It is a distinct privilege in my first week in this post to present the Global War on Terrorism medal to two members of the SIGAR family for distinguished service in Afghanistan.
Gabriele A. Tonsil and Maria A. “Angie” Niblock each served two years in Afghanistan for SIGAR and their country – and I want each of you to know how very proud we are of you.
In The Washington Post on Friday, Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker wrote of the bravery and sacrifice of the unsung American civilians serving in Afghanistan. He noted that they volunteer for “tough jobs, in a tough place, under even tougher conditions” – motivated by patriotism and a commitment to helping others.
That’s exactly what Gabriele and Angie did – all to make the United States more secure. All to help ensure that Afghanistan is never again a breeding ground for terrorists who would strike a lethal blow against America.
So it is fitting that we recognize and honor Gabriele and Angie today. Let me tell you a little about their service:
Gabriele has been with SIGAR since February 1, 2010. She served in Kabul from April 27, 2010, through April 27 of this year, as a senior program analyst. In that capacity, she traveled to various Afghan provinces; her excellent work advanced accountability of reconstruction funding, protected American taxpayers and contributed to a better Afghanistan. And I’m pleased to report that Gabriele was recently promoted to senior audit manager.
Angie, a management analyst, served in SIGAR’s Operations Office in Kabul from May 26, 2009 to May 15, 2011. There, she provided logistic, human resource, administrative and operational support to all SIGAR personnel in Afghanistan. Thanks to her, SIGAR’s criminal investigators and auditors were better able to perform their duties throughout the country. I should note that Angie had been in Kabul for nearly two years before joining SIGAR, working in the human resource office at the U.S. Embassy.
Gabriele and Angie represent the best of their country, and of this organization. They exemplify the service and sacrifice of all SIGAR personnel serving in Afghanistan, and they serve as an inspiration to me and to everyone here at headquarters.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on what Gabriele and Angie have done for their country – and let’s always keep our colleagues in Afghanistan paramount in our thoughts.
Thank you.