Clements Worldwide Honors Outstanding U.S. Foreign Service Officer

Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 23, 2011

Clements Worldwide, a leading insurance provider for expatriates and international organizations, will award the M. Juanita Guess Award to Mike Vining of the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, during the 2011 American Foreign Service Awards on June 23.

The M. Juanita Guess Award is presented to a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, initiative or imagination in assisting the families of Americans serving at an overseas post. This award was established in memory of M. Juanita Guess, former president of Clements Worldwide, and is one of several presented annually by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA).

Vining is being honored for his energetic and passionate involvement in his local Foreign Service community. He went beyond the call of duty as a Community Liaison Officer to revive and publish a weekly community newsletter, and organized the Fourth of July Picnic, the largest American event of the year in Mongolia. He also secured funding to renovate the community center into a fun, popular space for children and embassy employees, in addition to coordinating special events for embassy families.

However, one of his proudest accomplishments was helping American families properly celebrate Thanksgiving by convincing a local company that there was a market for turkeys in Ulaanbaatar. Thanks to Vining, a cargo container of frozen turkeys arrived in time, so American families and Peace Corps volunteers could enjoy the holiday tradition. Now turkey is available in many local markets and one Mongolian catering company has even started offering pre-roasted turkey dinners.

“On behalf of Clements Worldwide, we are truly honored to award Mike Vining the 2011 M. Juanita Guess Award,” said Sergio Sanchez, director of marketing for Clements Worldwide. “We have a longstanding relationship with the U.S. Foreign Service and this award demonstrates our strong support for their community. Mr. Vining has made an undeniably significant contribution to his community and a difference in the lives of others, so today we honor him.”

The 2011 American Foreign Service Awards ceremony will take place on at noon on Thursday, June 23 at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. in the Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Reception Room.

For more information about the 2011 M. Juanita Guess Award, please contact Kathy Dorf at +1.202.872.0060 or kdorf (at) clements (dot) com.

About Clements Worldwide

Clements Worldwide is a leading insurance provider for expatriates and international organizations. Founded in 1947, Clements offers international car, property, term life, health, specialty and high risk insurance in over 170 countries. With offices in Washington, DC and London, Clements provides comprehensive coverage, superior customer service and unparalleled claims response. To learn more and quote online, visit clements.com.

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