Keeping Americans Safe
Photo courtesy of Bob Shim
I’m originally from Virginia and have served in and around USAID for more than 20 years. I’ve worked directly for USAID for more than 10 years, much of that time spent working on the front lines in Afghanistan and across Africa, with the rest spent in Washington, D.C., on peace and security policy implementation. My entire career has been devoted to programs that advance U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, from stabilizing fragile regions to promoting peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected zones. These missions are not abstract—they’ve required real sacrifices, long hours in volatile environments, and unwavering commitment to U.S. values abroad. But my work is important, and it keeps my fellow Americans safe.
The recent efforts to recall Foreign Service officers and downsize USAID have had a deeply personal impact on me and my family. But more than that, this decision threatens to undo years of work by dedicated American patriots, who have risked their lives to protect U.S. interests and promote stability globally. I have colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving, and many others who carry the invisible scars of their time in conflict zones. Their sacrifices—and those of their families—deserve recognition and respect, not abandonment.
For us, this isn’t just about jobs or bureaucratic shifts—it’s about the deep commitment we’ve made to service and the mission we believe in. My family and I have carried the weight of that responsibility, knowing that what we do saves lives, builds peace, and protects the U.S. at home. But now, it feels as though our commitment is being disregarded, leaving us uncertain about what comes next.
—Anonymous FS member
