Hail and Farewell

[성김 대사]

I am often asked about the diplomatic lifestyle and how it feels to be Ambassador.  Being Ambassador to Korea is truly my dream job and it is an extraordinary honor.  For me, nothing is more exciting than representing your country, working on important bilateral relationships, and experiencing different cultures.  However, the diplomatic service also comes with some hardships. 

Over the years, the most difficult part has been moving.  Since our assignments generally range from one to three years, sometimes it can feel like you are moving all the time.  It is especially difficult for your family.  Making new friends and finding new schools can be challenging.  Fortunately many families understand that being part of the Foreign Service is a rare opportunity to appreciate and learn from other cultures.  For my family, this move was slightly less burdensome than those in the past because this is my kids’ second time in Seoul and they still have a nice base of friends and relatives.

I’m reminded of this now that it is summer, which is the traditional transfer season for diplomats moving on to their next assignments.  Every summer, each embassy or consulate around the world sees the departure of a large number of staff – sometimes up to half of those at post – while we await the arrival of their replacements. 

Taking the lead in one of our hail and farewells…

During this transition, we have a unique U.S. State Department tradition to make sure we thank those who are leaving for their hard work, as well as welcome the new arrivals.  This happens through parties that we call a “Hail and Farewell.”

Since people come and go at all different times throughout the summer, we make sure to have a series of Hail and Farewell parties so that everyone is sent off or welcomed properly. 

Recently, we held our first Hail and Farewell of the season at my residence.  This summer transfer season will be a tough one for the Embassy.  We are losing a lot of great officers, including the guy I depend on most, my deputy Mark Tokola.  It is always sad to see close colleagues and friends depart.  At the same time, however, we are excited about welcoming many new outstanding officers to Seoul.   

I will really miss Mark.  He was a great asset to our Embassy!

The fact that we continue to get excellent officers assigned here is another reflection of the importance of the U.S.-ROK partnership and Korea’s growing prominence on the world stage. 

After the Hail and Farewell party…

My new officers are really excited to come to Seoul.  They know that the U.S.-Korea relationship is a significant priority for the U.S. and they appreciate the opportunity to work on important issues. 

As I send off and welcome great colleagues, I remember fondly my very first Hail and Farewell.  It was when I arrived at my first overseas posting in Hong Kong in 1988.  I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed and nervous but also very excited about the diplomatic life ahead.  Twenty-four years later, I am still excited about public service, diplomacy and the chance to deepen ties between our great countries.         

[Mr. Ahn(안준수)]

For example of fighter's life, like they win from time to time and they lose from time to time, so do diplomats.
That is how the world goes around.