Stories

Behind every embassy post, foreign aid project or mission are real people—Foreign Service members serving around the globe, and the Americans and communities whose lives they’ve touched.

From evacuating families during crises to opening doors for U.S. businesses, the Foreign Service is making a difference every day—often in ways you’d never expect.

These are their stories of courage, compassion, resilience, and impact.

Explore these firsthand accounts to see what’s at stake when the Foreign Service is disrupted.

Stories Blog

Keeping Americans Safe

Improving Life for Millions of Kids

USAID Is Not a Charity

Share Your Story

Have you or your loved ones been helped by a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad? Did a diplomat step in when it mattered most?
We want to hear from you. Your story can help Americans understand the value of a strong Foreign Service—because when diplomacy works, it touches lives in powerful ways.

Are you a current or retired Foreign Service professional?
Share how your work has made a difference—whether in a quiet moment or a time of crisis. Your voice is vital to showing the human side of diplomacy and development.

Name

(can be anonymous)

Location

(city/state or post)

Are you:

FS Member

Retiree

Civilian

Story prompt: “Tell us about a time when the Foreign Service made a difference.” OR “Tell us about how you made a difference as part of the Foreign Service.”

Consent checkbox

“I give permission for AFSA to edit and publish my story on servicedisrupted.org, in The Foreign Service Journal, and social media.”

THe Foreign Service Journal

Looking for more stories by Foreign Service members? Find them in The Foreign Service Journal. Travel into the world of diplomacy and development today.