VOICES OF SOSA

What we believed then, we believe more firmly now: volunteerism by members of our Foreign Service community is not just a kindness. It is an essential and underappreciated dimension of American foreign policy. When a diplomat's spouse organizes a village, when a Foreign Service family champions orphaned children or rebuilds a community — they give the people of that country something no official statement can provide: first-hand knowledge of Americans practicing generously.

Secretary Blinken, on SOSA awardees:

They show fundamentally American values: respect for other cultures, a belief that everyone deserves to live with dignity, the spirit of service to the people of our nation and the world.

Their work complements the official diplomacy being led by our Foreign Service officers … They do this work without fanfare, and without expectation of any award. They do it because they care, because it's who they are.

These awardees today have looked at the landscape of where they are, they've identified a need and they've taken action … they've added to the fabric of where they are in a very rich and substantive way.

Your efforts are a testament to America's volunteer spirit and demonstrate the creativity, commitment and generous nature of our Foreign Service community.

They have taken the initiative, raised their hands, offered their time and talent for the benefit of others … They have become ambassadors of our country, our culture and our values.

I stand in awe of those of you who sign up for this life … you're creating a community with a turnover every year at a post, sustaining it with your efforts.

This volunteerism is quintessentially American — very American — which I'm very proud of … It's the best way to convey who we are.

I think it shows Americans at their generous best.

The men and women of the Foreign Service — and the families they bring with them — put a face to that mission through off-the-clock acts of kindness.