Congressman Jim Moran's News Commentary

As many of the federal employees in the 8th District know, public service for the federal government can at times be a thankless task. But recently, one of Falls Church's own was recognized for her lifetime of dedication and critical endeavors in the service of the U.S. Government.

Falls Church resident Ambassador Prudence Bushnell has been chosen as a finalist to receive the prestigious Service to America Medals "2004 Career Achievement Award." Created in 2002 by the Partnership for Public Service and the Atlantic Media Company (publisher of The Atlantic Monthly, National Journal, and Government Executive magazines) the Career Achievement Award recognizes individuals based on their commitment, innovation and creativity, as well as the impact of their work on addressing the needs of the nation through service in the federal government.

Ambassador Bushnell has been on the frontlines of U.S. international policy throughout her 23 years in the federal government. She guided the U.S. Embassy in Kenya through the 1998 bombing and was a leading voice in urging a response to the ethnic genocide in Rwanda. Through her travels in Rwanda and meeting with Rwandan leaders, Ambassador Bushnell was able to carry a forceful message back to Washington about the atrocities that were occurring there. It has been reported that even after returning to the states, Ambassador Bushnell had a habit of calling Hutu organizers in the early morning hours to condemn the massacring of the Tutsis.

After serving over two decades in positions ranging from Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs to U.S. Ambassador, Bushnell currently serves as dean of the Department of State's Leadership and Management School at the Foreign Service Institute. Here her endless innovations and commitment to strong leadership allow her to continue finding ways to improve a government she loves and believes in.

Over the course of her career, Ambassador Bushnell has shown a vibrant passion and willingness to lay her life on the line in some of the most violent regions in the world. It is impossible to calculate the number of lives saved because of her fearless efforts, but we can be assured that they were numerous.

Ambassador Prudence Bushnell is a shining example of Northern Virginians making a difference in the world through a willingness to fight for the dignity of all humanity. I hope you will join me in saluting this Falls Church resident who has impacted thousands of lives through her civil service.