U.S.DEPARTMENT OF STATE

SEPTEMBER 2009

Bogotá Colombia’s Capital Dances With the Stars September 2009 Contents Issue Number 537

12 16 22 Virtual Closer to One-Stop Possibilities Home Assistance VPPs expand Mission PD bureaus move to Center provides employees China’s outreach. Foggy Bottom. access to embassy services. 14 20 24 Keepers of Civics Post of the the Peace Class Month: Bogotá Department helps African Iraqi students learn value Colombia rebuilds nations preserve stability. of elections. with U.S. help.

10 Cultural Showcase Gallery opening puts Art Bank in the spotlight. September 2009 Issue Number 537 Features

30 Mission Ready RSO in Iraq promotes emergency preparedness.

32 Developing Peace USAID helps the Philippines fi ght terrorism.

34 Safer Schools 24 Program upgrades soft target security. 16 36 Offi ce of the Month Global Partnership Initiative promotes ‘smart power.’

Columns 14

02 From the D.G. 42 Safety Scene 03 Letters 44 Appointments On the Cover 04 In the News 45 Retirements The third-highest major city in the world at 8,600 feet, Bogotá lives up to 09 Diversity Notes 46 Obituaries its city slogan: “2,600 meters closer to the stars.” Photograph by Fotolia 41 State of the Arts 48 The Last Word *Direct from D.G. Nancy J. Powell

Honored to Serve It is a great pleasure, as the new Director General, to better. My colleagues and I in HR are already working on begin a dialogue with the Department of State commu- a number of important issues. nity on the range of issues and challenges affecting the Among the most pressing: Department’s greatest resource -- you. Together and with • Aligning our human resource processes and systems the help of dedicated Human Resources professionals, we to meet the Department’s strategic objectives now and must ensure that our recruitment, assignment, profes- into the future. sional development and retirement systems support the • Ensuring that we are providing comprehensive needs of our diverse workforce and enable the Depart- support to our employees and their families before, ment to address effectively the during and after their overseas critical foreign policy oppor- assignments, particularly those tunities and challenges we face serving in difficult and/or unac- today and may face tomorrow. companied posts. We have seen significant • Recruiting people who have breakthroughs this year that skills in critically needed foreign demonstrate the high value the languages, career tracks and Administration and Congress specialist categories and who place on the Department reflect the diversity of our nation. of State and its employees’ • Finding more ways to give contributions around the world. Civil Service employees opportu- Thanks to funds appropri- nities for development at all levels. ated by Congress in the 2009 • Ensuring that the compen- Budget, we can hire 2,300 new sation packages of our Lo- FS and CS employees this year, cally Employed Staff reflect their including 1,200 new employees invaluable contributions to our above attrition. In addition, work and the importance we place the FY 2009 Supplemental on their service. appropriation will enable us at • Guaranteeing that all of last to start closing the overseas our people have the skills and pay disparity. Furthermore, leadership capabilities to meet our this year, when qualified, our complex foreign policy challenges. LE Staff received a wage increase of at least 2.9 percent • Giving our people the tools to navigate, cooperate as the result of a Department review of compensation. and collaborate more effectively within the interagency The Department also extended the full range of legally process both domestically and abroad. available benefits and allowances to same-sex domestic • Assuring that security and medical clearances for partners of members of the Foreign Service sent to new employees are handled as expeditiously as possible. serve abroad. In order to best serve you, we need to hear your ideas I was delighted that the Department of State ranked and get your feedback. I welcome your suggestions via first as an ideal employer for Liberal Arts undergraduates unclassified e-mail at “DG Direct.” in the 2009 Most Ideal Undergraduate Employer Survey, Members of the State Department family deserve and that federal employees placed the Department nothing but the best because that is what they have among the top five large federal agencies in the 2009 given—and continue to give—to our country. Thank Best Places to Work ranking. But I know we can do even you for the honor of representing you. n

2 State Magazine September 2009 *Letters Grassroots Diplomacy Your May issue was extremely insightful. The Diplomacy 3.0 vision with regard to hiring will provide the Department with the much-needed workforce to further the work related to global diplomacy. Other articles show the fantastic work our colleagues continue to perform in a number of areas. The work related to justice reform and trafficking is commendable.

Having grown up, studied and worked of comprehension of the rule of law. South experience with a fresh perspective. I plan on in the Indian sub-continent, I believe the and Central Asia is a region where we will sending a copy of it to the female officer who Department is moving in the right direction be concentrating a lot of our efforts in the replaced me and had the same experience with the Bureau of South and Central Asian near future. The call for volunteers to serve with this same supervisor. Affairs by working at the grassroots. The key in Pakistan and Afghanistan and expanded In short, I appreciate all that you do and I would be to create opportunities for public operations in the region prove its importance really appreciated Mr. Robinson’s article. and private partnerships through local citizen to our national security. groups, nongovernment organizations, A U.S. embassy officer educational institutions, government and Krishna Das international organizations, as well as visitor- Bureau of Diplomatic Security Remembering Joan Segerson exchange programs for students, scholars, The June issue carried the sad news of teachers and ordinary citizens. Fresh Perspective Joan Segerson’s unexpected passing on I had the opportunity to work on some I want to pass along my thanks for John March 4 and mentioned that she mentored U.S. Agency for International Development Robinson’s article in the June edition on bul- many young people. She was that kind of programs while serving as the international lying. I was on the receiving end of bullying generous person who was always helpful to liaison for the College of Education at the from a previous supervisor a few years ago her colleagues. During her years at RM/FA, University of Iowa. We collaborated with and felt all the things outlined in the article. she was a strong professional who provided ministries of education and public schools I felt that I was in a hostile work environment information and guidance. Joan understood in Eastern European countries and helped and that my male supervisor had a problem more than most the relationship between provide training in democracy and civics with female officers. (I was the only female policy goals and budget needs. Program and education. The train-the-trainer model pro- officer in the section.) I went so far as to apply policy interests are hard to separate, and she vided an opportunity for foreign teachers to for other jobs outside the State Department always managed them with the best interests study at Iowa, then go back to their countries because I felt strongly that I didn’t want to of the Department’s overall goals in mind. and train others in what they had learned, work for an organization that would promote Joan had some medical problems but was thus creating a ripple effect in democracy such an individual. looking forward to coming back to work. education. Rather than making a decision based on Many of her friends and colleagues have told The above model seems similar to the one experience, I decided to give State one me of their shock. justice reform program that has been initiated more tour and I’m glad I did because I went in Afghanistan. It may be wise to initiate into an office with incredible leadership and a Stuart Lippe something similar in parts of the world very positive, empowering atmosphere. Office of Andean Affairs where terrorism abounds and there is lack Your article caused me to reflect on that Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

Letters should not exceed 250 words and should include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number. All letters become the property of State Magazine. Letters Talk to Us will be edited for length, accuracy and clarity. Only signed letters will be considered.

Via E-mail: Mailing Address: Phone: Fax: statemagazine@ 2401 E Street, NW, HR/ER/SMG, SA-1, Room H-236, (202) 663-1700 (202) 663-1769 state.gov Washington, DC 20522-0108

September 2009 State Magazine 3 News

Sounding Board Suggestion Cuts Waste Implementing one of the first suggestions posted to the Secretary storage spaces and finds excess supplies that can be listed on the site. It of State’s Sounding Board Web site, the Bureau of Consular Affairs has asked all employees to review the items on the site before placing has launched an internal program to reduce waste of office supplies new orders. by sharing them. The bureau now posts its excess items on its intranet Besides saving on the costs of the supplies, the bureau saves on site, a practice patterned after the popular Freecycle.org site, and supply ordering time and the “cost to stock,” which includes expenses bureau units needing supplies can review the postings before placing related to buying storage furniture and the hours spent searching for new orders and possibly save money. or storing supplies. The Sounding Board, http://soundingboard.state.gov, was estab- The program operates as a SharePoint application in which all lished by the Secretary shortly after her arrival in January to solicit bureau employees have read-only access, and those who deal with suggestions to improve the Department. It has since garnered more supplies can edit what’s posted. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security than 300 ideas and is posting status reports on the ideas as they move and the Office of the Under Secretary for Management are also through the review process. participating in initiatives based on the bureau’s model. Temporary Consular Affairs came up with the supply-sharing idea because it read-only access to Consular Affairs’ site can be provided for employ- found its offices must often order supplies in quantities larger than ees considering development of a similar program for their bureau or needed, due to vendors’ minimum order requirements. The excess is post. Those considering such a program or who have questions may now listed on the bureau’s site. The bureau also periodically reviews contact Teresa Yata at [email protected].

4 State Magazine September 2009 Embassy Launches eDiplomacy Initiative To celebrate the 25th an- http://diplopedia.state.gov/ and 1.3 billion Catholics around to media stories on these topics. niversary of formal diplomatic index.php?title=Vatican, having the world. Caritas, the largest Readers can subscribe to a news relations between the United information about the bilateral Catholic humanitarian assistance feed on specific regions or issues States and the Holy See, the U.S. relationship. The blog at http:// agency, has 40,000 employees and have updates delivered to Embassy to the Holy See has vatican.state.gov covers items of and 125,000 volunteers, operates their e-mail in-boxes. The em- created online locations to share importance for other U.S. mis- programs in 162 countries and bassy hopes to receive feedback information on the embassy sions interested in the influence reaches 24 million people each and comment about postings on and its city-state host nation, as of the Catholic Church in their year. Information is added daily the status of church-state rela- well as information on religion, host countries. to the blog on a range of topics tions in other nations and will diplomacy and politics around The embassy began the including religious tensions, raise information provided by the world. Diplopedia and blog initiative economic issues, HIV/AIDS and U.S. embassies in those nations With technical assistance because of the broad reach of food security. in its discussions with Vatican from the Department’s Office the Catholic Church—there The Diplopedia portal and the officials. of eDiplomacy, the embassy are more than 400,000 Catholic blog carry embassy-generated For more information, launched a blog and a portal priests, about 750,000 nuns, news on the Vatican and the visit the Web sites or e-mail on the Diplopedia Web site, close to 75,000 monks and friars Catholic Church and have links [email protected].

Employees Prepare for New Charitable Challenge This fall will be marked by a transition The Department’s manager for both the million for the campaign. The goals are based as the charitable giving of Department food drive and CFC, Patty Pittarelli, said this on each bureau’s 2008 donation, employee employees shifts focus from summer’s food year’s CFC will likely not extend beyond Dec. participation level and number of employees, drive for the needy to the annual Combined 15, making it about a month shorter than last she said. Federal Campaign, which raised $62.7 year’s campaign. It will also, she said, feature One charity likely to send a representa- million in 2008 from Washington, D.C.- greater electronic dissemination of the CFC tive to the CFC kick-off event is Miriam’s area federal employees and benefits almost catalog, which lists eligible charities and is on Kitchen, a feeding program for D.C.-area 4,000 charities. the Web at www.cfcnca.org/catalog_of_caring. homeless people located in the Foggy Bottom The food drive, launched by President The Department already collects donations neighborhood. Another D.C.-area charity, Barack Obama as part of his United We via Employee Express, although most givers the Capital Area Food Bank, also benefits Serve promotion of volunteerism, sought still use pledge cards. from the CFC and to raise 45,000 pounds of nonperishable Whichever way they may send a speaker. A food for D.C.-area residents. Like the CFC, give, donors can charity spokesperson the food drive also received donations at spread their 2009 said the recession has posts worldwide. The food collected at posts donation over several caused record numbers abroad was distributed in the posts’ host na- charities and have a of families and first- tions. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, portion of it taken time visitors to seek for instance, provided a nearby orphanage from each of their help. The food bank with some of the food it collected. 2010 paychecks. collects food donations The Department launches its CFC drive Pittarelli also said and distributes them to with an Oct. 1 presentation at Main State the Department’s local feeding programs. involving speakers from some of the charities campaign will seek better communication “Our agencies are reporting from 30 benefitting from the campaign, which last with overseas posts and is now developing up to 200-percent increases in demand year received $2.195 million in donations bureau-level goals so that the Department for services,” said Capital Area Food Bank from Department employees. can meet its target of raising nearly $2 President Lynn Brantley.

September 2009 State Magazine 5 News

Embassy Berlin Commemorates Project Manager

In May, Chargé d’Affaires Ross at the dedication ceremony. Right: Duncan Ross. John Koenig and Bureau of For more than 20 years, Ross Above: Chargé d’Affaires Overseas Buildings Operations worked as an OBO construction John Koenig shares a Project Director Eduardo engineer, handling projects in moment with Ross’s mother Doty Colt Ross, Gaarder dedicated the fireplace Tegucigalpa, Santiago, Singapore, middle, and his sister Amy pavilion and courtyard of the Rome, Tunis, Munich, Frankfurt Ross Hegarty in front of U.S. Embassy in Berlin as the and finally the new U.S. Embassy the dedication plaque. Duncan Ross Room, com- in Berlin. His energy, profes- memorating the manager of the sional expertise and experience 2004–2008 embassy construction aided in the project’s successful project. completion. In 2007, Ross Ross’s mother, a sister, friends, became ill and returned to the colleagues and embassy employ- United States, where he passed ees came together to remember away later that year.

Public Diplomacy Alumni Association Picks Award Winners The Public Diplomacy Alumni Association recently selected the promoted a creative writing program that reached schools and the winners of its annual awards from 22 nominations worldwide. The media, and engaged in U.S. election-related activities that brought winners include Mission Macedonia Public Affairs Officer Ryan more than 500 opinion leaders to an event hosted by the ambassador. Rowland and Assistant Public Affairs Officer Amy Storrow, who Another winner was Tristram Perry, assistant information officer developed an outreach effort targeting Macedonian youth. for broadcast media at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. He Their program’s multi-ethnic youth camps brought together used his public diplomacy skills and personal credibility to advance more than 1,100 youngsters to build leadership skills, environmental understanding of U.S. institutions and foreign policy, gaining media awareness and teamwork. They also expanded the Fulbright program, coverage of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton during her February visit. In a first, he arranged for a popu- lar Indonesian journalist to write a blog while traveling with Secretary Clinton’s press corps. The association also honored three public diplomacy staff members in the Bureau of International Information Programs for guiding production of a worldwide video contest called “Democracy’s Video Challenge,” which engaged youth worldwide in a dialogue on democracy. Awardees were Lori Brutten, outreach coordina- tor; George Clack, director of publications; and David Shelby, director of current issues. Nearly 900 videos were received in the contest, including 70 from Iran. Others came from China, Russia, Cuba and Burma. Partici- pants began their two-minute videos with the The video contest team—from left, David statement “Democracy is …” and posted them Shelby, Lori Brutten and George Clack— engaged youth in a dialogue on democracy. on YouTube.com, where the public will choose the winning videos.

6 State Magazine September 2009 News

Returned Peace Corp volunteers from inside and outside the Department meet as a group before job-shadowing day. Returned Volunteers Promote Department Careers The organization Returned Peace Corps certain that a Department career was a good including Foreign Service and Civil Service Volunteers @ State hosted a job-shadowing match, but now feel much more confident in employees and ambassadors. Among the day in June for 20 former Peace Corps my career search.” Department’s highest-ranking former Peace volunteers interested in Department of State The group worked directly with the Peace Corps volunteers are Assistant Secretary for careers. Participants saw the work done in Corps to organize the event, and the Depart- African Affairs Johnnie Carson, who served the bureaus of Democracy, Human Rights ment’s Office of Recruitment, Examination in Tanzania from 1965 to 1968, and Ambas- and Labor; Consular Affairs; and Education and Employment gave a presentation on sador to Iraq Christopher Hill, a volunteer in and Cultural Affairs, among others, and the Department’s careers and its need Cameroon from 1974 to 1976. spent time with Department employees who for management, consular and economic One member of the group, Jennifer Cole, are former Peace Corps volunteers. officers. The group plans to hold other events a program coordinator in the Bureau of Edu- “Until now, I’ve found it difficult to promoting Department careers for returned cation and Cultural Affairs, said “I can see translate the job descriptions and Knowledge, volunteers. Peace Corps’ influence in my work on a daily Skills and Abilities statements required for An official employee organization, the basis as it gives me an instant connection to USAJobs.opm.gov into real-life examples,” group was founded in September 2008 and the visitors I work with on the International said participant Tina Terrill. “I also wasn’t has more than 375 members worldwide, Visitor Leadership Program.”

FS Employees Gain Access to Career Data The Bureau of Human Resources and its Office of Performance Evaluation have made a “View TIC/TIS History Report” option available to Foreign Service employees through the Employee Profile application in HR Online. The new data table reflects changes to the fields associated with a Foreign Service employee’s Time in Class/Time in Service record, such as a promotion or long-term language training. The history report can also reflect the office’s changes. To access the Time in Class/Time in Service History Report through the Employee Profile, click on “View TIC/TIS, Scorecard Data” and then on “View TIC/TIS History Report.” Users can also access a help link for information and to report an error in their data. The bureau added the report in Employee Profile to provide FS employees with greater transparency about the promotion process.

September 2009 State Magazine 7 News

MAGAZINE Magazine Staff Rob Wiley Editor-in-Chief

Ed Warner Deputy Editor

Bill Palmer Writer/Editor

Sarah Cao Editorial Intern

David L. Johnston Art Director

Background State Magazine (ISSN 1099–4165) is published monthly, except bimonthly in July and August, by the U.S. Department of State, 2201 C St., N.W., Washington, DC. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C., and at additional mailing locations.

Change of Address Send changes of address to State Magazine, 2401 E Street, N.W., SA-1, Room H-236, Washington, DC 20522-0108. You may also e-mail address changes to [email protected]. Director General Thomas receives a certificate from FLO Director Leslie Teixeira. Subscriptions State Magazine is available by paid subscription through the U.S. Government Printing Office HR Bureau Honors Departing DG by telephone at (202) 512-1800 or on Bureau of Human Resources officials sang the praises of Director General the Web at http://bookstore.gpo.gov. Harry K. Thomas at a June goodbye party honoring his two years as the bureau’s chief executive. Submissions Leslie Teixeira, director of the Family Liaison Office, noted his support for For details on submitting articles to State Magazine, request our guidelines, “Getting Your Story Told,” the hundreds of officers and their families affected by unaccompanied tours. by e-mail at [email protected]; download Pointing to Ambassador Thomas’ signing of hundreds of certificates provided them from our Web site at www.state.gov; to children of parents serving on such tours, she presented him with a certifi- or send your request in writing to State Magazine, cate that honored his support of FLO’s Unaccompanied Tour Program. She said 2401 E Street, N.W., HR/ER/SMG, SA-1, her action was symbolic of the many other ways he has supported employees Room H-236, Washington, DC 20522-0108. and families. Teddy Taylor, principal deputy assistant secretary for Human Resources, Deadlines lauded Ambassador Thomas for his willingness to “push the envelope” in terms The submission deadline for the November issue of taking on challenges. is September 15. The deadline for the December issue is October 15. Alonzo Fulgham, chief operating officer of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said Ambassador Thomas was one of the “last gentlemen in the business” and a good friend to USAID. Environmental Notes State Magazine is printed in the USA using Addressing the dozens of well-wishers crowded into the Delegates Lounge, soy-based inks on recycled paper that contains Ambassador Thomas praised his staff, saying, “You have made HR a place where 10% post-consumer waste and is SFI-certified. we’re all proud to work.” He said that during his tenure, bureau offices have become more responsive to customers and the Office of Career Development and Assignments has “transformed Foreign Service assignments.” A career member of the Senior Foreign Service who was executive secretary of the Department prior to becoming Director General, Ambassador Thomas joined the Foreign Service in 1984 and served as U.S. ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. His next assignment has not been announced.

8 State Magazine September 2009 The global benchmark for responsible forest management. The FSC Logo identifies products which contain wood from well managed forests certified by Bureau Veritas Certification in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council.

The (SFI®) program is a comprehensive system of principles, objectives and performance measures developed by foresters, conservationists and scientists, that combines the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees with the protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality. www.sfiprogram.org Diversity Notes *From John Robinson Celebrating Intergenerational Diversity As the summer comes to a close, we must say goodbye to values of other generations. The event was uncomfortable the hundreds of interns who spent their time out of school for some, intense at times, energetic throughout, informa- helping us further the Department’s missions around the tive and cathartic. Participants laughed and assumed world. Their idealism, creativity and enthusiasm remind us defensive and offensive stances on a variety of issues; but that their generation is unique and, most important, they listened. as with any generation, a valu- Although it is difficult to able asset to our ultimate goal of measure the effectiveness of a one- increased intellectual capital in the time, one-hour session, it was clear workforce here at the Department. that relief, light-heartedness and The word “diversity” suggests a sense of unity were achieved for race, age, gender and national those who attended that morning’s origin. However, what one may forum. One might argue that this not consider are the differences mini-catharsis, if you will, can be between the generations of employ- attributed to the overall underrep- ees in an office, the experiences resentation of the tension between they implicitly bring and the effects the work style differences of these differences have on their ap- employees from different genera- proaches to achieving success in the tions at the Department. Perhaps workplace. From communication those interns took the first step styles to systematic values, these toward initiating a cooperative intergenerational differences affect progress toward a generationally our everyday workplace interac- united end. tions in a variety of ways. What’s next? How do we Defined as a group of people solidify these new discoveries? The who share common age boundar- Department of State workplace ies and were born in a certain will be at its intellectual and era, a generation shares similar experiences during their creative best when we can all listen and learn across formative years and develops similar values and attitudes generations. No single age group has a monopoly on in the workplace. Currently, there are four generations in patriotism, innovation, humor or wisdom, as a workforce. the workplace: Traditionalists (born before 1946), Baby However, we will be ahead if we harness the best from all Boomers (1946–1964), Generation Xers (1965–1980) and generations. Millennials (1981–1994). Although these generations share The recipe for harmonious unity of the generations lies many of the same ideals and characteristics, they differ in a willingness to continue having those uncomfortable from one another in the methods by which these ideals and discussions, in sharing laughs about our stark differences characteristics are integrated into the workforce. and in appreciating the skills and experiences each genera- Last summer, the interns in the Office of Civil Rights tion brings to the job every day. So the next time you see held an Intergenerational Diversity Workshop for Depart- a Baby Boomer staying late at work or catch a Millennial ment employees that was both fun and informative. multi-tasking, take an extra second to find the advantage Participants were divided into multi-generational groups in what they are doing. Chances are, whether based on and participated in a variety of activities that fostered es- experience or strategy, there is a “method to the madness” tablishing values, both distinguishing and unifying, among and something that each of us can learn from another’s the generations. This open forum allowed all employees perspective. After all, the best way to promote diversity is to to discuss views on their own generational values and the eradicate adversity. Take the first step. n

September 2009 State Magazine 9 Cultural Showcase Gallery opening puts Art Bank in spotlight /// By Lisa T. Kuhn

In June, Under Secretary for Management Patrick F. Kennedy and I, in a Philadelphia suburb by photorealistic painter Larry Francis and as the director of the Department of State Art Bank Program, attended impressionistic cloud paintings by artist and pilot Sheila Kramer. a ribbon-cutting of the Art Bank Gallery. The event culminated more All of the artists in the exhibition use paper as an element in their than four years of planning, design and implementation by a team of art. This common medium demonstrates the versatility of paper in Department employees, architects, consultants and contractors. encouraging experimentation and supporting a broad range of art: The Art Bank Gallery is on the second floor of the George C. watercolors, graphite drawings, oil paintings, monotypes, woodcuts, Marshall Wing of the Harry S Truman Building. The design work lithographs and intaglio prints. began in 2005, and focused on retaining and restoring the area’s Art Deco architecture and providing a space for rotating exhibits. The The Art Bank renovation was completed in March 2009. The Art Bank Program was established in 1984 to manage the Department’s domestic fine arts inventory. It contrasts with the ART Cultural Diplomacy in Embassies program, which provides art to missions overseas and The Art Bank Gallery will support the Department’s mission of to the United States Mission to the United Nations. The Art Bank’s cultural diplomacy by exhibiting the talent and diversity of American permanent collection of more than 2,000 contemporary American artists to the numerous foreign dignitaries who visit the Department. artworks includes original works on paper and limited-edition prints The inaugural exhibition of 18 recent acquisitions to the Art Bank which span a range of styles, subject matter and techniques. showcases the rich complexity of American life and culture through Artworks from the collection are exhibited in the domestic offices realism and abstraction. One of the exhibition highlights is an etching and public areas of the Department, including its Washington, D.C., print featuring string and hand-stamping by abstract artist Caio annexes and the offices of the U.S. Agency for International Develop- Fonseca. Also featured are gouache paintings that illustrate growing up ment. The art is requested for exhibition through bureau executive PHOTOGRAPHS: SONA PASTEL-DANESHGAR; (OPPOSITE PAGE RIGHT): MARK STEWART (OPPOSITE PAGE SONA PASTEL-DANESHGAR; PHOTOGRAPHS:

10 State Magazine September 2009 offices and is Clockwise from upper left: James Winn’s “Sketch for Thunderheads”; Art Bank funded through a Program Director Lisa Kuhn discusses Winn’s painting with Under Secretary for contribution to the Management Patrick Kennedy; painter Larry Francis’ “58th and Lindbergh,” a scene Art Bank. The Art from the Philadelphia neighborhood of Francis’ high school years. Bank staff assists in the selection, installation, preservation and inventory of the artworks. The Art Bank’s Work Environment collection has ap- The Art Bank improves the work environment by allowing eligible preciated in value employees to select art for their work areas. Eligibility is determined over time as many of its artists have become well-established, and by the executive office of an employee’s bureau. The art is primarily many of its limited-edition prints are no longer available to the public. placed in the offices of under secretaries, assistant secretaries and deputy assistant secretaries, and in the Department’s public areas such Diverse Artists as reception areas and conference rooms. Artists in the collection come from diverse backgrounds, and many Employees often will come in to the Art Bank with an initial style— have overcome physical or economic challenges. Robert Ferrandini, a such as still lifes or landscapes—in mind and will leave with some of prominent landscape artist from Boston, had to relearn how to draw the wonderful abstracts in the collection. Art is often exchanged to and paint after a stroke paralyzed his right side. Louisiana Bendolph, satisfy the tastes of new staff or to respond to office renovations. who grew up in an isolated African American community in Gee’s When an employee leaves the Department or is reassigned, the Bend, Ala., transformed a necessity—making quilts—into works of art Art Bank will often get a call asking where a print that an employee and beautiful intaglio prints. particularly likes can be purchased. If the request comes from an Artists also have contributed to the international community with ambassador going overseas, the Art Bank will provide information their talents. Ross Bleckner, recently appointed goodwill ambassador about the artwork and its source to one of the curators of the ART in for the United Nations, uses his gifts as a painter to work with child Embassies program. victims of enslavement and trafficking in Uganda. Valentina DuBasky The Art Bank Gallery will familiarize employees with the Art Bank founded “Art in a Box,” which brings boxes of art supplies to commu- program and its collection, and provide a venue for quiet reflection.n nities in crisis around the world. These art supplies help disadvantaged children use art for empowerment and recovery. The author is director of the Art Bank Program.

September 2009 State Magazine 11 Virtual

Possibilities Harbin

Wulumuqi

Huhehaote

Tianjin Yinchuan Dalian Active VPP In Development Xining Lanzhou Qingdao

Zhengzhou Xian

Nanjing Hefei

Hangzhou Lhasa Nanchang Changsha

Fuzhou VPPs expand Mission Kunming China’s outreach Xiamen By MaryKay Loss Carlson Nanning

Near right: Gary Oba of the Consulate General in Guangzhou, rear in bright green shirt, stands with volunteers in Xiamen who participated in an environmental activity supported by that city’s VPP. Far right: The author takes questions during a presentation for the VPP in Zhengzhou. PHOTOGRAPHS: U.S. EMBASSY IN BEIJING EMBASSY U.S. PHOTOGRAPHS:

12 State Magazine SeptemberSeptember 2009 2009 Since Mission China’s 2007 launch involved in environmental and American companies and hosted a of its fi rst Virtual Presence Post in intellectual property rights issues, legal large July 4 celebration attended by Zhengzhou, a provincial capital of offi cials and university students. high-level Dalian offi cials and business more than seven million people, the The VPP in Nanning, http:// community representatives. mission has used the VPP concept to nanning.usvpp.gov, provides news on In Zhengzhou, the VPP, http:// expand outreach to 15 major popula- the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, zhengzhou.usvpp.gov, has created tion centers. Four more VPPs are in Agricultural Trade Offi ce and consular a blog that allows users to interact development. and public affairs sections. It also with the VPP team and receive photo Based upon online educa- has videos that introduce Nanning albums, video clips and links to the tional materials, dedicated residents to U.S. diplomats stationed in embassy Web site. Embassy offi cials also Web sites, visits and digital Beijing and Guangzhou. regularly visit the city and province. video conferences, the VPP One of the newest VPPs in China is The VPP in Tianjin, http://tianjin. concept lets Mission China that in Fuzhou, http://fuzhou.usvpp. usvpp.gov, promoted last year’s Harbin enhance its presence at little gov, which highlights such mission Summit on China-U.S. Financial additional cost—primarily staff activities as U.S. diplomatic visits Reform and Innovation and the visit time and in-country travel. to two local universities. In Fuzhou, of a former U.S. TV executive to a local Wulumuqi The VPP program in China Foreign Service offi cers have also met university. also lets U.S. diplomats reach with local environmental, religious, out to places where there is no legal and health organizations. ★Web Strategy Huhehaote permanent U.S. diplomatic presence. The VPP in Nanjing, http:// Eight of the 15 VPPs in China have Before VPPs, outreach to these areas nanjing.usembassy-china.org.cn, was dedicated Web sites that promote the was irregular and, without dedicated established in 2007 and worked with Tianjin various embassy or consulate activities Yinchuan Dalian Web sites, lacked a way to engage with the Johns Hopkins Nanjing Center in aimed at their communities, and others Active VPP selected locales. 2008 to organize a U.S. election event are developing sites. VPPs are virtual only in that they for American and Chinese students, Recently, members of the VPP Xian In Development Xining do not involve a permanent physical academics and offi cials. This year, it team visited potential student partici- Lanzhou Qingdao diplomatic presence. They allow a has supported the visit of a senior U.S. pants of U.S. exchange programs in Zhengzhou formal level of engagement with an Treasury offi cial, American businesses provincial cities and rural areas. They Xian important city, region, community operating in the area and visits to also visited some exchange program or country, much like a small consul- high schools and universities with alumni—who said they had not had Nanjing ate, and support focused mission educational and cultural programs. any contact with U.S. offi cials for more Hefei travel outside capital cities, better Offi cers at the U.S. Consulate General than 20 years. During a joint alumni/ interagency collaboration and greater in Shanghai are working to set up VPPs VPP team visit to a rural elementary Hangzhou strategic application of program and to cover Anhui and Zhejiang provinces. school, some of the students said they Lhasa media outreach resources. From only had never before met an American. three VPPs in 2003, the program has ★ VPPs in China represent a uniquely Nanchang Election Education Changsha grown to nearly 60 worldwide with an The VPP in Dalian, http://dalian-en. effective method of outreach to additional 40 being planned. usvpp.gov, has featured that city’s millions of Chinese citizens, giving relationship with Seattle and Tacoma, them an additional window on the Fuzhou ★Covering China Wash., and helped with a mission event United States. Kunming In China, the VPP in Xiamen, on informing the public about the U.S. For more information on VPPs, visit Xiamen http://xiamen.usvpp.gov, promotes elections. VPP Dalian team members http://www.intelink.gov/communities/ U.S. study, the Department Web have made more than 20 visits to state/vpp and the VPP portal, http:// Nanning site America.gov and cooperation Dalian over the past year and assisted diplopedia.state.gov/index.php?title= on urban planning. During visits to the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Virtual_Presence_Post. ■ Xiamen, VPP team members have met Team during its pre-Olympic training with Chinese environmental groups, in Dalian. The VPP also organized The author is a public diplomacy offi cer local charities’ leaders, organizations business seminars for Dalian-based at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

Near left: At center, Anny Ho and Camille Purvis-Dawson of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing pose with elementary school students in rural China, part of their VPP outreach e ort. Far left: U.S. Consul General in Shenyang Steve Wickman talks to the Mayor of Dalian at the irst July 4th celebration hosted by the Dalian VPP.

September 2009 StateState Magazine Magazine 13 Keepers of the Peace Department helps African nations preserve stability By Chip Beck

Key Program The training and assistance program is managed by the Bureau of African Affairs and represents a key program of the Depart- ment’s broader Global Peace Operations Initiative. The program was launched in May In Senegal, trainees search a vehicle 1997 to enhance the capacities of African at a compound checkpoint. nations to participate in multinational peace support operations. A 10-person program offi ce in Washington, D.C., oversees the Since its inception in 2002, the African peacekeepers, has grown. training operations in collaboration with Union has assumed an activist role in ad- In June 2009, 32,567 African peacekeepers the Secretary of Defense’s Offi ce of African dressing confl ict by launching peace support were serving in nine U.N. or African Union Affairs and the Department’s Bureau of operations in Burundi, Darfur and Somalia. peace support operations, comprising Political-Military Affairs. It also laid the groundwork for an African about 45 percent of the continent’s 72,262 In Africa, a core of 250 American and 525 Standby Force to plan, deploy, implement and international peacekeepers. Almost half of African peacekeeping instructors is active sustain complex peace support operations the African Union’s member nations have throughout the continent, providing 10 to with minimal non-African intervention. volunteered to provide peacekeepers for peace 20 fi eld training activities per month for the At the same time, the United Nations support operations. deploying peacekeepers, battalion and brigade joined the African Union in Darfur; continued Shaping the professional development of staffs, and multinational force headquarters to conduct peacekeeping operations in the African peacekeepers is a State Department personnel from among the program’s 24 Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, program that has earned the respect of the partner countries. Côte d’Ivoire and Southern Sudan; and has African troop-contributing countries. This Program training is tailored for each launched a new peacekeeping operation in Africa Contingency Operations Training and country. The deployment of program-trained Chad and the Central African Republic. The Assistance program has been operating for peacekeepers is a sovereign nation’s decision,

need for peacekeepers, especially African more than 12 years. but the program helps troops from contribut- OF AFRICAN AFFAIRS BUREAU PHOTOGRAPHS:

14 State Magazine September 2009 communications and logistics. Training activi- ties can last up to nine weeks and are repeated for every deploying contingent. Indigenous Instructors Peacekeepers get frequent refresher training and instructors’ skills are constantly updated. Teams of indigenous instructors and the infrastructure provided by the Peace Mis- sion Training Centers have been developed to establish host-nation peacekeeper-training capacities. The program introduces new peacekeepers to peace support tasks, such as leadership, convoy escort, checkpoint operations, disarmament operations, weapons safety, internally displaced persons protection, field negotiations, rules of engagement and civil af- fairs. It also promotes respect for international human rights standards throughout its train- ing. The program also promotes awareness of HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, child exploitation and trafficking in persons, among other humanitarian issues. To help fill peace support operations manpower needs, between May 1997 and June 2009 program instructors directly trained more than 85,000 peacekeepers from 24 partner nations: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia. These nations have sent contingents to conflicts in Sudan, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea- Clockwise from top: Troops Bissau, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia-Eritrea, training in Cameroon ready for a convoy exercise; in an exercise, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Burundi, Kosovo, Lebanon and a peacekeeper is carried into Somalia, and to support humanitarian relief efforts in an ambulance on a stretcher Mozambique. While training large numbers of peace- as other peacekeepers take up positions to protect the keepers is important for expanding African states’ abili- evacuation; a Togolese trainee ties to respond to conflict, the program’s ultimate goals practices clearing an urban are to ensure that the peacekeepers it trains are effective building at a training site. once deployed and to conduct activities that enable its African partners to develop sustainable self-sufficiency in training their own peacekeepers. Conflict resolution in Africa is ongoing, and Africa is stepping up by developing in- creasingly professional person- nel, mechanisms and capabilities to transform conflict and chaos into zones of increasing stability. Changing the conflict ing nations gain the professional qualifica- environment will be a long-term tions they require. It also complements effort, but the Africa Contin- U.N. and other international peace-support gency Operations Training and operations through information sharing and Assistance program plans to be coordination. there for its partners as long as The program uses U.N.-reviewed programs its services are needed. n of instruction to cover training in command and staff operations, peacekeeper skills and The author is the ACOTA specialty areas, such as medicine, engineering, program and policy officer. Closer to Home PD bureaus move to Foggy Bottom

By Katherine Yemelyanov ED WARNER PHOTOGRAPHS:

16 State Magazine September 2009 In mid-July, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Bureau of International Information Programs completed the fi rst phase of their move from SA-44 in southwest Washington to SA-5 in Foggy Bottom. The move of the two public diplomacy bureaus from the former headquarters of the U.S. Informa- tion Agency to the new headquarters of the American Pharmacists Association comes less than two months before the 10th anniversary of USIA’s consolidation into the State Department on October 1, 1999. With much of HST under renovation, the Their new home sits just across C Street Department needed new space to house from the Harry S Truman Building. the bureaus. The American Pharmacists “This long-awaited move by ECA Association, looking to expand its Constitu- and IIP brings together the entire public tion Avenue headquarters building, offered Clockwise from above: The author stands diplomacy family, not only physically but the State Department a chance to lease with the Department’s seal behind her in a lower floor of the new annex after presenting also as a cohesive, close-knit team,” said space in a new building, and a lease was a tour to members of employees’ unions; Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy signed in 2006. The new building has eight Mark Schneider, left, of Facility Management and Public Affairs Judith McHale. “These levels for staff, two of which are used by Services shows off ice locations to James York of the American Foreign Service Association professionals will benefi t from the modern the American Pharmacists Association, and during a tour of the new off ice space; workspace, and its proximity helps foster a two levels of parking. It will house more information technology contractor Paul Lim sense of cooperation and unity among the than 900 ECA and IIP staff members, as said the new building is nicer than SA-44 but public diplomacy team.” well as personnel from the Offi ce of Policy, finding parking in the area is more diff icult. Planning, and Resources; Global Strategic Congressional Mandate Engagement Center; Bureau of Resource Congress in 2002 mandated that ECA Management; and Offi ce of Legal Advisor. and IIP move closer to Department “New construction and moving 900 headquarters, implementing a recom- people into a new building, these are mendation of the 9/11 Commission Report. exercises in logistics,” said Sheldon Yuspeh, director of the ECA-IIP Executive Offi ce, as staff stacked surplus offi ce supplies outside his offi ce. “Our goal is to support IIP and ECA with the same combination of per-

September 2009 StateState Magazine Magazine 17 18 new cubicle for its improved layout. Microsystems Automation said he likes his Above: the American Foreign Service Association. shows the building’s view to Daniel Hirsch of Management Negotiator Steven J. Polson, left, Top:

Bureau of Human Resources Chief Labor Gerald Luterek of the contractor State Magazine

September 2009 Many Questions move-schedule updates. an archive move-related of newsletters and grid.transportation The site also includes ing’s location, appearance, facilities and providing updates regarding the build the move, easily with navigable links information about the new building and state.gov/index.cfm/20530) to disseminate established an Intranet site (http://ex.pd. and foster mutual understanding.” they use to engage international audiences sonal outreach and emerging technologies the Intranet site. Frequently Asked Questions and placed on spaces were converted into dozens of from chairs and computers to parking drawings of the planneddrawings of cubicles and who visited SA-5 during construction, firsthand accounts by move coordinators the move. aspect of every Included were provided updates and interaction regarding gov/) called “Home Sweet Annex,” which created a blog (http://move.eca-iip.state. eDiplomacy, the Executive Office also tion Resource Management’s Office of To this end, ECA-IIP’s Executive Office With Bureau the Informa support of of Questions from on everything staff - - Brown-bag Lunches Department’s e-mail domain. on their othersactivities with inside the to Twitter that allows users to share updates on Yammer, a microblogging similar service Blog posts were supplemented posts with bulletins regarding ergonomic amenities. IIP Executive Office. The author is a program analyst in the ECA- they could hit the ground running in SA-5. to test in SA-44 in advance the move, of so meanwhile, prepared computers for staff The bureaus’ information technology office, members were invited to choose a favorite. chairs was also available, from which staff to “test drive.” ergonomicA selection of a sample cubicle was set up there for staff tive Office’s walls forto staff review, and seating charts were posted on the Execu deskselection chairs. of Floor charts with the move,of from seating assignments to maximum transparency on aspect every furniture and move committees to promote project poster. even added the watercolor touches to the in the new location. A senior member staff ties and optionstransportation available lunches to build awareness the ameni of The Executive Office hosted brown-bag The Executive Office established Not the outreach all of was high-tech. - -

PHOTOGRAPHS: ED WARNER It’s not just the landscaping that makes SA-5 a ‘green’ building.

New Building Offers Environmental Benefits /// By Kitt Alexander The American Pharmacists Association that are more than seven feet high and five percent of occupants. Building across from the Harry S Truman feet wide and flood the 2nd through 5th The building has bike racks, showers Building is the Department’s first domestic floors with daylight. Venetian blinds are and dedicated parking for low-emission real property to achieve Gold Certification perforated, providing light control while or fuel-efficient vehicles. Its heating, using the Leadership in Energy and Envi- maintaining exterior views. ventilation and air-conditioning systems ronmental Design Green Building Rating Most private offices are located in require 25 percent less power than a typical System, which encourages green building interior areas and outfitted with glazed building’s. Seventy percent of its appliances and development practices. glass doors. Light flows through modular and equipment are Energy-Star rated. The building’s design reduces negative workstation areas nearest to the windows to To keep the interior healthful, the impacts on the environment and human- private offices and even reaches glass-walled builders used low-pollution adhesives, izes the workplace by improving the health, conference rooms, frosted for privacy, in sealants, paints, carpeting and furniture. sense of well-being and comfort of building interior areas. The building’s outdoor air ventilation rates occupants. For example, research finds that To preserve energy, lighting fixtures in are 30 percent higher than required, and the windows providing daylight and a view of private offices are equipped with motion quality of the outside air brought into the the outdoors can significantly affect mental sensors, and fixtures can be dimmed to half building is monitored. n alertness, productivity and psychological power. Task lighting in workstations can be well-being. Among the building’s most adjusted to suit occupants, and individually The author is a space management specialist desirable features are the 160 windows controlled thermostats are available for 90 in the Office of Real Property Management.

September 2009 State Magazine 19 20

Civics Class State Magazine Iraqi students learn value of elections

September 2009 When registered of only half voters went to the polls local journalists blamed the low turnout on citizens’ failure to understand the power their votes. of in recent provincial elections in Basra, Iraq, One solution: Educate the next generation.

/// By Michael D. Sunshine

PHOTOGRAPHS: (LEFT): SCOTT M. ALLEN; (OPPOSITE PAGE): AHOOD ALFADHLY However, studying the electoral process is generally not part of the Iraqi high school curriculum. Staff at the Provincial Reconstruc- tion Team in Basra thought perhaps the time was right for a program for students on elections. Teaming up with Iraq’s Rural Women’s Association, the staff created a pilot program called “The Power to Change Is in Your Voice,” which was funded through Quick Response Funds for less than $25,000. The program’s content was reviewed by the director of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission, the Basra deputy general for education and Basra’s director of education planning, who formally endorsed it. Clockwise from above: A student from Basra Al-Ashar Fifty Students Girls High School used art to compare the rights of Twenty-five students from women to the growth of a tree; Students and teachers from Basra Al-Motamayzien Boys High School ask their Al-Ashar Girls High School teacher questions; Basra Deputy Director of Education and an equal number from Maki Mohsen Mahoos meets with the winner of the essay Al-Motamayzien Boys High contest from Al-Ashar Girls High School. School attended the course, in which student participation was voluntary. Two members of the Iraqi Bar Association were the course’s principal instructors, and five teachers from each high school attended classes, each with an assigned group of five students. The principals of both schools also attended. The importance of the course’s topic grabbed students’ attention after the first week, and several said it was different from anything Joint Class The evaluation of the essays wrote: “When I am able to vote, else they’d studied in school. In Iraq, males and females emphasized research but also it will be for the candidate who Participating teachers said the attend separate schools. For considered class participation serves my people before personal classes broadened their knowledge. the last class, the boys and and the student’s support to aspiration.” Students said they wanted plays girls were brought together for his or her team. Both schools The winner from Al- and art added to the program. the essay contest presentation. provided teachers for the evalua- Motamayzien Boys High School Several girls in the class There was some concern that tion process. wrote: “We must carefully choose wanted to discuss women’s rights, parents might not like the idea Once the essays were reviewed our representatives because they likening the subject to a tree and of the joint session, but no by an oversight committee, the will lead not for a day, but for asking “How deep are the roots? one objected. winners were announced at a years.” How fast does it grow?” Delighted The joint session was banquet attended by 250 family “The program helped raise with student and teacher interest, attended by the deputy general members, instructors, the essay student awareness for the the schools added more class- for education, the director of evaluation board and Indepen- principles of democracy through room hours. the Independent High Electoral dent High Electoral Commission the most civilized weapon—the At the completion of the course, Commission and the director personnel. There, the area’s voice,” said the Basra Education the students submitted essays for Basra education planning. police chief and its newly elected Supervisor. n about what they learned, and the Two TV and two radio stations member of the national assembly student with the best paper from covered the class. assisted with the ceremony. The author is the public diplo- each school received a laptop In the last week of the course, The winning student from macy officer with the PRT in computer, as did his or her teacher. all 50 students turned in essays. Al-Ashar Girls High School Basra.

September 2009 State Magazine 21 22 BlackBerry support from CSC staff. Embassy Jakarta employees request General Services and counter; Dian Sessarini, right, assists a customer; several from Ramadhani at the BlackBerry/cellphone service services to embassy employees; a customer gets help desk receives a customer’s call; the CSC staff provides Clockwise from top:

State Magazine Rani Ramadhani of the CSC’s help

September 2009

PHOTOGRAPHS: DANUMURTHI MAHENDRA -Stop Assistance Center provides employees access to embassy services By Wade C. Martin

The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a large post with 19 “I just want to thank you for everything you have done to make federal agencies, 32 buildings and 1,450 positions. To make life easier us feel at home,” said Charles Egu, the post’s deputy controller for for employees, the post established one location where employees can the U.S. Agency for International Development. “I don’t know which receive help with any issue. This customer service center is located in service to praise most—cable TV, Internet, water, furniture or check- the heart of the embassy compound next to the community liaison in—you took so many actions, even some we are not aware of. Our office, American Express travel office, automated teller machine, snack children’s stay in Jakarta has been made more comfortable because of 1bar and commissary. your efforts.” Callers to the center are greeted with, “This is Jakarta’s customer service center. How may I assist you?” That help can mean the world One-stop Concept to newly arriving employees, who are often dazed and confused after a The service center’s one-stop-shopping idea was initiated by journey to this post. On arrival, they find their new home does not yet Financial Management Officer Ralph Hamilton, based on the have cable TV, Internet or any of their property because their household customer service center he started in Dhaka. The Dhaka center started effects have yet to arrive. The simplest of tasks, such as ordering a bottle as a joint venture between the post’s office of human resources and of water for the water dispenser can be complex and may seem like a life- its facility management center after he noticed that employees were or-death matter in this hot country. Although the sponsors of arriving being bounced between the two offices. In Jakarta, post management staff members do leave plenty of drinks in the refrigerators—and do a expanded the concept to consolidate the individual help desks for the great job helping families settle in—many employees first encounter the information technology, management, general services and human customer service center when ordering water. resources offices, so that an efficient and well-rounded staff could handle any issue at any time. Welcome Kit The focal point of Jakarta’s customer service center is six Locally On arrival, employees receive a welcome kit with a brochure Employed Staff members who handle more than 150 requests a day. outlining the customer service center’s offerings and noting the phone It also has a customer service Web page that connects directly to the number, e-mail address and Web page link used to access the center eServices and WebPASS applications and supports the Department’s and, through it, every service the embassy offers. Services available Collaborative Management Initiative. Through the Web page, employ- through the center include those of the offices for management, general ees can access 112 ICASSs. Routing of the requests is automatic and services, information technology, community liaison, human resources reaches the relevant service provider within seconds. Even the remote and financial management. locations in Surabaya and Medan, Indonesia, can take advantage of Once they arrive at the center, employees get an even better experi- these services. ence. They use the “eCheck-in” software, which asks one time for the After a long day at work, employees at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta employee’s pertinent information and then automatically puts that data return home knowing everything is in order. The household staff into all the check-in forms. At the center, users also receive their Open- has accepted delivery of the water the employee ordered, a request Net accounts, BlackBerry handheld computers, thumb-drive storage has been made for delivery of gas for the stove and the children are devices, emergency contact radios and information on the local Internet enjoying the fast new Internet connection—tasks all accomplished service provider and cable TV options. with a simple call to the customer service center. n The post’s check-in list of 42 items is virtually finished at the customer service center within 20 minutes. The entire process is so efficient and The author is the information systems officer at the U.S. Embassy convenient that arriving staff often start work on their first day at post. in Jakarta. * service since 1955. Cerro de Montserrat has been in The cable car traveling up the Post of the Month

PHOTOGRAPHS: ?????; (OPPOSITE PAGE): ???? *Post of the Month

Bogotá Colombia rebuilds with U.S. help /// By Michael Turner

September 2009 State Magazine 25 *Post of the Month

During the 1980s and much of the 1990s, drug trafficking and terrorism nearly destroyed Colombia. Fearless drug king- pins either financed or killed presidential candidates. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) encircled and threatened to overrun Bogotá. The Colombian people suffered countless bombings and murders, and lost faith in their government.

Times have changed. The Colombian government has taken the fight to the drug traffickers and terrorists. Colombia has rebuilt its insti- tutions and reestablished the legitimacy of its democracy. Colombians once again travel by road without fear to visit their country homes. PHOTOGRAPHS: U.S. EMBASSY IN BOGATÁ EMBASSY U.S. PHOTOGRAPHS:

26 State Magazine September 2009 What inspired these positive changes? The Co- lombian people demanded that their elected leaders take back the country. The government responded by building the capacity of the military to go after drug traffickers and terrorists, expanding the reach of civilian institutions and increasing economic opportunities. The Colombian-U.S. partnership through Plan Colombia married Colombian solutions to the country’s problems with Colombian and U.S. resources. While the work is not yet done, the bilateral relationship is one of the strongest the United States has and makes the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá an intriguing place to work. Colombia’s audacious recovery of 15 hostages from the FARC in 2008 symbolizes Colombia’s transformation. In a daring and successful special-forces operation, the Colombian armed forces—with U.S. assistance—tricked the FARC into handing over its prized political hostages, including three Americans, without spilling a drop of blood. Even though the FARC has been brought low, it remains a threat to Colombian democracy. Clockwise from above: Under Plan Colombia, the U.S. government Flowering plants add a has provided more than $6 billion in assistance colorful accent to the to Colombia, including $1 billion in economic old walled city section of and social assistance. “Hard-side” dollars support Cartagena; Children from the Fundación Fútbol con efforts to combat drug trafficking and terrorism. Corazón in Barranquilla “Soft-side” programming, primarily through surround Ambassador the U.S. Agency for International Development, Brownfield after a soccer game; The Colombian focuses on alternative development, increasing singer Juanes performs literacy, expanding economic opportunities for with the USNS Comfort’s Afro-Colombians and indigenous communities, band during the ship’s providing social services to the humanitarian mission in Tumaco. internally displaced, reintegrating demobilized fighters, protecting unionists and increasing training on human rights. In addition, Depart- ment of Justice programs are helping Colombia reform its overburdened justice system. Vibrant mission The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá numbers more than 4,000 employees representing many government agen- cies. The embassy compound includes a commissary, cafeteria, café and snack bar. Employees occupy spacious fur- nished apartments in some of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. Parents can send their children to one of five private English-language schools. Ambassador Bill Brownfield recently inaugurated the Embassy Branch Office in Cartagena, establishing an official U.S. presence on the North Coast. At 8,600 feet above sea level and sitting near the equator, Bogotá enjoys a steady, year-round temperate climate similar to autumn in Washington, D.C.

September 2009 State Magazine 27 *Post of the Month

Clockwise from above: A Palenquera woman selling fruit in the coastal city of Cartagena strikes a pose; The Virgilio Barco Library in Bogotá, with its dramatic design, opened in 2001; Bogotá Cathedral anchors the Plaza Bolivar downtown; The quintessential cafetero Juan Valdez is a symbol of the Colombian coffee industry.

Art lovers flock to the Candelaria section, visiting the Botero and National Art Gallery museums. Foodies dine in style at a variety of French, Japanese, Italian and fusion restaurants, if they can tear themselves away from the city’s dozens of outstanding steak joints. Joggers, cyclists and power walkers hit the streets every Sunday morning when the city closes more than 70 miles of its streets to vehicular traffic. Night owls salsa, cumbia and merengue until breakfast at Bogotá’s many dance clubs. Families picnic at a number of parks or visit excellent petting zoos. Everyone enjoys the plentiful and cheap supply of the famous

Colombian roses. IN BOGATÁ EMBASSY U.S. PHOTOGRAPHS:

28 State Magazine September 2009 Barranquilla Post of the Month Cartagena

Montería * PANAMA Cúcuta In two hours, direct flights from Bogotá can have VENEZUELA a visitor enjoying Cartagena’s colonial-era Old City Medellin on the Caribbean coast, rafting the Amazon River in At a Glance >>> Colombia the south or traipsing through coffee country in the Bogota nation’s center. Colombia’s Caribbean coast greets visitors with Cali warm winds, salty air and the sounds of local val- Barranquilla Cartagena lenato bands. Cartagena hosts thousands of tourists Pasto each year from cruise ships and direct flights from Mitú Montería the United States. Its colonial walled city PANAMA ECUADOR BRAZIL and fortress received a World Heritage Site Cúcuta designation in 1984. To control their trade VENEZUELA

in the Caribbean and compete with the Medellin British Empire, the Spanish built fortifica- PERU

tions that repelled a British force of 186 Bogota ships and 23,600 men sent against only six Leticia Spanish ships and 3,600 men in 1741. Cali

Walled city and beaches Pasto Today’s visitors can stroll atop the city’s Mitú walls, facing the sea to the north and the restored colonial center to the south. ECUADOR BRAZIL Guided tours in horse-drawn carriages through the Old City tell the story of pi- rates, colonies and the Spanish Inquisition PERU in South America. Every visit to Cartagena should include enjoying one of its beaches Leticia and the fresh-caught seafood. The more adventurous travel to Leticia, Capital: Bogotá Colombia’s southernmost city, to see the Amazon River, which forms Colombia’s Government: Republic border with Peru. Over a long weekend, Independence: July 20, 1810 a visitor can book a guided boat trip and (from Spain) take in the rain forest, including pink dolphins, anacondas and triple-canopy Area: 1,138,910 sq km jungle. The boats also offer night tours and piranha fishing. Approximate size: Roughly the size Colombia’s coffee country is a lush of Texas and California combined region of rolling hills with a mild climate that extends through the western part Population: 45 million of the country. It is the perfect place not Language: Spanish only to grow Colombia’s famous coffee but also to relax. Most visitors stay at one of the GDP – per capita: $4,985 dozens of plantations throughout the countryside. Tourist attractions include the National Coffee Unemployment rate: 11.7 percent Park, a coffee-themed amusement park; Panaca, a petting zoo; and the Valle de Cocora, a mist- Imports: industrial equipment, transportation shrouded valley that is the gateway to Los Nevados equipment, consumer goods, chemicals National Park. The park has snow-covered peaks and paper products and is home to threatened species, such as the Import partners: U.S., China and Mexico mountain tapir and the spectacled bear. Colombia has made great strides. Its close Exports: petroleum, coffee, coal, nickel partnership with the United States, as well as a and emeralds recently expanded embassy with the tools neces- sary to conduct 21st century diplomacy, make Export partners: U.S., Venezuela and Colombia one of the most exciting postings in the Ecuador Foreign Service. n Currency (code): Colombian Peso (COP) The author, formerly a consular officer at the U.S. Internet country code: .co Embassy in Bogotá, works on the staff of the Executive Secretariat. Source: Country Background Notes

September 2009 State Magazine 29 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Mission Ready RSO in Iraq promotes emergency preparedness By Aaron D. Snipe

With a growing number of Foreign Tallil itself provides travel and protective team, including security and civilian Service personnel serving in Iraq, services for ground and air trips into the personnel, needs to be ready to react and Afghanistan and other hardship posts, three provinces. Department person- respond,” Lynch said. “There may come the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter nel working in Muthanna Province, a time when PRT personnel have to fall Threat Course has become an integral more than 60 miles from Tallil, spend back on their training, and ensuring readiness component for U.S. diplo- much time commuting to the province, familiarity with RSO procedures and mats abroad. Department employees especially for frequent meetings with the equipment may save lives.” positively review the one-week course, province’s leadership, but spending long Personnel from the Dhi Qar and which acquaints them with emergency hours on the road brings increased risk. Muthanna PRTs also reviewed the medical training, threat awareness, Responding to that risk, RSO proper handling of RSO weapon surveillance detection and firearms Tallil in late 2008 initiated a series of systems and re-familiarized themselves instruction, and many say it is one of workshops to reacquaint PRT staff from with emergency weapons and vehicle the Department’s best. the Tallil-based teams with emergency procedures. However, personnel headed to medical procedures. Instructors from high-threat posts often want more RSO Tallil briefed PRT members on Getting Acquainted training. The regional security office emergency procedures and conducted The training event gave PRT mem- team for Tallil Air Base, Iraq, recognized numerous scenarios on using specific bers an opportunity to get to know the that need and has made it a top priority medical tools. security professionals who safeguard to keep the civilian personnel it serves “The security environment in Muth- them every time they leave the base. mission-ready. anna Province is relatively calm, but “When we are out on a mission, ev- Tallil Air Base, a large base in south- things here can change in a heartbeat,” eryone has a specific job and is focused ern Iraq, serves as a center of operations said Paul Higgins, an assistant regional on that job with no time for chitchat or for the Provincial Reconstruction Teams security officer assigned to Tallil. “If pleasantries,” said Assistant RSO Andrew in Muthanna, Dhi Qar and Maysan something happens, ensuring that those Curran. “Today, we’ve fused training provinces. The security office consists we protect know how to help themselves and team-building, and it’s nice for my of five Bureau of Diplomatic Security makes everyone out there safer.” guys to get to know the folks they are special agents and a team of American “I got my medical kit in Baghdad protecting a little better.” security contractors. The office is more than a year ago and haven’t The training at Tallil continues, responsible for U.S. civilian personnel opened it since,” said one PRT partici- with more refreshers planned for from the Department, the U.S. Agency pant. “I hope we never have to use it, but the incoming team. This training is for International Development and it’s good to have this refresher.” invaluable to those who receive it the other organizations that serve in RSO Tallil’s refresher training also because they’ll be able to use it in southern Iraq. included a visit to the firing range. PRT assignments beyond Iraq. n Muthanna’s team leader, former DS RSO Protection Special Agent Brad Lynch, encouraged The author is the public diplomacy officer While most PRTs in Iraq rely on mili- all members of the team to participate. at the Provisional Reconstruction Team in tary teams for travel protection, RSO “In an emergency, everyone on the Muthanna, Iraq.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH PHOTOGRAPHS: REGIONAL SECURITY OFFICE TALLIL SECURITY REGIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS:

30 State Magazine September 2009 Above: RSO Tallil fire arms instructors conduct a safety briefing for USAID representatives at Tallil Air Base. Below: An RSO Tallil firearms instructor looks down range as PRT Public Diplomacy Officer Aaron Snipe takes aim.

September 2009 State Magazine 31 Developing Peace In Mindanao in the wean the population from and security-related southern Philippines, armed confl ict by boost- cooperation, we are mak- U.S. forces and the U.S. ing economic activity and ing a difference because Agency for International making institutions better ultimately the issues in Development have been able to respond. Mindanao are not just helping the Philippine It’s a unique partner- about security but also government fi ght terror- ship between the host about development.” ism since 2002. nation and U.S. govern- The task force, Mindanao, the second ment partners. meanwhile, has an largest island in the indirect, non- Philippines, lies 650 miles Confl ict Focused combatant role. southeast of Manila. Its USAID’s development Its short-term population straddles projects focus on confl ict- activities comple- ethnic, cultural, religious affected areas to promote ment USAID’s USAID helps and clan fault lines; good governance, increase long-term sustain- these factors have led to economic opportunities, able development the Philippines robberies, kidnappings protect the environ- approach. It shares and killings. The region ment, strengthen health information fight terrorism has become a safe haven services and improve and builds the By for extremists, particularly basic education. capacity of the the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Since 1996, when the Armed Forces of Rebecca Brown Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Moro National Liberation the Philippines Thompson Islamiyah, a Southeast Front and the Philippine and assists with Asian terrorist group. government signed a civil-military The U.S. Embassy in peace agreement, the operations, such Manila has combined United States has shifted as conducting free diplomacy, development its fi nancial resources medical, dental and defense efforts to toward projects that and veterinary clinics. combat terrorism. The provide additional To ensure the best interagency effort is leverage for U.S. efforts use of resources, both primarily implemented in Mindanao. Today, organizations regularly by the U.S. Agency for more than 60 percent of synchronize and coordi- International Develop- the U.S. government’s nate their activities. The ment and the Department development budget in collaboration is intended of Defense, the latter the Philippines is devoted to ensure that the task through the Joint Special to Mindanao projects. force’s civil affairs efforts Operations Task Force- “Our goal is to improve fi t with USAID’s long- Jon Lindborg, director of USAID Philippines, meets with merchants at a USAID-built trading center in Mindanao. Philippines located in the lives in areas that have term development southern Philippines. been breeding grounds programs. The two agencies’ for terrorism,” said Jon Ambassador Kristie to Mindanao more than otherwise supported by projects are integrated Lindborg, director of Kenney takes a keen 20 times and on each visit USAID or the task force. into U.S. support to the USAID Philippines. interest in the groups’ sought to connect with On a trip to the city of Philippine government “With (our) combined activities. Since arriving those who are involved Zamboanga, Ambassador in Mindanao and aim to efforts in development in 2006, she has traveled with projects funded or Kenney met with the U.S.

32 State Magazine September 2009 and Philippine commanders and received an update on operations. Later, she was the guest of honor at a school library dedication, a joint project of USAID and the task force. That afternoon, she signed a memorandum of understanding for a technical study at a water treatment plant, a project funded by USAID through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao program. Before returning to Manila, she told one of the region’s top radio networks how U.S. efforts are designed to achieve peace and prosperity in the region. Successful Efforts Reflecting the projects’ success, the 2008 State Department Report on Terrorism cited how U.S. efforts in the region have “continued to marginal- ize the few remaining Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists in the Southern Philippines.” The Philippine military also has taken a more proactive approach in its operations Above: A U.S. Army soldier from the task force, left, and a Philippine Army soldier prepare to against the terrorists, distribute school supplies at an elementary school shifting soldiers from secure in Mindanao. Below: Ambassador Kristie Kenney areas to areas where terror- and Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat chat ists remain a threat. with local high school students via a wireless wide area network. Nonetheless, the terror- ists, while less numerous today, remain a threat. Using diplomacy, development and defense, the indirect, coordinated “soft power” approach must be a long- term effort. Working with Philippine partners, the State Department in collaboration with USAID and the task force continues to promote peace and prosperity in this volatile region. n

The author is press attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

September 2009 State Magazine 33 34

State Magazine Schools

Program upgrades soft target security September 2009 challenging and, most important, safe. a goodwith learning environment that is intellectually be going to school. They want their children in a school lot on their minds—especially where their children will children receive their overseas assignments they have a When State Department employees school-aged with Safer

/// By Jim Witt

PHOTOGRAPHS: ?????; (OPPOSITE PAGE): ???? The Bureau of Overseas The program, coordinated project was completed, the death Overseas Schools or the Offi ce Buildings Operations is making by OBO’s Offi ce of Security of Sudan’s vice president in a of Logistics Management, both overseas schools safer by provid- Management, began by funding helicopter crash led to three days in the Bureau of Administration, ing grants for security upgrades the most basic security upgrades, of rioting throughout Khartoum prepare and issue grants to the through the Soft Target Program. such as the shatter-resistant that damaged buildings and schools. The program’s main goal is window fi lm installed on killed 84 people. More than 90 percent of all improving the physical security windows that are vulnerable “It was quite obvious the high grant requests are approved and of overseas schools perceived to to bomb blasts. The program and sturdy wall that surrounds funded, if clearly and logically be at risk due to the presence also funded the installation of our campus saved us from presented. The average time of Americans. The security public address systems, which vandalism and destruction and required for a request to be upgrades aim to deter terrorist give school administrators a was the most important factor reviewed and funded and a grant attacks or violent crimes. quick and effective means to in securing our campus,” said issued is two to three weeks. The Department is re- provide safety instructions in the school’s superintendent, Phil The grant offi cer’s repre- sponsible for protecting more an emergency. Emergency radio Clinton. “Not a day goes by when sentative at post, usually the than 60,000 U.S. government equipment was also provided so I don’t look out on that wall and management offi cer, oversees the employees and family members school offi cials could commu- see a tangible reminder of the fi nancial aspects of the grant, and assigned overseas in more than nicate directly with the post to strong ties that link our school to the offi ces of the Procurement 180 countries. With the increase better coordinate emergency and the overall mission of the United Executive and Legal Advisor in terrorist threats, Congress in evacuation activity. States in Sudan.” advise the Soft Target team on 2003 decided the Department After addressing these basic While OBO funds the pro- policy and legal issues. needed to do more to protect upgrades, OBO began funding gram and serves as its manager, During construction, the overseas schools and directed more extensive upgrades at the it relies heavily on many other regional security offi cer oversees OBO to allocate an initial $15 schools. Advanced upgrades, offi ces and individuals in the the installation and determines million to launch the Soft Target identifi ed and recommended process of underwriting and whether the upgrades were Program. by the regional security offi cers, implementing these upgrades. installed properly and work as included the installation of intended. Implementation of the Upgrades Widespread perimeter walls, fences, gates, The Process work varies from 3 to 18 months, Since its inception, the bollards and access control The process of obtaining a depending on its location, scope program has provided grants to systems. Also installed were Soft Target Program grant begins and complexity. Once installed, more than 500 overseas schools closed-circuit television systems, when a regional security offi cer the upgrades are operated and enrolling U.S. government guard houses, sanctuaries, inspects a school and develops maintained by the schools. dependent students. In the reinforced doors and windows, a list of security recommenda- The Offi ce of Security past six years, more than $85 security lighting, metal detectors, tions. The Bureau of Diplomatic Management is seeking candi- million in soft target funding has window grilles and alarms. Security’s Project Coordination date projects for the Soft Target underwritten security upgrades Branch reviews the recom- Program. For more information, for schools and recreational Successful Protection mendations to verify that they contact the author at WittJW@ facilities located outside the post In 2005, OBO provided a are prudent and cost effective. state.gov. n compound. These types of soft grant to construct a perimeter Once a recommendation is targets are deemed vulnerable wall around Khartoum American fi nalized, OBO assigns funding The author is the Soft Target and requiring special attention. School in Sudan. Shortly after the and requests that the Offi ce of Program coordinator.

September 2009 State Magazine 35 *Office of the Month

36 State Magazine September 2009 The Global Partnership Initiative

“Toward a Multi-partner World” /// By Robert Tice Lalka

September 2009 State Magazine 37 * 38 concept leadership…The of United States years but also a fundamentally different has prevailed in the United States in recent a different leadership than style that which shared problems. This approach is not only should be on making connections to solve connectivity, then leadershipthe focus of in ning Anne-Marie Slaughter wrote recently foreign affairs goals. the Department’s success in achieving its public-private partnerships—are crucial to relationships non-state with actors—or State.ment of These formal and informal activities conductedof by the Depart a necessity—to succeed in the full range sector has become an opportunity—and offered by civil and society the private these networks. ness as usual, working independently from governments, can have when doing busi traditional actors, including diminished the impact that in international affairs and the influence new players of world. This has expanded ingly define a changing powerful networks increas people everywhere.of These interwoven into the lifestyles technologies have become has quickened and new information exchange the world has flattened, communities. religious and diaspora interconnected professional, more dynamic, fluid and tions and philanthropy to nongovernmental organiza multinational businesses, increasingly expansive borders in new ways, from tionships have transcended and more dangerous. Rela world that has grown closer crises, climate change and a global pandemics, economic non-statethe of rise actors, the September 11 attacks, transnational challenges: world has many witnessed Foreign Affairs As Department Director Policy of Plan Harnessing the wealthcapabilities of In this young century, In recent years, the

State Magazine Office of the Month , power“If is derived from

September 2009 - - - at the Global Philanthropy Forum. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks - - - civil society.” philanthropy, global business, with with be in partnerships—partnerships with be solved by governments alone. It will said, problems“The we face today not will Forum on April 22, when ClintonSecretary was announced at the Global Philanthropy partnerships. The creation this office of comprehensive and strategic approach to tive, the Department is taking a much more a multi-partner world.” away from a multi-polar world and toward reducing competition, tilting the balance tion among a greater numberactors of and “We lead by will inducing greater coopera 21st century statecraft.of As she has said, pursuing this new and enterprising agenda Clinton’s leadership, the Department is actors to address global problems.” ing networks public, of private and civic must recognize the orchestrat necessity of Through the Global Partnership Initia Under State of Hillary Secretary - - - Establishing the Office as global partnership liaisons, Anna Farber Presidential Management Fellows serving Jim Thompson and G. Kevin Saba, and two members, including Regional Directors S TrumanHarry Building, has seven staff ship Initiative. The office, located in the Managing Director the Global of Partner Representative for Global Partnerships and Kris Balderston serves as Deputy Special cial Representative for Global Partnerships. served as Ambassador to Portugal, as Spe Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, who previously of diplomacy,of development and defense. governance and integrating the “three D’s” encouraging interagency collaborative nongovernmental with partnering entities, beyond “soft power” and “hard power” by an approach to foreign policy that goes what ClintonSecretary calls “smart power,” Secretary ClintonSecretary named Ambassador These partnerships are at the of heart - -

PHOTOGRAPHS: (ABOVE): DAN ROSENBAUM; (OPPOSITE PAGE): ROBERT TICE LALKA; (UPPER RIGHT): MARK STEWART Clockwise from left: Regional directors Jim Thompson, left, and G. Kevin Saba meet in the GPI office; Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley speaks at the TED@State conference; Office Management Specialist Mary Holloway works in the GPI office.

and the author. Mary Holloway is the office management specialist, M. Karen Walker is a Franklin Fellow serving as global partnerships advisor and Robert Haynie serves as global partnerships liaison and manager of the Global Partnership Clearinghouse. Embassies and missions recognized that the paradigm shifts cre- ated by globalization had changed how the Department approaches the way it does business long before GPI was formally launched. In the 1960s, nearly 70 percent of all money flowing from the United States to the developing world was official development assistance; today, more than 80 percent comes from private sources. Rather than passively observing these changes, U.S. embassies and missions are responding with increasingly innovative approaches to achieving the nation’s foreign affairs aims. The Secretary’s vision for this new era of partnerships will have the entire Department, aided by GPI, working as • A convener to bring together people from across regions and sectors to work on issues of common interest. • A catalyst to launch new projects, actively seek new solutions and provide vital training and technical assistance to facilitate additional projects. • A collaborator to work closely with partners to plan and imple- ment projects—avoiding duplication, learning from each other and maximizing impact by looking for best practices.

September 2009 State Magazine 39 * 40 GPI Perspectives through partnerships, but the mostone of tools to enhance the diplomatic efforts achieve together,” she said. multiplier effect for the results we can denominator. no longer depends on the least common Department’s work potential with partners sible. Ambassador has noted Bagley that the impact ways that were previously impos manage in more far-reaching and high- officersService to innovate, engage and diverse backgrounds and cultures.” greater understanding among people of also creating opportunities for fostering simply addressing immediate problems but ships that hopefully extend will beyond ouras partners,those of forging relation broad creative our talent society, of as well engaging in partnerships, we tap into the level,” said Regional Director Saba. “By contribution we can make at a grassroots elementsthe potential the of GPI of is the A-100 classes and other venues. ment leadership, ambassador training, well as “in reach” efforts targeting Depart outreach to the nongovernmental actors, as hours during the office’s start-up phase for ficult. Yet the has GPI staff committed long Secretary’s mandate for partnerships is dif The GPI is developing a number of “We seek the will highest possible Partnerships can empower Foreign “For me, the moreone of exciting Developing new architecture to fulfill the Balderston confer in GPI’s offices. Deputy Special Representative Kris Ambassador Bagley, right, and

State Magazine Office of the Month

September 2009 - - - - Global Partnership Initiative. and of staff of State’smember the Secretary The author is aliaison global partnerships Clearinghouse. indispensible is the Global Partnership into reality. Secretary’s vision for a multi-partner world State the Department of toserving turn the it is therefore up to the men and women we conduct our international affairs, and approach. It require will a change in the way macy means taking a new and enterprising strategic component 21st century diplo of ing public-private partnerships as a truly resources and spark innovation, integrat to reach new audiences, leverage outside engages the private sector and civil society http://gpi.state.gov/. the clearinghouse can be accessed at Agency for International Development, from State the Department of and the U.S. on more than a thousand partnerships bureaus and offices domestically.” under chief-of-mission authority and by the public-private partnerships created Clearinghouse, a robust all databaseof of initiatives“These are tracked in GPI’s what is a partnership,” said Robert Haynie. establish a more universal understanding of sions and bureaus and works offices with to the shipwith Department’s activity mis “GPI encourages more strategic partner While the State Department often Launched last month information with n - - - - By Robert Tice Lalka Conference TED@State Office Hosts of aGlobal Innovation Fund. Acumen Fund for calling creation the chiefexecutive officerofthe ing onfailed andfailing states,and ford Professor Paul Collierspeak asp?clip_id=1670. They include Ox at http://bnet.state.gov/viewClip. month ofSeptember oronline watched on BNET throughout the at State.” in alloftheyears thatI’ve been eventbest thatI’ve ever attended “the attendee itinane-mail called 23rd Street, NW. Afterward, one hundreds extended ofguests up human history.” increase inexpressive in capability Twitter have generated largest “the likewho saidsocialmediaoutlets such speakers as Clay Shirky, AchesonDean Auditorium heard A standing-room-only crowd in nongovernmental organizations. ment ofDefense, businessesand from theWhite House,Depart and USAIDemployees plusguests ing several hundred Department the TED@State conference, includ - minutes orless. to give thetalkoftheirlives—in 18 TED haschallengedgreat thinkers andglobalissues.Since1984, arts to include science,business,the tainment anddesign.Itexpanded mindsintechnology,best enter focused onbringingtogether the Design—TED—Talks. Technology, Entertainmentand first government-sponsored hosted inaugural its event,the Global Partnership Initiative for Global Partnerships, the day asSpecialRepresentative All oftheTEDvideosbe can Before theevent,lineof More than800 peopleattended TED beganasanorganization On AmbassadorBagley’s first - - - -

PHOTOGRAPH: ROBERT TICE LALKA *State of the Arts Keys to Happiness Cultural Series Features Yearly Piano Recital /// By John Bentel

The State of the Arts Cultural Series and The Foreign Affairs Recreation Association recently hosted several talented pianists and a guitarist. Wayne Dorsey, who works in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, returned for his seventh performance. Holder of a degree in music from Howard University, Dorsey sensitively played selec- tions by Giovanni Sgambati, Domenico Scarlatti, Ludwig van Beethoven, Claude Debussy and Frederic Chopin, and received resounding applause. Bhavna Patel led off the yearly recital of State Department and Montgomery College piano students who study under Caryl Traten Fisher. Patel gave a delightful performance of Moscow Nights by Vladimir Soloviev-Sedoy and Gypsy Earrings by Bret Adams. Richard Livingston played William Gillock’s Autumn Is Here. Dr. Bob Brady skillfully played Miniatura #2 by Nilson Lombardi and Gypsy Dance by Carl Czerny. Returning for his fifth recital, Dana and musical difficulties. Diana Walker audience with works by Chopin and Floyd played America by H. Carey, Here gave a polished performance of Rondo Debussy. Born in the Philippines, Reyes and Now by Luther Vandross and Prelude Expressive by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, is now a professor at Towson University in C Minor by Alexander Morovsky. Jane Tengo Nostalgia de Ti by Tata Nacho and and has played in many prestigious venues Feldman performed Donnefield’s Minor Gnossienne #4 by Eric Satie. Dorothy Ryan worldwide. Mood. Ricky Jackson played Nearer My played two challenging works, Prelude Classical guitarist Charles Mokotoff God to Thee by Lowell Mason and Funeral Opus 16 #1 by Alexander Scriabin and returned for his third performance and was March to the Memory of A. Lincoln by E.A. Odeon by Ernest Nazareth, with great accompanied on piano by Barbara Peterson Parkhurst. George W. Stone III rendered an finesse. Erin Harbaugh closed the recital by Cackler. He dazzled the audience with his improvisation of Beethoven’s Fur Elise. playing Postludium Opus 13 from Winter- sensitive interpretations. n Victoria Vidal played Chopin’s Nocturne reigen and Danza #5 Granados, both by Opus 22 #1 Posthumous, a real accom- Ernö Dohnanyi. The author is a computer specialist in the plishment given the selection’s technical Pianist Reynaldo Reyes delighted the Executive Secretariat.

Performances are on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. in the Upcoming Events Dean Acheson Auditorium (unless otherwise noted)

September 2 September 9 September 16 October 7 October 21 Maharold Peoples Jr. Tango – 4th Annual Ballet Theatre Ney Salgado, and Tribe of Praise Peabody Talent of Maryland Brazilian pianist Gospel Choir Performers Show

September 2009 State Magazine 41 * 42

State Magazine Safety Scene

September 2009

PHOTOGRAPH: FOTOLIA Loathsome Guests Return of the Bedbug /// By Claire Huson and W. Jay Nixon

Within the past 10 years, bedbugs have emerged (120°F/47°C) needed to kill bedbug adults, nymphs from urban mythology to become a real threat. and eggs in just five minutes. Frequent travelers are at significant risk from these If you develop bites and suspect bedbugs, seek hitchhiking parasites. Here’s how to bite back. medical evaluation, since fleas, mosquitoes or a skin Bedbugs will bite and dine on your blood while rash could be the problem. Look for small blood you sleep. Their favorite hiding places are tufts and smears on the bed linens. Inspect with a flashlight, casings in mattresses, box springs, bed frames and beginning at the bed and working out into other areas headboards. They can also crawl along a wall or of the bedroom. ceiling and drop onto your bed. Although their pres- Remove any potentially infested items. Bag or ence is annoying, they have so far not transmitted a wrap the items before removal so the bedbugs don’t human disease. escape while in transit. Launder and, most important, Bedbugs don’t fly or cling well to their hosts. machine-dry all bed linens. Remove the bed pillows Instead they are transported in furniture, bedding and either dry clean them, heat them in the dryer or and even suitcases from an infested location into replace them with new ones. your home. In warm climates, placing items in black plastic How can you spot them? Bites are often the first bags outside can kill bedbugs and other insects if indication of a problem. Bedbugs target exposed skin. temperatures above 118°F (48°C) are reached and The head and neck are most prone to being bitten, but maintained for about an hour. Heat fumigation in this any accessible body part is vulnerable. Severe itching manner works on luggage and even larger items if they and an inflamed red spot with a hard white swollen can be completely enclosed in black plastic. Extreme center results. Unlike flea bites, there’s no red center. cold (0° F/-16° C) is also effective, but it takes more Since bedbug infestations used to be rare, most than a week. people, including some pest control profession- Most people choose to discard infested mattresses als, have never seen one. Bedbugs share these and box springs. An alternative to disposal is outdoor characteristics: heat treatment or using a bedbug-proof cover. Spe- • They are typically reddish-brown, but are white cially designed covers prevent the passage of bedbugs after molting. and trap them until they starve. The cover must be left • They are flat, appear round from above and in place for at least a year without washing to ensure measure about a quarter of an inch long. no bedbugs survive. Replacement mattresses and box • They have four segmented antennae. springs should be encased with a bug-proof cover to • They lack wings but can crawl quickly. prevent reinfestation. • They leave dark fecal spots (partially digested Sometimes, a pest-control professional’s help blood) on mattresses, bedding or any surface may be needed. Though a variety of pesticides are where they congregate. registered with the Environmental Protection Agency • They have a foul but sweet, oily odor–a telltale for use against bedbugs, none should be used without sign of a severe infestation. positive identification of the bug. Thorough, targeted • On average, they eat weekly. applications to infested locations are more critical • They can survive 560 days without eating. than using a specific pesticide. The best way to avoid bedbugs is not to bring these Taking simple measures to prevent introducing stowaways home and avoid staying in infested lodg- bedbugs into your home will make the nighttime ings. Upscale hotels are not immune. Good sanitation saying “Sleep tight, and don’t let the bedbugs bite” helps but is no guarantee. Inspect the headboard, a reality. n don’t place your suitcase on the bed and shake out your night clothes before packing them. Claire Huson is a certified industrial hygienist and Once you return home, it’s prudent to quaran- branch chief in the Office of Safety, Health and Environ- tine your travel gear and run your travel clothes mental Management. W. Jay Nixon is a board-certified through a dryer. Most dryers exceed the temperature entomologist with American Pest Management. *Appointments

Assistant Secretary for South Assistant Secretary for and Central Asian Affairs Public Affairs Robert O. Blake of Maryland, a career Philip J. Crowley of Virginia, a national secu- member of the Senior Foreign Service, class rity specialist, is the new Assistant Secretary of Minister-Counselor, is the new Assistant for Public Affairs. Previously, he was a senior Secretary for South and Central Asian fellow and director of Homeland Security Affairs. Previously, he was ambassador to at the Center for American Progress. He has Sri Lanka and Maldives. Before that, he served on the staff of the National Security was deputy chief of mission in New Delhi. Other postings include Council and been principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Tunisia, Algeria, Nigeria and Egypt. public affairs. He served in the Air Force for 26 years, retiring at the rank of colonel. He is married and has two children.

Special Representative for Nuclear Nonproliferation U.S. Ambassador to the North Susan F. Burk of Virginia is the new Special Atlantic Treaty Organization Representative of the President for Nuclear Ivo H. Daalder of Virginia, a national and Nonproliferation, with the rank of Ambassa- European security specialist, is the new U.S. dor. Previously, she was deputy coordinator Permanent Representative on the Council of for Homeland Security in the Office of the the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, with Coordinator for Counterterrorism. Before the rank of Ambassador. Previously, he was that, she was acting assistant secretary for Nonproliferation. She also a senior fellow in Foreign Policy Studies at served in the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and in the Of- the Brookings Institution. He was a director for European Affairs on fice of the Secretary of Defense. She is married and has two children. President Clinton’s National Security Council staff. He is the author of 12 books. He is married and has two sons.

Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Director of the Office to Johnnie Carson of Illinois is the new Assis- Monitor and Combat tant Secretary for African Affairs. Previously, Trafficking in Persons he was national intelligence officer for Africa Luis C.de Baca of Virginia is the new at the National Intelligence Council. Before Director of the Office to Monitor and that, he was senior vice president of the Combat Trafficking in Persons, with the National Defense University. In his 37-year rank of Ambassador. Previously, he was Foreign Service career, he has been ambassador to Kenya, Zimbabwe counsel to the House Committee on the and Uganda. Other postings include Portugal, Botswana, Mozam- Judiciary, where his portfolio included national security, intelligence, bique and Nigeria. He was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania. immigration, civil rights and modern slavery issues. At the Justice Department, he was a highly decorated prosecutor and chief counsel of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

44 State Magazine September 2009 *Appointments

Assistant Secretary for Under Secretary for Public European and Eurasian Affairs Diplomacy and Public Affairs Philip H. Gordon of the District of Co- Judith A. McHale of Maryland is the new lumbia, a European and U.S. foreign policy Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and specialist, is the new Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. She is the former president European and Eurasian Affairs. Previously, and chief executive officer of Discovery he was a senior fellow at the Brookings Communications, a global media enterprise, Institution. Before that, he was director for where she forged partnerships and created European Affairs on President Clinton’s National Security Council. strategies that focused on understanding and respecting different He has held teaching and research posts at the International Institute cultural contexts. Most recently, she launched an investment fund to for Strategic Studies in London and the Johns Hopkins School of supply expansion capital to enterprises in emerging African markets. Advanced International Studies.

Assistant Secretary for Coordinator for Threat Political-Military Affairs Reduction Programs Andrew J. Shapiro of New York, an attorney Bonnie D. Jenkins of New York, an expert and national security expert, is the new on terrorism, arms control and nonprolif- Assistant Secretary for Political-Military eration, is the new Coordinator for Threat Affairs. Previously, he was senior advisor to Reduction Programs, with the rank of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Before Ambassador. Previously, she was program that, he was then-Senator Clinton’s senior officer for U.S. Foreign and Security Policy defense and foreign policy advisor. He has been counsel to the Justice at the Ford Foundation. Before that, she was counsel on the National Department’s International Competition Policy Advisory Committee Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, also and an associate at the law firm of Covington & Burling. known as the 9-11 Commission. She also worked for the RAND Corporation and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

Retirements Foreign Service Civil Service

Aguilera, Anne M. Klinger, Ross Leland Abruzzese, Donna M. Kohlenbush Jr., William E. Bonilla, Jean Aldridge Lopez, Jorge L. Andrews, Andrew J. Nguyen, Hong Ngo Bradtke, Robert A. Mann, Steven R. Bartlett, Bradley A. O’Shea, Thomas J. Crocker, Ryan Clark Starr, Gregory Bowne Burke, Alison Parker, Carolyn M. Graham, Vincent D. Theus, Frank R. Clarke, Christopher M. Porter, Ann Ibarra, George Wheeler, Janet Ann Fiore, Jean A. Rampen, Hans Klinger, Robert Owen Hamilton, Linda S. Roche, Sidney Hudgins, Audrey F. Spiegel, Kathy Keitz, Timothy

September 2009 State Magazine 45 *Obituaries

Terry Barnich, 56, a Civil Service Katherine H. “Kate” Daley, 45, employee, was killed by an improvised wife of Foreign Service officer Richard Daley, explosive device May 25 in Iraq, along with died June 8 in Falls Church, Va., from cancer- two Department of Defense colleagues. He related complications. She accompanied her joined the Department in 2007 as a policy husband to postings in Kingston and Wash- and legal advisor in the U.S. Embassy’s Iraq ington, and, when he was in private industry, Transition Assistance Office. Later, he was to assignments in the United Kingdom and a senior transition program coordinator, Dubai. She was a published poet and active and since late 2008 had been acting deputy with the Junior League. director of the office. Before joining the Department, he had a 30-year career mostly devoted to public service.

Bruce Francis Hoof Jr., 79, a James J. Blake, 87, a retired Foreign retired Foreign Service specialist, died April Service officer, died April 25 of complica- 23 of complications from Alzheimer’s disease tions from a broken hip in Washington, in Portland, Ore. He served in the Army and D.C. He served in the Army during World Air Force before joining the Department War II and joined the Department in 1947. as an information management specialist His postings included Belgium; India; in 1961. His postings included Tunis, Paris, Libya, where he coordinated the evacua- Sydney and Brussels. He retired in 1995. His tion of 4,000 Americans during the 1967 daughter Cynthia works for the Department Arab-Israeli War; and Iceland, where he as an office management specialist. was ambassador. After retiring in 1981, he volunteered at the Washington Home and served as a eucharistic minister at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

Judith Irene “Tracy” Hughes, 66, a retired Foreign Service employee, died Timmy R. Byrd, 66, a retired May 13, 2008, of Binswanger’s disease in Foreign Service specialist, died June 22 Sandy, Utah. Her postings included Italy, of an apparent heart attack. He lived in Canada, France, West Africa, the Philippines, Gainesville, Fla. He served in the Navy and Laos and Thailand. She loved her pets, travel- joined the Department in 1988. His postings ing and eating in fine restaurants. included Karachi, Bonn, Tel Aviv, Moscow and Frankfurt. He also visited 87 countries. He loved to play and coach baseball and to ride his motorcycle in the mountains.

Irma Kaplan, 87, wife of Edward Kaplan, former regional acceptance coordi- Howard B. Crotinger, 90, a retired Foreign Service officer, nator at the Northeast Passport Office, died died Sept. 14, 2007, in Oak Ridge, Tenn. He served in the Army March 16 of Alzheimer’s disease in West during World War II. His postings included France, Vienna, Kobe, Palm Beach, Fla. Yokohama, Bangkok and Sydney. After retiring in 1975, he was a volunteer photographer for many charitable organizations and taught tennis. His wife, Lee Crotinger, 81, died April 19, 2008. She accompanied him on his assignments, taught German and English as a second language, worked as a realtor and loved tennis.

46 State Magazine September 2009 *Obituaries

Lydia Wanda Kozlowski, 77, Alvaro Pérez, 91, a journalist and widow of retired Foreign Service officer retired Foreign Service officer with the U.S. Joseph Kozlowski, died May 15 of complica- Information Agency, died Feb. 19 in Nerja, tions from heart surgery. She lived in Fairfax Spain. A native Spanish speaker, he was Station, Va. She accompanied her husband posted to Buenos Aires, Managua, Guayaquil on assignments to Iran, Japan, Nigeria, and Quito. After retiring, he wrote his Singapore, Germany and Burma. She later memoirs, which received a prize from the worked as a translator for the Treasury king of Spain, and helped build a church for Department. She was an avid equestrian, foreign-born residents of Nerja. artist and bridge player.

Joseph I. Krene, 91, a retired Foreign John D. Perkins, 80, a retired Foreign Service officer, died March 25 of congestive Service officer, died July 6 of pneumonia heart failure in Santa Barbara, Calif. He in Sun City Center, Fla. He served in the served in the Army Air Force during World Navy during the Korean War and joined the War II and joined the U.S. Information Department in 1960. His postings included Agency in 1950. His postings included Costa Rica, Milan, Guatemala City, Madrid, India, Somalia, Rhodesia, Vietnam, Italy and Seoul, Caracas and Mexico City. He retired Ireland. He retired in 1979. to Sun City Center in 1989 and was active as a volunteer there.

Charlotte Eleonore Lantz, 77, Della Napier Shatto, 84, a retired wife of retired Foreign Service special- Foreign Service secretary, died June 14 of ist Rush Lantz, died June 27 of cancer heart failure in Frederick, Md. She joined the in Arlington, Va. She accompanied her Department at age 60 and served in Paris, husband on postings to Brussels, Tehran, Barbados, Yugoslavia, Geneva and Moscow. London, Santo Domingo, Bonn, Luxem- She also traveled to China, Scotland, bourg, Amman and Riyadh. She worked at Venezuela and Turkey. She retired in 1989. American schools in Tehran and Amman She enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, bridge, and in the ambassador’s office in Bonn. reading, gardening and art, and volunteered for the Literacy Council.

Dennis M. McDermott, 66, husband of retired Foreign Service officer Robert Topp Tims, 87, died June 27 in Venice, Fla. He served Jeanne Topka, died May 29 of complications in the Army Air Force during World War II. He worked as an editor of pneumonia. He lived in Hutchinson, and congressional aide before joining the U.S. Information Agency Minn. He served in the Navy. He accompa- in 1957. His postings included Thailand, Hong Kong, Germany, nied his wife on postings to Guinea-Bissau, Vietnam and Romania. He retired in 1987. He was a great conversa- the United Kingdom and Canada. He tionalist and enjoyed serious literature, especially Shakespeare. enjoyed painting, photography and writing.

September 2009 State Magazine 47 *The Last Word Keeping the Peace Peacekeeping operations in Africa have grown steadily over sion to augment its presence—at little additional cost—in places the last few years, with the United Nations working with the without permanent U.S. diplomatic representation. Based on online African Union in hot spots such as Darfur, Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, educational materials, dedicated Web sites, occasional visits and Southern Sudan and Chad. The need for digital video conferences, VPPs allow a formal peacekeepers, especially African peacekeep- level of engagement with important cities, ers, has grown accordingly. For more than regions, communities or countries, similar to 12 years, the State Department has played a that provided by a small consulate. significant role in shaping the professional Worldwide, the Department’s VPP program development of African peacekeepers through has grown from three such posts in 2003 to its Africa Contingency Operations Training almost 60 in 2009, with plans for 40 more. and Assistance program. The mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter Managed by a 10-person program office Threat Course prepares Foreign Service per- in the Bureau of African Affairs, the program sonnel for tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and other collaborates with the Bureau of Political- hardship posts. The week-long course covers Military Affairs and Secretary of Defense’s essentials such as emergency medical training, Office of African Affairs to help African threat awareness and firearms instruction. nations participate in multinational peace The regional security office team at Iraq’s support operations. In Africa, 250 American Tallil Air Base, responsible for U.S. civilian and 525 African instructors conduct 10 to 20 personnel from the Department and other field training activities a month. Since 1997, organizations that serve in southern Iraq, has the program has trained more than 85,000 added “refresher” training for members of peacekeepers from 24 partner nations. the Provincial Reconstruction Teams operat- Two short years ago, the U.S. Mission in ing out of the base. The additional training China launched its first Virtual Presence Post focuses on medical emergency procedures, in Zhengzhou, a provincial capital of more firearms training and team-building activities. than seven million people. Today, the mission has expanded the Last but never least, a final salute to our colleagues en route to VPP concept to 15 major population centers and has plans for their final posting:Terry Barnich; James J. Blake; Timmy R. Byrd; four additional VPPs. The virtual post concept allows the mis- Howard B. and Lee Crotinger; Katherine H. “Kate” Daley; Bruce Francis Hoof Jr.; Judith Irene “Tracy” Hughes; Irma Kaplan; Lydia Wanda Kozlowski; Joseph I. Krene; Charlotte Eleonore Lantz; Dennis M. McDermott; Alvaro Perez; John D. Perkins; Della Napier Shatto; Correction and Robert Topps Tims. n The July/August 2009 issue of State Magazine incorrectly referred to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs as a bureau. State Magazine regrets the error. Rob Wiley Editor-in-Chief

COMING IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE

>>> Management Cone Offers Consistent Variety

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... and much more!

48 State Magazine September 2009

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AAFSW Art and Book Fair Coming The annual sale of books and art of the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide begins Oct. 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Diplomatic Exhibit Hall for Department badge holders and escorted guests. It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Oct. 19–23 for this same group, and on Oct. 17–18 and 24–25, is open to everyone, including the public, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.