2008 Finalists—National Security and International Affairs Medal
This award recognizes a federal employee for a significant contribution to the nation in activities related to national security and international affairs (including defense, military affairs, diplomacy, foreign assistance and trade). This medal is accompanied by a $3,000 monetary award.
Mary Katherine “Kate” Friedrich
Position: Special Advisor to the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs
Agency: Department of State
Location: Washington, D.C.
Residence: Chevy Chase, Maryland
Achievement: Leads the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council, a major public/private effort to enhance the economic, social and political status of Afghan women
Orlando Illi and Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care Team
Position: Deputy Product Manager
Agency: Department of the Army
Location: Fort Detrick, Maryland
Residence: Frederick, Maryland
Achievement: Developed systems that allow medical units to digitally capture and access service members’ medical records on the battlefield
Daniel Irwin and the SERVIR Team
Position: Research Scientist and SERVIR Director
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Marshall Space Flight Center
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Residence: Harvest, Alabama
Achievement: Led the development of new satellite technology being used internationally to improve disaster relief and environmental stewardship
Crystal Kaplan
Position: Regional Refugee Coordinator
Agency: Department of State
Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Residence: Jerusalem, Israel
Achievement: Planned and led the U.S. and international community to resettle more than 100,000 Bhutanese refugees from the refugee camps they have been living in for nearly two decades
The Service to America Medals are presented annually by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service to celebrate excellence in our federal civil service.
