American Aid Organisation (USAID) virtually ceased to exist. This termination marked a significant loss for a particular family, who spanned three generations of commitment to USAID's causes.
A Powerful Lasting Impact
In a casual, engaging tone, let's delve into the extraordinary tale of Albert Votaw, a man whose life and death left an indelible mark not just on his family but on the world.
Cathy Votaw, now 70, fondly recalls her larger-than-life father. Every April 18, the anniversary of the 1983 bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, a pang of loss stirs within her. Albert, a public-housing expert for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), was one of 63 lives claimed by the attack.
Cathy, along with her sisters, followed her father's career journey, from Ivory Coast to Tunisia, Thailand, and eventually, Lebanon. For young Cathy, her father's service felt like a beacon of America's endeavor to help others and contribute positively to the world. President Ronald Reagan eulogized Albert and the fellow Americans who perished, expressing that the best way to honor their memory was to carry on with their mission.
In the decades following Albert's death, his name was enshrined on a memorial wall in USAID headquarters, a testament to his heroic service.
A Family's Lasting Legacy with USAID
Albert's influence transcended time, shaping the course of his family's future. Cathy, inspired by her father's dedication and sacrifice, switched her career focus to defending the families of Americans killed by extremist attacks.
For Albert's granddaughter, Anna Eisenberg, hearing stories of her grandfather's life and death instilled a sense of invincibility that led her to acknowledge dangerous assignments as a USAID contractor. Anna's adventures took her to Nigeria and Afghanistan, where she shared her teachings with communities afflicted by war.
Faced with danger, Anna felt protected by her grandfather's legacy, believing that "nothing bad would happen: 'Yeah, my grandfather got blown up – we’re good.'"
Enduring Influence in a Shifting Landscape
In some ways, Anna was looking forward to the second term of Donald Trump. She appreciated Trump's efforts in his first term to showcase how USAID created jobs domestically. Yet, ironically, Anna's role with USAID came to an end when the agency itself ceased to exist as a functioning independent entity.
In the wake of Trump and Elon Musk's actions, USAID's headquarters was cleared, its majority of development and humanitarian programs were terminated, and most staff and contractors were let go. This year, on the anniversary of Albert's death, Cathy was left with a stark realization: USAID itself lay in ruins.
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Enrichment Data:
Albert Votaw was a prominent public housing expert working for USAID. He played a significant role in expanding rural housing in Ivory Coast and earned a high honor from their leaders for his impactful work. His life was cut short during the 1983 bombing of the U.S. embassy in Beirut, where he and sixteen other Americans were killed.
The family's history with USAID demonstrates how the agency's mission and the sacrifices of its workers continue to resonate through generations, shaping personal and collective identities, even as the agency itself has undergone transformation or decline.
- Albert Votaw's profound influence on his family was evident in their career choices, as Cathy dedicated herself to defending the families of victims from extremist attacks, and Anna pursued a career with USAID, citing her grandfather's legacy as a source of strength in challenging environments.
- The downfall of USAID, marked by its reorganization under President Trump and Elon Musk, was a stark contrast to Albert Votaw's vision of positive change and contributions to the world.This development, happening 38 years after Albert's death, left Cathy contemplating the fragility of her family's legacy within the agency.
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