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“DEATH OF SETH FOTI” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1601 on Sept. 27, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
DEATH OF SETH FOTI
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HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 26, 2000
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, the Diplomatic Courier Service, U.S. Department of State, lost one of its own on August 23, 2000. Mr. Seth Foti, age 31, lost his life while serving his nation in the line of duty in the Persian Gulf. Seth was one of 143 passengers aboard the Gulf Air flight that crashed in Bahrain on August 23rd. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Foti family. Seth is survived by his wife Anisha, his father Dominic Foti, his mother Deyann Davis, and step-father Maxwell Davis.
The U.S. Diplomatic Couriers face hardship on a daily basis. Not everyone is qualified for such a highly-sought-after position in public service. Just a few of the challenges with which couriers contend, include constant travel, traversing several time zones, long hours, solitary travel and flight delays. U.S. Diplomatic Couriers are integral in the work of the Foreign Service. These men and women deliver documents and materials that are vital to U.S. interest and foreign policy goals. It can be dangerous.
The tragic loss of Mr. Foti, the sixth courier killed in the service's 82 year history, reminds us all of the bravery and commitment associated with our Diplomatic Couriers.
Seth was one of the new breed of couriers who recently joined the Diplomatic Courier Service in April 1999. He was a young, bright, energetic man who was willing to accept the dangers associated with a career in the U.S. Diplomatic Courier Service. Seth's supervisor, Mike Meeker, stated the following, ``Seth Foti was such a dedicated colleague, professional in every respect. His professionalism was unmatched. He knew how to negotiate his way through the most difficult of airports. Always cheerful, charismatic and well respected by his fellow couriers and those who served with him at our embassy in Bahrain. He loved his parents and step-dad and was so excited about his recent marriage to Anisha.''
As Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, I want to extend my sincere condolences to the Foti family and the U.S. Diplomatic Courier Service family. Seth was a true public servant of the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I thank him. The extensive amount of travel is an inherent risk and danger associated with the demanding job of a U.S. Diplomatic Courier. I salute the bravery and commitment that these fine men and woman demonstrate on a daily basis for the U.S. Department of State and the American people.
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