USAID faces demise as family mourns lost legacy
- Cathy Votaw recounts the tragic loss of her father in the 1983 Beirut bombing.
- His death influenced the career paths of two generations in the Votaw family, highlighting the personal costs of service in USAID.
- The recent decline of USAID reflects broader changes in American foreign policy and raises concerns among those dedicated to humanitarian work.
Cathy Votaw, now 70, grapples with the loss of her father, Albert Votaw, who was killed in the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. This tragic event not only marked a turning point in her family’s history but also spotlighted the dangers faced by those serving in international development and humanitarian roles. Albert was part of USAID, an agency founded in the 1960s to support American interests abroad through development efforts. His death impacted multiple generations of the Votaw family, leading Cathy to advocate for families of victims of extremism and inspiring her granddaughter Anna Eisenberg to pursue a career with USAID herself. The agency that embodies her father’s values has recently faced significant cuts and public dismissal, especially under figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, prompting deep reflection and sadness within the community of USAID employees and their families. As USAID dismantles its legacy, the Votaw family finds themselves mourning not just a lost loved one but the very ideals and mission that shaped their lives. Cathy recalls her father's pride in being an American worker abroad, emphasizing the sense of purpose and service inherent in his work. However, with the recent remarks made by Elon Musk about USAID’s future, the family now witnesses the agency’s decline, turning their memories and experiences of loss into a narrative of caution and concern for future humanitarian efforts.