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There are a few Alaskans who serve their country far away from home as diplomats with the United States Foreign Service. These individuals serve separated from the friendly, safe environs of their home for long period of time, sacrificing time with parents and other relatives, often living in less comfortable conditions than at home, and even placing themselves – and sometimes their spouses and children – in harms way in service to their country. We should not cause them to sacrifice further by requiring them to forfeit their permanent fund dividends while serving their country overseas. This bill will add service as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service as an allowable absence for the purposes of filing and receiving an Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend.
History of the U. S. Foreign Service
The United States Foreign Service is often the first long-term American presence overseas. Every President and Secretary of State since the end of World War II has relied upon the critical role our diplomats play in building relational bridges to our allies and in preserving the peace. The Service’s 9,500 well-educated, highly trained and multilingual professionals, represent the American people, and promote US interests and values around the world through embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations.
Today’s diplomats follow in the footsteps of Americans such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. From these first American diplomats, the diplomatic service evolved into a corps of distinguished professionals who manage America’s relations with other countries around world. Eventually a separate consular service was formed to promote American business, particularly shipping, and protect sailors and Americans in others countries.
In 1790 there were only two diplomatic missions -- London and Paris -- and 10 consular posts. By 1800 the number had tripled, and in 1900 there were 41 diplomatic missions and 318 consular posts. In 1924 the two systems were merged. Today there are approximately 250 posts abroad, staffed by Foreign Service officers and specialists representing four US government agencies; The Department of State, the Agency for International Development, the Foreign Agricultural Service, and the Foreign Commercial Service.
When serving abroad, Foreign Service personnel analyze and report on political and economic developments, including humanitarian and social conditions, as well as agricultural trends. They identify export markets, negotiate international agreements, and interpret US policies and interests for foreign governments, opinion leaders and the public. They provide a wide range of services to American tourists, businessmen and residents. They issue visas to foreign nationals, provide development assistance, and arrange cultural exchanges.
The Foreign Service also addresses many of these issues through the United Nations and its specialized agencies, and in regional organizations such as NATO and the Organization of American States. Specialists include professionals in the areas of security, communications, information, and financial management, as well as medical doctors and technologists, nurse practitioners, administrative assistants, security engineers, and maintenance personnel.
Through the Foreign Service, the United States leads the world in addressing global challenges. Our Foreign Service works to promote free market economies; helps others to develop democratic institutions and enlists their support in the fight against narcotics and terrorism; and ensures international cooperation on matters such as air traffic control, food and drug inspections, and the uses of cyberspace. Working with international institutions, our diplomats seek progress in meeting global concerns about the environment, refugees, poverty, the status of women and children, education and disease control.
We’re proud of the Alaskan men and women who have volunteered to temporarily leave home to serve with distinction as diplomats in the United States Foreign Service. # # # |
