotentiary to San Marino.

Virtual Presence PostThe 1950s saw a great wave of

Sammarinese emigration to theU.S., especially to New York andDetroit. Many of these Sammari-nese eventually returned home totheir beloved republic, but theyretained their American identities.In fact, U.S. citizens are thoughtto make up nearly 10 percent ofSan Marino’s population, andwith modern technological com-

munication, it is now possible to establishdeep and meaningful ties with a target audi-ence that is miles away using bothface-to-face contact and remote means suchas e-mail or the Internet. Because SanMarino is a small, yet politically importantand technologically advanced nation, a U.S.virtual presence post (VPP) was launchedJanuary 13, 2005 (located at https://sanmarino.usvpp.gov).

The San Marino Web site and its linksserve as resources to those seeking passport,visa, notarial, commercial and other servic-es. In addition, the virtual presence post

serves as a useful backdrop to highlightnoteworthy events between the consulateand the Republic of San Marino.

The VPP has proven to be quite popular,receiving more than 150,000 hits within thelast year. Although this might pale in com-parison to many commercial Web sites, it isimportant to know that San Marino has apopulation of only 30,000 people. n

Sarah Beck is a consular assistant, Brian C.Winans is vice consul, and Kathryn Rakich isexecutive assistant to the consul general at theU.S. Consulate General in Florence, Italy.

by Fabrizio GiannozziYes, that’s what the inhabitants of the tiny republic are called.

Once a poor enclave of Italy, San Marino now has one of thehighest standards of living inEurope, and one of thelowest unemployment rates.In fact, more than 5,000 Ital-ians cross the border daily towork in San Marino’s facto-ries or restaurants. Itsbasketball courts, swimmingpools and baseball fields arecomparable to those found inAmerican-style facilities; thequality of the food in SanMarino is as high as in anywell-known Emilia-Romagnarestaurant.

Created in 1978, the SanMarino-America Mutual

Friendship Association is probably the country’s largest cultural/social association, and its activity aims at maintaining both localtraditions and those acquired in the New World. Thus, every

year the Association cele-brates the Fourth of Julyand Thanksgiving, and hun-dreds of Sammarinesealternate their “piadina withSquacquarone” (a deliciousthin bread with an equallydelicious local fresh cheese)with turkey. There are fewplaces on the Italian penin-sula where an Americanvisitor can feel as at home asin San Marino.

Ambassador Spogli, left, presentshis credentials to Captains RegentAntonio Carattoni, center, andRoberto Giorgetti.

The San Marino-AmericanAssociation poses during arecent visit to the U.S.Consulate in Florence.

The Sammarinese

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The Calgary skyline reflectsgrowing prosperity.

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A High-Energy Consulate Coversa High-Energy Region.

By Betty Rice

P O S T O F T H E M O N T H<<<

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Calgary

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Alberta and Saskatchewan sendabout 75 percent of their oil tothe United States.

What part of the world supplies more oil and natural gas tothe United States than any other? What area has one-third of

the world’s uranium and enough diamonds to be the third-largest global supplier? Where are scientists, working closelywith their American counterparts, at the forefront of research

on climate change and energy efficiency?

The answer to all of these questions is a place right onour doorstep: the Canadian provinces of Alberta and

Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.

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AT A GLANCE: CANADA

CapitalOttawa

Total area9,984,670 square kilometers

Approximate sizeSomewhat larger than theUnited States

GovernmentConstitutional monarchy that isalso a parliamentary democracyand a federation

Population33 million

LanguagesEnglish and French(both official)

CurrencyCanadian dollar (CAD)

Per capita income$35,200

Unemployment rate6.4 percent

Import partnersUnited States (56.7 percent),China (7.8 percent) and Mexico(3.8 percent)

Export partnersUnited States (84.2 percent),Japan (2.1 percent) and theUnited Kingdom (1.8 percent)

Internet country code.ca

SOURCE: CIA World Factbook 2007

A LITTLE HISTORYIn 1905, when the provinces of

Alberta and Saskatchewan were founded,the local American population was sky-rocketing. Canada lured British andAmerican citizens with the promise ofrich, inexpensive farmland and ranch-land in the new provinces. The Americanresponse was dramatic: The expatriatepopulation jumped from about 50 in1894 to 100,000 ten years later.

Since Calgary was the end of the railline—the place where American settlersbegan their journeys into one of the lastfrontiers on the continent—it madesense to establish a post in the fast-growing city. The Calgary consulateopened in 1906.

The American settlers quicklyadopted Canada as their home. Theirdescendants are now leaders in politics,business, academia and the arts—andcontribute to the strong relationship theUnited States enjoys with westernCanada.

THE AGRICULTURAL CONNECTIONIn the early 20th century, agriculture

drove the economy of Alberta andSaskatchewan. The 100,000-plus farmsin Alberta and Saskatchewan cover morethan a third of each province’s territory.They lead Canada in livestock and grainproduction, and their best customer isthe United States.

This agricultural relationship is notwithout its challenges. In 2003, when acow in Alberta was diagnosed withbovine spongiform encephalopathy(commonly referred to as “mad cow”disease), the consulate general workedclosely with the U.S. Department ofAgriculture to keep the lines of commu-nication open. Southern Albertapoliticians and business leaders oftencredit the consulate with smoothing thewaters during the “BSE Crisis.”

BURIED TREASUREIn the mid 20th century, energy began

to overshadow agriculture as the driverin the economic relationship. Today,more than 190,000 producing oil and gaswells make Alberta and Saskatchewanthe highest producers in Canada. In theNorthwest Territories, oil and gas wellscan be found from the southern borderall the way to the Arctic Ocean.

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Horses enjoy the open plainsduring a roundup at CurriesRanch in Buffalo, Alberta.

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Then there are the oil sands, a northernAlberta reserve with 175 billion barrels ofproven reserves. When the U.S.-basedEnergy Information Administration offi-cially recognized these reserves severalyears ago, Canada became the secondlargest holder of commercially recoverablereserves in the world—second only toSaudi Arabia. Changes in price and tech-nology could someday make Canadanumber one.

Through a pipeline system that criss-crosses the continent, the two provincesexport roughly 75 percent of their oil and55 percent of their natural gas to theUnited States.

But there’s more than oil and gas in theground in western Canada. Mines inSaskatchewan produce one-third of theworld’s uranium, both provinces minecoal, and Saskatchewan produces a third ofthe world’s potash, a key element in fertil-izers. Massive fields of diamond-ladenkimberlite have recently been discovered inSaskatchewan. These fields, combined withexisting diamond production in theNorthwest Territories, could propelCanada into second place in worlddiamond production in the next 10 years.

Although the extraction of oil, gas andminerals has fueled a booming economy, itis undeniably hard on the landscape andthe environment in general. Local scien-tists and researchers are working onalternative sources of energy and ways tominimize environmental impacts and curbgreenhouse gases. Often they work side byside with their American counterparts—neighbors and friends sharing a continent.

SECURING THE BORDERSBoth Canada and the United States take

border security seriously. Alberta andSaskatchewan have 19 crossing points intothe United States, from full-service, 24-hour joint facilities to crossings on simplecountry roads with barriers and basic serv-ices that see only a few vehicles per day.

American and Canadian border officialswork closely together, sharing information,which allows them to keep the borderopen to legitimate travelers while securingit against those who would do harm.

The implementation of the WesternHemisphere Travel Initiative, whichrequires everyone entering the UnitedStates to have a passport, began at airportsthis year and will extend to the land border

Left: Calgary staffers conducted an on-sitesurvey of Kananaskis, Alberta, site of the2002 G8 Summit. Taking a brief break fromthe survey are, from left, Melvyn Rosario,Kim Klassen, Rob Ursell, Betty Rice, TomHuffaker and Rich Roesing.

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as early as next year. This legislation poseschallenges to the U.S. mission in Canadabecause Canadians now need passports toenter the United States, and Americans nowneed them to return from Canada. Con-sulate general staff and their HomelandSecurity counterparts are working closelywith Canadian officials to ensure a smoothtransition.

From borders to mad cow and otherissues, “Team Calgary” is on the job. Some25 men and women provide consular,public diplomacy, economic, political, com-mercial and administrative services. Takinginto account colleagues in Customs andBorder Protection at the international air-ports in Edmonton and Calgary (travelersare cleared by U.S. immigration inspectorsprior to boarding their planes), approxi-mately 80 staffers—American officers,local-hire Americans and Canadians—represent the U.S. government in the con-sular district.

TREASURE BELOW AND ABOVEWhile diamonds and black gold are

found in abundance below the earth in theCalgary consular district, there are alsosome gems above the surface, such as theRocky Mountain communities of Banff and

Lake Louise, and world-class skiing, hiking,climbing, whitewater rafting and fly fishing.The badlands of Drumheller containdinosaur bones, and the rolling CypressHills to the south are reminders of the vast-ness of the open prairie and the challengesfaced by the early settlers.

The Calgary Stampede, billed as “TheGreatest Outdoor Show on Earth” since itscreation by an American cowboy in 1912,combines a rodeo and carnival and 10 daysof social events. Spruce Meadows, a massiveequestrian facility just south of Calgary,hosts one of the richest show-jumpingevents in the world, and the triennialHonens International Piano Competitionawards Canada’s top classical music prizes.

In the winter, the aurora borealis presentsdramatic displays in the north, and insummer, it’s not uncommon to play golf at2 a.m., since the sun doesn’t set for days.

But the people are the real jewels of theregion. Native Canadians make a big contri-bution to the rich cultural heritage of theregion, while the immigrants who followedplayed a key role in shaping the region’s inde-pendent and entrepreneurial character. n

The author is the public affairs representativeat the U.S. Consulate General in Calgary.

Opposite page top: Climbers and hikers inBanff National Park share the ground withthe local fauna, including this bighorn sheep.Bottom: Consul General Tom Huffaker, left,and Ambassador David Wilkins presentSusan Smith of American Citizen Serviceswith an Extra Mile Award. Left: NativeCanadian culture, as illustrated by Pow WowTeepee Village at Head-Smashed-In-BuffaloJump near Fort Macleod, Alberta, adds tothe region’s rich heritage.

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The Harry S Truman Building renovation team recently cele-brated a significant milestone in a multiyear, multimillion-dollarproject—the completion and occupancy of the George C MarshallWing offices and conference center.

This wing is the first phase of what will eventually include themodernization of the entire headquarters building by the year2019. Managed by the Special Project Division in the Bureau ofAdministration’s Office of Operations, the project is a collabora-tion between State—including the bureaus of Administration,Information Resources Management and Diplomatic Security—and the General Services Administration.

The Marshall Wing was originally the War Department Build-ing, completed in 1941. The interior renovation began in 2000with selective demolition and carefully detailed construction topreserve the historic integrity of the original building, while pro-viding the latest technological advances in communication andenvironmental systems.

The transformation into a safer, brighter, more attractive, state-of-the-art office environment was completed last July. The wing is

now occupied by the Director of Foreign Assistance and thebureaus of Oceans and International Environment and ScientificAffairs; Economic, Energy and Business Affairs; Verification, Com-pliance and Implementation; International Security andNonproliferation; and Intelligence and Research.

The renovation boasts functionality, modern technology,improved security, full accessibility, safety and sustainable design.However, the historic character of the building presented majordesign and construction challenges. New variable-volume air con-ditioning ducts, miles of electrical and communication raceways,and rigid conduit, wiring and sprinkler piping all had to besqueezed above the very tight-fitting ceiling spaces and walls. Pas-senger and freight elevators were completely refurbished to meetmodern standards.

Contractors had to meticulously repair the original marble andgranite floors and walls, which now gleam like new. More than 800historic bronze casement windows had to be replaced with new,more energy efficient windows, yet still replicate the originalwindow profiles and overall appearance. The beautiful Art Deco

STATE-OF-THE-ART RENOVATION RESPECTS HISTORYBY LISA BAXTER AND MARK BUTOWSKY

REWIRING HISTORY

The comfortable auditoriumseats 272.

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brass light fixtures in lobbies and corridors were taken apart,reconditioned, rebuilt and polished to accommodate new wiringand modern energy-efficiency light standards.

Another challenge was restoring the historic wood paneling in thefifth-floor reception lobby and the unique two-story executiveoffices, one of which was originally occupied by Secretary Marshalland now houses the Director of Foreign Assistance and the AssistantSecretary for Verification, Compliance and Implementation. Evendoorways to suites were carefully detailed to simulate the originaltriple-paneled wood doors. The preservation of the historic wood-work in the wing won distinguished craftsmanship awards from theWashington Building Congress in the categories of historic woodreplication, wood flooring, millwork and wood refinishing.

In response to bureaus’ preferences, most of the office space wasdesigned for individual private offices. The design team created taste-fully appointed offices with modular furniture, while taking intoconsideration the space and historic limitations of the building.Natural light and indirect and direct lighting features illuminateoffices and corridors. Suite entrances, enhanced with wall lightsconces, wood paneling and double doors, lead to stone-floor recep-tion areas with guest seating and reception stations consistent withthe historic character of the building. The fully furnished officesimplement the new Department office-space standards to includecoordinated desks, ergonomic task chairs, bookcases and guest chairs.

Other suite appointments include convenient kitchenettes, storageareas and equipment and file rooms. Carefully designed displaypanels, bronze corridor directional and suite signs, recessed color-coordinated stripes and photographic- themed murals at corridorintersections help guide employees and visitors. The new linearperimeter hallway lighting, combined with walls painted in mutedcolors, provides a contemporary touch and brighter atmospherefrom what was previously a very dull experience.

A new state-of-the-art computer center and strategically locatedcomputer equipment rooms on each floor provide greater flexibilityfor cabling and computer needs, and eliminated the need for all ofthe previous smaller bureau computer rooms, thereby effecting costand space efficiencies.

The major improvement of the renovation is the conversion ofthe old second- floor auditorium into the new first-floor conferencecenter and a comfortable 272-seat auditorium with stage and audio-visual capabilities. The conference center includes five multi-useconference rooms equipped for simultaneous interpreting, a telecon-ferencing room, a catering area, a business center, VIP holdingrooms and a central reception lobby. The convenient location makesthe center easily accessible for visitors, who can enter without goingthrough turnstiles. Scheduling of the center is arranged through theOffice of General Services Management.

The 21st Street entrance and lobby reopened January 22. Visitorsentering the building are screened in the new exterior security facili-ty. In the restored travertine and granite lobby, new turnstiles, agranite receptionist’s desk and surrounding bronze and glass securi-ty doors complement the original architecture of the grandmonumental lobby. Employees and guests are greeted by the 50-foot-by-12-foot historic mural “America the Mighty,” painted byKindred McLeary in 1942.

The renovation continues with space planning and design for thenext phase of the building and the Perimeter Security Master Plan,which will enhance the perimeter security of the Harry S TrumanBuilding while providing an integrated, pedestrian-oriented urbanlandscape. n

Mark Butowsky is chief of the Special Project Division in the Bureauof Administration’s Office of Operations. Lisa Baxter is an analyst inthe division.

Before and after: Secretary George C. Marshall sitsat his desk in 1947, below. The restored office, left,respects the original.

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In Vientiane, Laos, there are few publicparks, no playgrounds and no swing sets.Joggers must brave street dogs, gaping pot-holes, darting motorbikes and theoccasional mango vendor. There are soccerpitches—dusty patches for most of the year,then muddy quagmires with the arrival ofthe rainy season.

When a baby boom hit this tinyembassy—five babies born in eightmonths—post took action to keep newparents and children fit, occupied and onthe eastern side of the Mekong River forweekends. With the brainstorm of a fewofficers, the support of Ambassador Patricia

Haslach and funding from post and Over-seas Buildings Operations, the embassy’sgeneral services section converted an openfield attached to the ambassador’s residenceinto an embassy park.

“I’m thrilled that we have been able tomake something that will benefit theembassy community for years to come,”Ambassador Haslach said.

First, general services built some simpleoutdoor exercise equipment and installedsome shrubbery around the perimeter wall.In mid-2006, the section constructed apicnic pavilion, a simple bathroom andsome shaded benches for sports players.

Dramatic ChangesSince the fall of last year, the changes

have been dramatic:• a 295-meter walking, jogging and

bicycle path; • more than 100 trees planted; • a new, level 60-meter-by-80-meter

soccer pitch with drainage system andstadium lighting;

• a “boule” (bocce ball) court;• three new swing sets (regular, toddler

and tire); • two in-ground barbecue grills; • and a playground activity center that is

the best in the country.

INGENUITY AND HARD WORKTURN VACANT LOT INTO AVIBRANT EMBASSY PARKBY DANIEL BISCHOF

Friendly Field

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The new playing surface is a markedsafety improvement. The field formerly hadbeen rocky and rutted. When digging, onecontractor even unearthed a mortar roundleft over from the fighting of the early 1970s.

Now the local international school usesthe field for soccer practice and physicaleducation classes. The embassy soccer teamuses the field weekly as a public diplomacytool, inviting officers’ contacts to play soccer

(every Lao office has a team) and then enjoybarbecue and Beer Lao after matches.

“It just looks great,” said Don Tingley,the athletic coordinator for the VientianeInternational School. “We’re using it nearlyevery day.”

Full FieldThe ambassador also opened the field to

all embassy employees, their families and

guests. Children bring their parents eachweekend for time on the playground, newmothers walk the track to stay fit, and theembassy fielded a second team composed ofthe guard force. The field will be used forlarge events like the embassy’s annual LaoNew Year celebration and the Americancommunity picnic on Independence Day.

At the field-opening ceremony onJanuary 26, Ambassador Haslach paidspecial tribute to Sansombath Phoureuang-hong, the embassy’s building andmaintenance supervisor for more than 30years, who was instrumental in the project.

Sansombath designed the picnic pavilionand bathroom and oversaw the field resur-facing and the installation of theplayground facility, which along with theswing sets was ordered from the U.S. tomeet safety specifications.

“The playground was so difficult toinstall,” he said. “It would have been easierto build a house.”

The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane’s new“house” brings FSNs and officers togetherand helps American families feel a littlecloser to home, a pretty good return oninvestment. n

The author is the general services officer atthe U.S. Embassy in Vientiane.

Opposite page: Ike Bischof and Phanyathip Saiya-oza lead the charge up the “educational climber” on the new playground. Above: The embassy held a tra-ditional Lao “baci” ceremony to inaugurate the field and to ensure future good luck. Below: Ambassador Patricia Haslach opens the new playground withhelp from Khammai Saiyasane, left, and Sansombath Phoureuanghong, as Souvanno Sphabmixay, background, applauds.

Page 28: State Magazine, May 2007

During the inauguration of the new embassy compound inCameroon in February 2006, a series of poster-size panelssparked a lively discussion about how people of courage caneffect positive change. The panels hanging in the U.S. embassytold the story of civil rights leader Rosa Parks. Known as “postershows,” the panels are one of the several products created by thePublications Office in the Bureau of International InformationPrograms to tell America’s story, in words and pictures, to aworldwide audience.

Each year the writers, editors, designers and reference andcopyright acquisition specialists in the Publications Officeproduce more than 40 print- and Web-based publications.They focus on U.S. policy and cultural issues for an internationalaudience.

WORLDWIDE SERVICEU.S. embassies order and distribute nearly 1 million print copies

of IIP publications yearly. Foreign newspapers, Web sites and othernews media also feature IIP publications and deliver the U.S.message to millions of people. The publications are routinely avail-able in print and via the Web in English and other languages,including Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Russian, Persian andPortuguese. The diversity of topic, format and language results inpublication products on which our embassies can rely.

Linda McMullen, the cultural affairs officer at the U.S.Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, says that IIP’s products arekey for outreach programs.

“Our resources here in Abidjan are limited, so it’s invaluable tohave a translated product to give researchers, academics, members

PublicationsOffice

O F F I C E O F T H E M O N T H

Publications Office products cover topics fromAmerican culture to U.S. foreign policy in severallanguages, including Spanish, French and Arabic.

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TELLING AMERICA’S STORYIN WORDS AND PICTURES

BY ALEXANDRA M. ABBOUD

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of the media and government ministers,” she says. “We like theonline format here because it takes some time to get printedmaterials in Abidjan. The fact that we can download a copy of thepublication, print one and photocopy it is invaluable.”

CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATIONThe Publications Office works with a wide range of Depart-

ment and U.S. government offices to create publications thatreflect carefully focused U.S. government policy and messages thatfurther U.S. diplomacy abroad. For example, eJournal USA, amonthly electronic journal, offers U.S. government policy, articlesand commentary by private and academic specialists and everydayAmericans on a variety of timely topics.

English Language Officer Bridget Gersten at the U.S. Embassyin Moscow says she uses Snapshot USA, an electronic journalfocusing on what young Americans think about their country andthe world, as a tool for teaching English.

“We are even experimenting with adapting them for classroomuse, developing exercises and activities that go with the content,including a textbook series we’ll publish later this year,” she says.

The Publications Office produces 10 to 12 poster shows a year.Popular with younger audiences, poster shows use photographs,illustrations and brief texts on poster-size panels to introduceforeign audiences to topics like the environment, important eventsin U.S. history, human rights issues and HIV/AIDS prevention

At a GlanceOffice nameBureau of International InformationPrograms, Publications Office

SymbolIIP/PUB

Office DirectorGeorge Clack

Staff size28

Office LocationSA-44

Web site(s) http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubshttp://usinfo.state.gov/pub/ejournalusa.html

Print designers, from left,Chloe Ellis, Ted Miksinski,Sylvia Scott and Min Yaodesign a wide variety ofposters, publications andelectronic journals.

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and treatment. Embassies purchase the poster shows and displaythem in the embassy, at libraries and museums and even at localpublic transportation hubs such as airports and bus stations.

One IIP poster show highlighted the extraordinary effort of theU.S. military in assisting the victims of the 2005 tsunami thatstruck countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The poster showwas displayed in American Corners in Indonesia and elsewhere.

Other books, brochures and Web-based publications offered bythe Publications Office cover a range of U.S. policy issues. Theseuser-friendly products are distributed widely by embassies toyouth, scholars and government officials. The book-lengthOutline Series, written by commissioned experts, providesin-depth exploration of issues such as the U.S. economy andlegal system.

David Andresen, the Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassyin Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, often uses IIP products for theembassy’s outreach programs.

“IIP products, including the Outline Series and eJournal USA,are the rock and foundation for our interaction with schools, stu-dents and international visitors,” he says.

A GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTProducts from the Publications Office continue to evolve as

public diplomacy needs develop. George Clack, director of thePublications Office, says that the office is seeking to reach a moreyouthful audience, from university students to teenagers in sec-ondary school, and consequently creates shorter, more visuallybased material to appeal to those age groups.

“We’re reorienting ourselves and dedicating a substantialportion of our staff resources and our budget to the youth we’retrying to reach worldwide,” he says.

O F F I C E O F T H E M O N T H

Key members of the publishing services team include, from left,Rebecca Ford Mitchell, Christia Butler, Anita Green, George Brownand Karen Simpson.

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IIP’s new “Student Corner” Web site presents these materials,and a new Persian publishing program focuses on creating, print-ing and translating publications for a knowledge-hungry, youthfulIranian audience.

A recent reorganization of the Bureau of International Infor-mation Programs expanded the staff and resources of thePublications Office. Jeremy Curtin, IIP’s Acting Coordinator, saysone of the bureau’s main goals is to ensure that IIP is in a positionto respond to the Department’s policies in a timely way and thatIIP’s products and programs reflect strategic priorities.

“Our goal as an information service is to create products thatcan compete in this incredibly competitive, complicated andcrowded international global information environment by usingcutting-edge technology, while also serving all of our posts, includ-ing those who aren’t in high-tech areas,” he says. “A public affairsofficer in Africa who walks down the street to a newspaper editorand hands him a piece of our policy, cultural or background mate-rial showing what the United States is about will most often bedelivering something in print form produced by our PublicationsOffice. We want to give posts the information that they need, inthe form that they can use, whether it’s digital or print.” n

The author is a writer-editor in the Publications Office.

eJournalUSA managing editor CharlenePorter, second from left, discusses photoselection with executive editor RichardHuckaby, seated at left. Editor-in-Chiefand Publications Office Director GeorgeClack looks on with production managerChristian Larson, seated at right.

M AY 2 0 0 7 | S TAT E M A G A Z I N E | 29

Student Corner ResourceInternational students will find IIP’s new

Student Corner an invaluable resource. For manyit will serve as a positive introduction to U.S.culture, education and public policy, and it alsoprovides materials for school assignments andother projects.

IIP’s Student Corner can be found on the Webat http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/studentsand is available in Arabic, Chinese, French andSpanish.

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Take Charge of Your Medical Clearance By Michael Pate

Good to Go

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The medical clearanceprocess helps match employeesand their eligible familymembers with a post appropri-ate for their state of health. Theprocess of updating a medicalclearance can seem confusing,but it’s worth spending the timeto understand how it worksbefore planning your next over-seas assignment.

Here’s a look at two situa-tions in which understandingthe medical clearance processbetter beforehand would haveallowed employees to avoidproblems with their health careand their assignment.

Scenario #1: Bob was a first-tour information managementofficer assigned to Bujumbura.Three months before startinghis new job, he suffered a heartattack and had stents placed inhis coronary arteries. Suddenly,he went from taking no pre-scription medications to threecardiac medications andmonthly follow-up appoint-ments with a cardiologist. Hewas enrolled in a cardiac reha-bilitation program and madegreat progress.

Bob completed his orienta-tion and quickly found himselfin Bujumbura. He was surprisedto find there was no StateDepartment regional medicalofficer in the health unit at post.He was further surprised whenhe discovered there were no car-diologists or laboratoriesconsidered adequate to monitorhis heart condition. He was notable to continue his cardiacrehabilitation program.

What did he do? He calledthe Regional Medical Office andwas astonished to hear thatMED does not authorizemedical evacuation for routinefollow-up health care. Bobwould have to pay his own wayto London for his monthlycheckups. Now, he was reallystressed. He had just started a

new job and had almost noaccumulated annual leave orsick days.

What could Bob have done toavoid this situation? If he hadchecked with MED/MedicalClearances staff, they wouldhave instructed him to submitrecords from his cardiologist tosee whether a medical clearanceupdate was needed. They wouldhave guided him through anupdate, including whateverexams, tests or consultationsmay have been needed. Themedical capabilities of Bujum-bura would have beenscrutinized to determine if theywere adequate for the follow-uphealth care he needed. If thepost could not meet his medicalneeds, Medical Clearanceswould have worked with hiscareer development officer toreview other possible posts ofassignment.

Scenario #2: Barbie and Kenare a tandem couple with a 13-year-old daughter namedBrittney. After four years inFrankfurt, Germany, theylooked forward to a long-awaited assignment to Apia,American Samoa. Brittney haddeveloped asthma, which wasbeing controlled by daily oralmedications and avoiding mold,mildew and dust mites, whichprecipitated her asthma attacks.

The family arrived in Apia,and Brittney quickly developedcomplications from her asthma.Mold and mildew were causingher to react. The family was sur-prised to learn there were nomedical facilities adequate tomanage Brittney’s care.

When they called the region-al medical officer, they realizedthey had forgotten to updatetheir medical clearances. Theywere at post without validmedical clearances and nowfaced a difficult question:Would the family apply for aseparate maintenance allowance

or curtail the assignment?Clearly, Apia was not a good fit.

Had Barbie and Ken remem-bered to update their medicalclearances in Germany, HumanResources and Medical Clear-ances would have worked tofind a post for them with theresources needed to take care ofBrittney’s medical needs. Theycould have also learned moreabout Apia’s medical resourcesfrom their health unit.

While these cases are fiction-al, such occurrences are notuncommon. The medical clear-ance process is strange to manymembers of the Foreign Service.But families risk denial of bene-fits if they do not follow propermedical clearance procedures.

As the summer rotation cycleapproaches, Medical Clearances(M/MED/CL) reminds all trans-ferring employees and eligiblefamily members of the need tohave a valid medical clearance.These are some of the most fre-quently asked questions aboutmedical clearances:

What are the benefits ofhaving a valid medicalclearance? Answer: Individuals with avalid medical clearance are eli-gible for access to the post’shealth unit, overseas hospital-ization, medical evacuation andother benefits. Proceeding topost without a valid medicalclearance may result in curtail-ment of assignment due tounavailability of medicalresources.

How long is my medical clear-ance valid? Answer: Two years or the lengthof your tour, whichever islonger.

What about direct transfer orshortened assignments?Answer: Employees and eligiblefamily members on direct trans-fer to a new assignment

continue with their currentmedical clearance until theytake home leave. Individualsholding a post-specific (Class 2)clearance must submit updatedmedical reports and receive postapproval prior to assignment(including direct transfers).

How do I go about updatingmy medical clearance? Answer: Complete form DS-3057 either at post or in theMED exam clinic in Washing-ton. Employees and eligiblefamily members are stronglyencouraged to update theirclearances at post. The processcan be started one year beforeanticipated departure frompost. Travel orders are notrequired. Allow sufficient timeto complete consultations ifthere are medical conditionsthat need additional evaluation.

I want a full examination donein the exam clinic in Washing-ton. How do I arrange for thisservice? Answer: Log onto MED’s Webpage and request appointmentsdirectly. Go to http://med.state.gov/examappts.htm.

I want a full examination withmy private doctor at my homeleave address. How do Iarrange this? Answer: The post health unit orHR can issue a DS-3069 andprovide the age-appropriateforms for you and your familymembers.

The best advice from theMedical Clearances staff? Takecharge of the medical clearancefor yourself and your eligiblefamily members. Know yourmedical clearance. If you do notknow, ask a member of yourhealth unit staff or [email protected]. n

The author is MED’s chief ofmedical clearances.

Page 34: State Magazine, May 2007

Student Records OnlineNeed your class schedule or an unofficial

transcript of training taken through FSI?Visit the FSI Registrar’s Office Web page onthe Department of State OpenNet athttp://fsi.state.gov/admin/reg.

Mandatory Leadership TrainingLeadership training is mandatory for

Foreign Service and Civil Service employeesat the FS-03/GS-13 levels and above toensure that they have the necessary prepa-ration for increasing levels of responsibility.FSI’s Leadership and Management Schooloffers the required courses to meet thesemandatory training requirements and otherleadership courses for all FS and GSemployees.

FasTrac Distance Learning:Learn at Your Own Pace,When and Where You Want!

All State Department employees, FSNsand EFMs are eligible. With your FasTracpassword, you may access the entire FasTraccatalog of more than 3,000 courses, fromhome or office (Intranet or Internet).Courses cover numerous topics, such asproject management, computer skills andgrammar and writing skills, as well as soft

Senior Policy SeminarsFSI’s Leadership and Management

School offers professional development andpolicy seminars for senior-level executivesof the Department and the foreignaffairs/national security community.

For more information contact FSI’sLeadership and Management School at(703) 302-6743, [email protected] orhttp://fsiweb.fsi.state.gov/fsi/lms.

skills such as leadership. To view theFasTrac catalog, visit the FasTrac Web site athttp://fsi.state.gov/fastrac.

FSI Distance Learning ProgramAn extensive menu of FSI-developed dis-

tance learning courses is also available toeligible participants on the FSI learningmanagement system. See (U) State 009772dated January 14, 2005, or the FSI Web page(Distance Learning) for information.

*

TRAINING

FS-3/GS-13PK245 Basic Leadership Skills

FS-2/GS-14PT207 Intermediate Leadership Skills

FS-1/GS-15PT210 Advanced Leadership Skills

Managers and SupervisorsPT107 EEO Diversity Awareness for

Managers and Supervisors

Newly promoted FS-OC/SESPT133 Senior Executive Threshold

Seminar

Mandatory Courses

Dates for FSI Transition Center Courses are shown below. For information on all the coursesavailable at FSI, visit the Schedule of Courses on the Department of State’s OpenNet athttp://fsi.state.gov. See Department Notices for announcements of new courses and newcourse dates and periodic announcements of external training opportunities sponsored by FSI.For additional information, please contact the Office of the Registrar at (703) 302-7144/7137.

Security June July Length

MQ911 SOS: Security Overseas Seminar 4, 18 9, 16, 30 2 D

MQ912 ASOS: Advanced Security Overseas Seminar 11 3, 24 1 D

MQ914 YSOS: Youth Security Overseas Seminar 19 10,17,24,31 1 D

Foreign Service Life Skills June July Length

MQ104 Regulations, Allowances and Finances in theForeign Service Context 21 2 D

MQ115 Explaining America 7 1 D

MQ116 Protocol and the U.S. Representation Abroad 9 14 1 D

MQ200 Going Overseas Without Children 2 3 H

MQ210 Going Overseas for Families 2 3 H

MQ220 Going Overseas–Logistics for Adults 2 2.5 H

MQ230 Going Overseas–Logistics for Children 2 2.5 H

MQ250 Young Diplomats Day 9, 16, 30 1 D

MQ703 Post Options for Employment & Training 12 1 D

MQ801 Long Distance Relationships 23 4 H

MQ803 Realities of Foreign Service Life 1 28 1 D

Career Transition Center June July Length

RV101 Retirement Planning Seminar 12 31 4 D

RV103 Financial Management and Estate Planning 14 1 D

RV104 Annuities, Benefits and Social Security 13 1 D

Length: H = Hours, D = Days, W = Weeks

EDUCATION+

32 | S TAT E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 0 7

Page 35: State Magazine, May 2007

M AY 2 0 0 7 | S TAT E M A G A Z I N E | 33

Benson, Josefina I.Carignan, Roger A.Cecchini, Sandra J.Dombi, Harry JosephLawson, Timothy C.Robertson, Jerry W.

Scarbrough-Maleze,Brenda

Thompson, Gail J.Thompson Sr., James C.Waddell-Blanchard, R.

Karen

CIVIL SERVICE >>>Brophy, Barbara JoyceChronister, Judy C.Hall, Carrie VirginiaHays, Dewitt C.Inselman, Dale R.

Poortman, Jacqueline D. Porter, Mary AliceReed, Caroline L.Rhodes, Mahlon GreenScott, Dorothy K.

Sherrill, Edna B.Turner, Joyce AnnWilkes-Scott, Essie

FOREIGN SERVICE >>>

retirements*

A P P O I N T M E N T S

Coordinator for Counter-narcotics and Justice Reformin AfghanistanThomas A. Schweich of Missouri, princi-pal deputy assistant secretary for theBureau of International Narcotics andLaw Enforcement Affairs, has beenaccorded the personal rank of ambassa-dor as Coordinator for Counternarcoticsand Justice Reform in Afghanistan. Pre-viously, he was chief of staff to the U.S.Mission to the United Nations. Prior tojoining the Department, he was a partnerat an international law firm. He has beenan author, lecturer and media commen-tator. He is married and has twochildren.

Deputy Secretary of StateJohn D. Negroponte of New York, a four-timeambassador and, until recently, the first Director ofNational Intelligence, is the new Deputy Secretary.As Deputy Secretary, Ambassador Negroponteassists Secretary Rice in conducting U.S. foreignpolicy and acts as the chief operating officer of theDepartment. He coordinates and supervises U.S.government activities overseas, represents theDepartment’s position before Congress and manageskey foreign policy issues on the Secretary’s behalf.

Before assuming duties as the Director of NationalIntelligence, Ambassador Negroponte was ambassa-dor to Iraq. Before serving in Iraq, he was the U.S.Permanent Representative to the United Nations.From 1997 to 2001, he was executive vice presidentfor Global Markets of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

From 1960 to 1997, ambassador Negroponte was amember of the Career Foreign Service. He served ateight different Foreign Service posts in Asia, Europeand Latin America. He also held important positionsat the Department and the White House.

Among his assignments, Ambassador Negropontewas Ambassador to Honduras from 1981 to 1985;Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and Interna-tional Environmental and Scientific Affairs from1985-1987; Deputy Assistant to the President forNational Security Affairs from 1987 to 1989; Ambas-sador to Mexico from 1989-1993; and Ambassadorto the Philippines from 1993-1996.

Ambassador Negroponte was born in London in1939. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Yale Uni-versity in 1960. He and wife Diana have five children.

Ambassador at Large forWar Crimes IssuesJohn Clint Williamson of Louisiana, acareer federal prosecutor, is the newAmbassador at Large for War CrimesIssues. Previously, he was senior directorfor Relief, Stabilization and Developmentat the National Security Council. He hasalso served as the first senior adviser tothe Iraqi Ministry of Justice, director ofthe Department of Justice in the UnitedNations Mission in Kosovo and a trialattorney at the International CriminalTribunal for Yugoslavia.

Page 36: State Magazine, May 2007

O B I T U A R I E S

Norman C. Barnes, 83, a retiredForeign Service officer, died March 8 ofParkinson’s disease in Yarmouth Port,Mass. After serving with the Marinesduring World War II, he joined Voice ofAmerica in 1950 and transferred to the

Foreign Service with the U.S. Information Agency in 1955. Heserved overseas in Manila, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, KualaLumpur, Laos, Pakistan and Korea. He retired to Cape Cod, wherehe was active in Yarmouth community affairs.

Sam Burlockoff, 82, a retired CivilService employee, died Jan. 3. He served inthe Pacific with the Army during WorldWar II. He worked for the U.S. Informa-tion Agency for 30 years, first in theso-called comics section and later in the

magazine and design section. He was an accomplished artist anddesigner and an award-winning painter.

Olcott Hawthorne Deming, 98,a retired Foreign Service officer, diedMarch 20 in Washington, D.C. A great-grandson of Nathaniel Hawthorne, hejoined the Department in 1942. He servedoverseas in Bangkok, Tokyo, Okinawa and

Uganda, where he was the first U.S. ambassador. After retiring in1969, he was active in international student exchanges and civicactivities in Georgetown. He was a naturalist and an avid tennisand croquet player. One of his sons, Rust Deming, is a retiredambassador.

Howard Earl Furnas Jr., 88, a retired Foreign Serviceofficer, died Feb. 18. He lived in Hoover, Ala. He served in theArmy Air Corps during World War II. He joined the Departmentin 1947 and served overseas in New Delhi and Paris. In Washing-ton, he served as special assistant to the director of the ArmsControl and Disarmament Agency. He retired in 1971.

Richard Vognild Hennes, 87, aretired Foreign Service officer, died March17 of cardiovascular disease in Bethesda,Md. He was a resident of Silver Spring,Md., and Geneva, Switzerland. He servedin the Navy during World War II. He

joined the Department in 1951 and served overseas in Berlin,Moscow and London. He served in the Bureau of InternationalOrganization Affairs for many years. He retired in 1985. Fromthen until 1995, he served with the United Nations Joint Inspec-tion Unit in Geneva.

Edna Gutierrez Jones, 83, a retired Foreign Service recordssupervisor, died March 3 of cancer in Albuquerque, N.M. Sheworked for the Air Force and the U.S. Agency for InternationalDevelopment, and served at many embassies, including Saigonduring the Vietnam War. She retired in Bolivia in 1975.

Barnett B. “Barney” Lester, 94,died Feb. 27 of congestive heart failure inArlington, Va. He worked for the U.S. gov-ernment for 51 years, beginning in 1938.From 1961 to 1986, he was a staff assistantand then associate editor of the Depart-

ment of State News Letter/State Magazine. From 1986 to 1989, hewas senior editor of the magazine. He collected autographed pic-tures of U.S. presidents—he had 14—and secretaries of state.

Velma H. Lewis, 81, a retired ForeignService employee, died March 16 from arespiratory illness in Vero Beach, Fla. Shejoined the Department in 1955 and retiredin 1977. Her overseas postings includedJapan, Belgium and Morocco. She loved

reading, crossword puzzles and animals, especially cats.

34 | S TAT E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 0 7

Page 37: State Magazine, May 2007

Byron Preston Manfull, a retired Foreign Service officer,died Feb. 18 in Seattle, Wash. A World War II veteran, he joinedthe Department in 1948 and the Foreign Service in 1957. Hisoverseas postings included Paramaribo, Paris, Belfast, Ndjamena,Algiers and Seoul. He retired in 1976.

Louis Edward Misback, a retiredForeign Service officer, died March 28 athis home in College Park, Md., after abrief illness. He served in the Navy duringWorld War II. With the Department, heserved in the Bureau of Intelligence and

Research for 29 years, retiring in 1984. For many years, he wasdeputy director of the Office of Inter-American Analysis. Hestarted a luncheon group of active and retired Department offi-cials that has met weekly for 31 years.

Francis X. Ready, a retired ForeignService officer, died March 3 of a malig-nant brain tumor. He lived in Great Falls,Va. He served in the Army during WorldWar II and the Korean Conflict. Between1954 and 1982, he served overseas inTaiwan, Japan, Iran, Denmark, The Philip-

pines and Brazil. After retirement, he became executive vicepresident of the U.S. Trotting Association, a position he helduntil 1993.

Esther M. Rice, a retired Foreign Service officer, died Feb. 23in Yalaha, Fla., from complications following a stroke. She joinedthe Department in 1956 as a personnel officer and transferred tothe Foreign Service in 1965. Her overseas postings included AddisAbaba, Panama and Vientiane. After her retirement in 1975, shewas an avid golfer and traveler.

David Edward Roberts, 53,a former Civil Service employee, died Feb.17 of complications from cancer andsickle cell anemia in Atlanta, Ga. He servedin the Bureau of Legal Affairs. Afterleaving the Department, he worked forVerizon. He enjoyed swimming, sailing,

motorcycling and horseback riding. He loved animals, nature andthe ocean.

Harry V. Ryder, 81, a retired ForeignService officer, died Nov. 25 in Brewster,Mass. He served in the Army duringWorld War II and the Korean Conflict. Hejoined the Department in 1954 and servedoverseas in Austria, Germany, Sweden,

Trinidad & Tobago, Nigeria and Kuwait. He retired in 1988 andmoved to Cape Cod. He was an avid sport fisherman and genealo-gist, loved steel band music and was active in civic affairs.

In the Event of a DeathQuestions concerning employee deaths should be directed to the Office ofCasualty Assistance at (202) 736-4302. Inquiries concerning deaths of retiredemployees should be directed to the Office of Retirement at (202) 261-8960.

M AY 2 0 0 7 | S TAT E M A G A Z I N E | 35

Page 38: State Magazine, May 2007

Many Americans don’t think much abouthistory, while almost all of them have anopinion on the current price of gasoline.Department colleagues in Beijing andCalgary are doing some excellent work tomake history relevant again to youngAmericans and to keep the oil flowingfrom the rich fields of our good neighborto the north.

In what might surprise most, Canada is theworld’s second largest holder of commercialrecoverable oil reserves. Currently, Albertaand Saskatchewan Provinces, plus the vastNorthwest Territories, supply more oil andnatural gas to the U.S. than any other part ofthe world. These rich lands also yield hugeamounts of other valuable minerals, includ-ing uranium, coal, potash and diamonds.

It’s little wonder that this part of Canadaliterally burns with economic activity, andthe U.S. Consulate in Calgary sits smack inthe middle. Whether implementing theWestern Hemisphere Travel Initiative orworking with the U.S. Department of Agri-culture to contain the fallout from apotential “mad cow disease” crisis, the pro-fessionals of Team Calgary are always on thejob—and on the ball.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, a group of con-cerned Foreign Service spouses noticed thatthe post’s otherwise fine internationalschool’s curricula lacked a vital compo-

nent—specialized study of U.S. social studiesand history. With help from the AmericanEmployees Association, these concernedparents created an after-school program to

fill that void for their children and for chil-dren of all American citizens in the area.

The program offers courses on U.S.history, geography and civics and isdesigned to promote good citizenship, loveof country and a deeper understanding ofthe United States. Students from kinder-garten through 9th grade stay late one day aweek to participate in the program, which is

now in its second year. This spring, 47American children will graduate from theprogram amidst appropriate pomp and cir-cumstance—and a host of proud parents.

“Above and beyond” may be a cliché, butthe engineers and architects from OverseasBuildings Operations certainly outdidthemselves in Sofia, Bulgaria. The newembassy compound there became the firstU.S. diplomatic site to receive Leadership inEnergy and Environmental Design certifica-tion from the United States Green BuildingCouncil. The certification confirms theDepartment’s long-standing commitmentto the sustainability of the environmentthrough its design and construction of“green” embassies around the world.

Last but never least, a final salute to ourcolleagues en route to their final posting:Norman C. Barnes; Sam Burlockoff; OlcottHawthorne Deming; Howard Earl Furnas Jr.;Richard Vognild Hennes; Edna GutierrezJones; Barnett B. “Barney” Lester; Velma H.Lewis; Byron Preston Manfull; Louis EdwardMisback; Francis X. Ready; Esther M. Rice;David Edward Roberts; and Harry V. Ryder.

Energy, History and Global Greening

T H E L A S T W O R D

Rob WileyEditor-in-Chief

COMING IN JUNE

• Civil Service Mid-Level Rotation

• Global Connections Unleash Technology

• Transformational Diplomacy in Darfur

• Celebrating International Women of Courage

... and much more! Questions? [email protected]

36 | S TAT E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 0 7

Page 39: State Magazine, May 2007
Page 40: State Magazine, May 2007

U.S. Department of StateBureau of Human ResourcesWashington, DC 20520

Official BusinessPenalty for Private Use

If address is incorrect, pleaseindicate change. Do not coveror destroy this address label.POSTMASTER: Send changesof address to:

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PERIODICALSPOSTAGE AND FEES

PAIDDEPARTMENT

OF STATEISSN 1099-4165

*MAY.2007

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