Dear AAFSW Community,

This past month was very busy for our entire community, including the families still evacuated from the Middle East who are facing difficult decisions, especially regarding school-aged children. Our hearts go out to these families and the enormous resilience required to navigate this uncertainty.

To boost morale, our Happy Hour at Il Canale in DC was very well attended with many new faces; AAFSW presented our services and resources at the FS Orientation Class Benefits and Resources Forum at NFATC; our energetic past president and health coach, Patricia Linderman, shared fitness moves at the Community Coffee; and our tireless Marina led a group on a docent-guided tour of the Art of Japan at the National Museum of Asian Art.

Beyond events, you can always count on the AAFSW Evacuation Support Network (ESN). Following a surge of activity during the spring, the ESN continues to assist evacuated families, many of whom have not yet been able to return to their posts in the Middle East. Challenges can reinforce or strain families; when spouses experience separation or divorce, AAFSW Spouses in Transition is available to help through its emergency/crisis fund. In this area, we would warmly welcome any members who could step in as senior advisors on legal matters.

While we had to pause the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) in 2026, we are preparing an award ceremony, together with DACOR leadership, to recognize community members for exceptional volunteer service that strengthens our communities:

• The Champions of Career Enhancement for Eligible Family Members Award (CCE-EFM) honors individuals who make extraordinary efforts to advance employment and career development for Foreign Service family members. Created in 2014, AAFSW boosted its prize award to $2,500 in 2025. The 2026 award goes to Katherine Ravetz.
• The Lesley Dorman Award recognizes an AAFSW spouse or partner member whose outstanding service across the organization reflects the leadership and dedication of former AAFSW President Lesley Dorman. The 2026 award goes to the late Moises Mendoza.
• The https://www.dacorbacon.org/dacor_awards.phpEleanor Dodson Tragen Award, sponsored and administered by DACOR, recognizes a spouse, family member, or domestic partner of a U.S. Foreign Service member who has gone above and beyond to advocate for and promote programs, rights, and career benefits for Foreign Service families.

We will also honor the 2025 award winners, as last year's award ceremony had to be canceled due to the government shutdown.

Finally, we look forward to seeing you all at the flagship Art & BookFair, taking place October 9–19 for badge holders (and escorted guests), with weekend access open to the general public. Be sure to plan enough time to explore our significantly larger venue, and plan to visit more than once as our team replenishes shelves daily with incredible new finds!

Kind regards,

Catherine Pierce

President, Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW)