Honoring 250 Years Together   

June 2026

Dear AAFSW Community,

 As we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation, AAFSW is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our global Foreign Affairs community. It is a moment to reflect on the values that have shaped us, service, resilience, creativity, and the commitment to supporting one another wherever we are in the world. We are deeply grateful to our members, partners, and supporters who make this work possible.

 I am pleased to share the SOSA Legacy Report, which highlights the contributions recognized through the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA). SOSA awardees showed how creativity, compassion, and civic engagement could strengthen the U.S. presence overseas and enrich the communities in which they served. Their work continues to reflect the spirit of service that defines our global community.

AAFSW also looks forward to announcing the new AAFSW Board of Directors. I am grateful for the dedication and collaboration of our Board members, past and present, whose leadership sustains our mission.

This year has once again shown the strength of our community. Whether through our cultural programs, fundraisers, or the support we provide to evacuees, RIFed employees, and spouses in crisis, the response from our members has been remarkable. The generosity, solidarity, and friendships that define AAFSW continue to inspire me.

 I extend my sincere appreciation to the Board and our colleagues for their dedicated support for AAFSW’s shared purpose. I am also grateful to our members and volunteers for their engagement and encouragement across our programs. It has been a privilege to serve this community and see the strength and kindness that define it.

Warm regards,

Celine Ford

President, AAFSW