Last month the United States Agency of International Development (USAID) ceased to exist as part of the restructuring of the U.S. Government, and the remnants were folded into the Department of State.

For those that don’t know, USAID makes up a large presence at overseas embassies, particularly in the developing world, so their departure has been acutely felt by myself and my colleagues. USAID officers are some of the hardest working individuals I have ever come across, and as Bono of U2 recently said, represent the best of us.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated professionals of USAID. Your tireless work on behalf of those in need has not only changed lives around the world but also profoundly enriched our embassy communities. Your expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment embody the best of American values and serve as a powerful reminder of the good our nation can do, even if many of our citizens back home are oblivious to it. Thank you for your service and for making a lasting impact.

To my USAID colleagues I have met in my brief State Department career thus far, you have impacted me far than you will ever know, and I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors. You will not only be missed by me, but by millions of people across the globe.