Lynne Tracy, DOS Heroism Award Recipient

Woman of Note, Heroism Award Recipient: Lynne Tracy, Consular Officer in Peshawar, Pakistan

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton presented a Department of State's Award for Heroism to Lynne Tracy:

"Since 2006, Principal Officer Lynne Tracy has led our Consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan while a growing insurgency in the border regions degraded the country’s security situation. With her knowledge of the politics, personalities, and dynamics of Pakistan’s frontier region, she helped explain the insurgency to policymakers in Washington and helped explain Washington to the people of Pakistan."

"And she relied on her experience serving in Astana, Kabul, Bishkek to triple the size of the mission in Peshawar, enabling her to better partner with the Pakistani Government as she worked with local leaders to confront terrorist activity in tribal areas."

"On August 26^th, 2008, Lynne became the target of violent extremists attempting to undermine progress and sow instability. As Lynne was being driven to work, gunmen launched an attack on her, shooting out her car’s two front tires and leaving the vehicle riddled with bullets. Thanks to her driver and her bodyguard’s quick thinking, Lynne escaped. She returned to post later that day, believing it was important to inform the staff about what had happened, what it meant for the mission, and to think through their next steps as a community. "

"In the aftermath of the attack, the threat of another attempt on Lynne’s life and on others at post loomed large. As a precaution, some Consulate officials were required to stay home, and others were relocated to Islamabad."

"But Lynne did neither. Determined and unflappable, she stayed in Peshawar to look after the remaining Consulate staff. In the following days, she visited the staff, asking how they were faring while being honest about the dangers they faced. She worked tirelessly with senior leadership at Embassy Islamabad to improve security measures for all of the Consulate’s employees. Her decision to stay and lead not only boosted morale, but inspired an even greater focus on strengthening the bonds of collaboration with the people of Pakistan to promote peace, stability, and security throughout the region."

"Her leadership was also felt beyond the diplomatic community. For the next year, Lynne continued serving as a public face of our mission in Pakistan, hosting several iftaars for members of the Pakistani community just weeks after the attack, even hosting some of the Consulate’s official visitors in her home when it was too dangerous for them to stay in hotels. By working with the local population – even as the militants’ presence grew stronger and the threats on the Consulate became more frequent – Lynne helped strengthen the Pakistani people’s trust and confidence in the United States and in our efforts to help bring stability to that country."

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1705667530?bctid=54982230001

During Women's History Month in 2007, Ms. Tracy delivered a talk, A History of Women in the U.S. Foreign Service, delivered at Peshawar University’s Lincoln Corner.

"American women have made great strides in many fields over the past century, including diplomacy,” stated Ms. Tracy. “Just thirty-seven years ago, American women had to resign from the Foreign Service in order to get married. Today, Secretaries Albright and Rice have proven that women can serve effectively as America’s top diplomats."

Part of Ms. Tracy's remarks:

"When I wrote my report of the attack that took place on August 26^th, 2008, my final and perhaps most important comments were on the value of training. I am certain that I survived that day because of the training that Diplomatic Security provides. It’s all about getting off the X and thinking ahead about what you’re going to do in a situation like that. "

"Finally, and in many respects, most importantly, I want to acknowledge and express my deep appreciation to our Pakistani colleagues, hosts, and friends. My brave Pakistan driver was the real hero of the day of the attack, and every day after that, along with my Pakistani bodyguards who made sure that I was able to continue doing my job, we have an incredibly brave, loyal, and talented local staff at the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar."

"I want to thank the Government of the Northwest Frontier Province, Pakistan’s 11^th corps military, Frontier Corps, Frontier Constabulary and the Peshawar police for their assistance, cooperation, and many kindnesses. The challenges before them are serious and far-reaching. For my Pakistani friends who were horrified and worried that the attack on me would alter my view of Pakistan, I am mindful of how many innocent Pakistanis have suffered and are continuing to suffer from violence perpetrated by those who are so bankrupt in their ideology and vision that they are reduced to murdering women and children in markets and worshippers at mosques. This is a common foe and a common cause. I don’t believe in allowing a few bad minutes to define my experience or my view of Pakistan, and I look forward to being able to serve there again. Thank you. "

Read the rest of the award presentation and Ms. Tracy's complete remarks.

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Woman of Note, Heroism Award Recipient: Lynne Tracy, Consular Officer in Peshawar, Pakistan

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