Here is a reminder that 99+% of her job is not just international
"Dancing with the Stars." Her personnel serve in dangerous places ...
places she has never hesitated to visit herself. That is the part of her
job that somehow gets ignored in the media. Condolences to the
families of those who died serving.
Death of USAID Officer in Afghanistan
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 9, 2012
The
United States strongly condemns the suicide attack yesterday in Kunar
province, Afghanistan, that killed USAID Foreign Service Officer Ragaei
Abdelfattah, three ISAF service members and an Afghan civilian, and
injured a State Department Foreign Service officer. On behalf of
President Obama and the American people, I have sent my deepest
condolences to Ragaei’s family and to the entire U.S. Mission in
Afghanistan.
Ragaei’s work over the last year was critical to our
efforts to support Afghanistan's political, economic, and security
transitions and was an example of the highest standards of service. Over
the last 15 months -- partnering with local officials -- he worked in
eastern Afghanistan to help establish new schools and health clinics,
and deliver electricity to the citizens of Nangarhar and Kunar
provinces. Ragaei was so committed to our mission and to the people of
Afghanistan that he volunteered to serve a second year.
With the
work of people such as Ragaei, the civilian surge we launched in
Afghanistan in 2009 has made a tremendous impact, strengthening the
capacity of the Afghan Government and laying a foundation for long-term
sustainable development. Though we are shocked and saddened by this loss
and will miss Ragaei, our efforts will continue.
I send my thanks
to our Diplomatic Security and military colleagues who work hard to
ensure that our civilians in the field can get out each and every day to
work side-by-side with our Afghan partners. Yesterday’s tragic incident
is a reminder of our shared mission and shared sacrifice. It
strengthens our resolve to continue working with the Afghan people to
build their economy, democratic institutions, rule of law, and security
so that Afghanistan can stand on its own as a stable, secure, and
increasingly prosperous country.
I also want to send my
appreciation today to all of my State Department and USAID colleagues
around the world who work every day in challenging environments to
advance U.S. interests and promote freedom and prosperity.
