Celebrating Military Appreciation Month

USAID partners with the U.S. military to advance foreign policy, coordinate international relief, and protect national security

U.S. Marines and Nepalese soldiers unload boxes of USAID plastic sheeting off a UH-1Y Huey at Orang, Nepal, on May 19, 2015. USAID led the U.S. Government’s
disaster response after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015. Over a three-week period, the U.S. military provided critical unique capabilities to support USAID’s response efforts, including the delivery of 114 tons of emergency relief supplies to remote villages, evacuation of earthquake survivors and transportation of more than 530 humanitarian personnel. / Cpl. Isaac Ibarra, U.S. Marine Corps

As our nation observes Military Appreciation Month, I want to celebrate three aspects of our relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces — our close partnership; our reliance on the security the Armed Forces provide through great sacrifice; and the personal sacrifice of USAID employees who are also members of the Armed Forces.

USAID has partnered with the Armed Forces since the Agency’s creation in 1961. Together we have collaborated to refurbish schools and resolve interethnic tensions in Macedonia, deliver critical relief supplies to Nepal after the 2015 earthquake, and construct health clinics in Djibouti. From combating wildlife trafficking in Tanzania to working together for years in Iraq and Afghanistan, our military plays an indispensable role in our development mission.

USAID field program officer Jim Otwell is escorted by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Robert Wolfe, right, security force platoon leader for Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Farah, to the provincial director of education’s office in Farah City, Afghanistan, February 26, 2013. PRT Farah’s mission was to train, advise and assist Afghan government leaders at the municipal, district and provincial levels. This civil-military team was comprised of members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, USAID and the Department of State. / LTJG Matthew Stroup

One of my goals is to strengthen our coordination with the Armed Forces. Since becoming Administrator, I have met with Secretary of Defense James Mattis, SOUTHCOM Commander Admiral Kurt W. Tidd, EUCOM Commander General Curtis M. Scaparotti, CENTCOM Commander General Joseph L. Votel, and AFRICOM Commander General Thomas D. Waldhauser.

At each meeting, I have emphasized the need to ensure the alignment of our work and strengthen our civilian-military communication, coordination, and collaboration at the field level. Our Transformation efforts are working to see these priorities to fruition.

Left to right: USAID Administrator Mark Green meets with SOUTHCOM Commander Admiral Kurt W. Tidd. CENTCOM Commander General Joseph L. Votel and Green share a handshake. / Patrick O’Connor, USAID

Our development efforts in many parts of the world would be impossible without our Armed Forces. Neither social nor economic progress can be made under threats of instability. We could not succeed in many places without those who first put themselves in harm’s way.

During my travels, I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by members of our armed forces. The hard work and the long days and months away from family do not go unnoticed, or unappreciated.

SOUTHCOM Commander Admiral Kurt W. Tidd speaks with USAID staffers who were responding to Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. / USAID

In that same vein, I would be remiss not to recognize the family members who are left behind when fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters are deployed. Military families are unsung heroes who make untold sacrifices on a daily basis.

Many of our military heroes work directly beside us as fellow USAID employees. To these employees, to all members of the Armed Forces and their families, and to our Armed Forces partners, I say thank you.

On behalf of USAID, thank you for your sacrifices, thank you for the security you provide, and thank you for your close partnership as we provide humanitarian assistance and help other countries on their journey to self-reliance.

Administrator Green meets with several military representatives assigned to USAID. Left to right: LTC Charles ‘Skip’ Turner, LTC Bryan Harmon, LTC Gregory Ulma, LTC Danford Bryant, Acting Deputy Administrator David Moore, Administrator Green, Agency Counselor Thomas Staal, Lt. Col. William ‘Skip’ Schoen, Maj. Ryan Christ, Maj. Summer Kolcun / Patrick O’Connor, USAID

About the Author

Mark Green is the Administrator of USAID. Follow him @USAIDMarkGreen. Our development efforts advance American interests by promoting global security, prosperity and self-reliance.