Political Counselor Haidari Attends USAID Memorial for Paula Loyd
Political Counselor M. Ashraf Haidari joined USAID Acting Administrator Alonzo L. Fulgham and other US government officials to attend a memorial service for Paula Loyd at USAID in Washington, D.C. on February 3, 2009. On behalf of President Karzai and Ambassador Jawad, Haidari spoke to offer the profound condolences and gratitude of the Afghan government and people to the parents and family members of Paula Loyd, who recently passed away as result of the injuries she sustained while serving humanitarian causes in Afghanistan. Administrator Fulgham, who served as USAID Mission Director in Afghanistan, spoke highly of Paula’s service with deep commitment to making a difference in the country, as he sympathized with her parents on their tragic loss.
"Paula was a dedicated humanitarian who made sure that the assistance provided to the Afghan people was effectively delivered to the targeted beneficiaries," Haidari said. Loyd most cared for the education and healthcare of Afghan girls and women, and she worked hard with local authorities to ensure that their community needs were addressed. "Paula was not only active on the ground helping Afghans but also she helped raise awareness about the challenges we face in Afghanistan each time she was back from the country, speaking at different think tanks and military bases in the U.S.," Haidari noted thankfully.
Haidari praised Paula's efforts as a civilian development officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve her country and to help build peace in Afghanistan. "Paula was a true global citizen, caring for the welfare of humanity. Her mission to educate Afghan girls and women will continue, and the Afghan Embassy in Washington, D.C. stands ready to support your efforts on her behalf," Haidari told Paula's parents.
In Afghanistan, Paula worked for the United Nations, the U.S. Agency for International Development and RTI International before joining BAE last September.
Related News: Obituary for Paula Loyd
