[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E827-E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     90TH ANNIVERSARY OF U.S. FOREIGN AND AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2014

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th 
Anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service and the American Foreign 
Service Association. Created by the Foreign Services Act of 1924, the 
Foreign Service brought together the U.S. State Department's Diplomatic 
Service and Consular Service to be the face, heart and soul of America 
abroad. Through a World War and various hot and cold wars across the 
globe since, the men and women of the Foreign Service have played vital 
roles in representing the United States of America, serving U.S. 
citizens, and securing U.S. interest near and far.
  Much has changed since the initial formation of the Foreign Service 
following World War I. But a few things have remained the same over 
these ninety years. Among them are the professionalism and dedication 
of those who often leave the creature comforts we have come to enjoy on 
our hallowed shores to serve in remote and distant places often with 
little recognition or notoriety for a cause far greater than 
themselves. I rise today to recognize them not only for the crises they 
led U.S. through, but also for the many crises they allowed our country 
to avert through their diligence, intellect, intuition, compassion and 
steely resolve to be champions for peace, democracy and basic humanity. 
I rise to recognize them for the service, care and comfort they provide 
to our citizens while abroad reminding them that the supporting hand of 
American is never far away.
  Our world has become more globally networked and intertwined since 
the early days of ``hand shake, face-to-face'' diplomacy. Revolution 
can start in days now not months. Economic interests often go crosswise 
with security, social, or political interests. Adversaries on some 
issues are often allies on others and we look to the members of the 
Foreign Service to navigate and represent the nuances of American 
foreign policy. Yet time after time, year after year, crisis after 
crisis, issue after issue they have always owned up to the challenge 
and America and the world are the better for it.
  Not only do we celebrate today the 90th Anniversary of the Foreign 
Service but also the 90th Anniversary of the American Foreign Services 
Association (AFSA) which was formed as the professional association of 
the modem Foreign Service and later became the official representative 
and advocate for our Foreign Service professionals. Initially formed 
with the Foreign Service in mind, the Association has expanded to 
represent not only Foreign Service retired and active employees of the 
Department of State and USAID but also the distinguished Foreign 
Agricultural Service and Foreign Commercial Service employees, 
Broadcasting Board of Governors and Foreign Service employees at the 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service . We stand today to 
celebrate this wonderful organization that has for ninety years served 
those who serve us.
  Through the years AFSA has been stellar in fulfilling its mission of 
promoting a strong, effective professional career Foreign Service as 
the institutional backbone of American diplomacy, enhancing the 
effectiveness of the Foreign Service, protecting the professional 
interests and rights of its members, ensuring the maintenance of high 
professional standards for all American diplomats, career or political 
appointees, and promoting understanding of the critical role of 
diplomacy and development in promoting America's national security and 
economic prosperity. AFSA has been and continues to be an effective 
voice and strong advocate for the Foreign Service with it members' 
management, the Congress and the American public.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker we can take comfort in this year of celebrating 
the Foreign Service's 90th Anniversary that whether it is a crisis in

[[Page E828]]

Ukraine, a civil war in Syria, conflict and suffering in Africa, trade 
in North America or peace in the Middle East for example, our Foreign 
Service is there in fact and in spirit reflecting the best of who we 
are as a country and for that we say ``Thank You'' and congratulations 
on your 90th Anniversary.

                          ____________________