What an unexpected honor:
Salud Carbajal arrived in person to present me with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for my birthday.
A gracious letter accompanied the certificate—far more generous than I deserve—but I’ll treasure both the honor and the memory. The Santa Barbara P.E.O. Chapter IJ thoughtfully organized and hosted the celebration itself.
The day lifted my spirits at a difficult time, as I grieve the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID funded our West and Central Africa Smallpox Eradication–Measles Control Program—the crucial first phase of the global effort that ultimately wiped smallpox from the face of the earth.
After years of Cold War-era hesitation, when nations debated eradication but none committed the necessary resources, USAID stepped forward. Because of that decision, a disease that killed roughly thirty percent of its victims—and left many survivors permanently scarred—no longer threatens humanity.
This work was never purely charitable. Foreign assistance also strengthened America’s relationships, influence, and security around the world. I consider it a privilege to have served, even in a supporting role in the field. It remains an honor to help tell this story.
My sincere thanks to Congressman Carbajal for a moment I will never forget.