As a retired member of the United States Foreign Service, I was proud to represent the interests and values of America in five countries over my 30 years of service. This week, my active duty colleagues in the Foreign Service will celebrate Foreign Service Day, designated by the United States Senate in 1996 as the first Friday in May each year.
On this occasion I would like to take the opportunity to recognize the critical work done by America’s diplomats and development professionals at U.S. embassies and consulates in almost every country in the world. America’s network of embassies is operated and staffed by members of the U.S. Foreign Service who have learned the local language and customs and know how to navigate the terrain. They act on America’s behalf to enhance our national security and advance our economic prosperity at home.
American businesses depend greatly on U.S. diplomats to work with countries to establish rules and remove obstacles to enable them to compete and operate overseas on a level playing field.
Utahn Matthew Tueller, a career Foreign Service officer, was recently named ambassador to Iraq, after serving for over three years as ambassador to Yemen. Tueller, a second generation diplomat, speaks fluent Arabic.
I coordinate a small group of retired Foreign Service officers and staff who meet monthly to discuss current events. I, for one, support the full use of our diplomatic efforts to help to maintain American global leadership in all areas, because if we don’t lead, who will?
Vance C. Pace, Kaysville