Kabul, November 29, 2011
The US State Department honored Mahtab Farid, an Iranian-American journalist with “Expeditionary Service Award” for her efforts in public diplomacy in Afghanistan.
The award was handed over to Mahtab by Under Secretary Patrick Kennedy on behalf of Secretary Hillary R. Clinton on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 in an official ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC.
The award signed by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton reads:
“In grateful recognition for your committed service in extraordinary and arduous conditions during your field assignment in Afghanistan. In spite of constant danger and difficulty your contributions to reconstruction, stability, and peace reflect great credit on yourself and on the Department of State.”
Mahtab Farid is a journalist with the Voice of America’s Persian Service.
She led training and professional capacity building courses for more than 100 journalists, including females, in eastern and central Afghanistan.
Farid told to AFJC she was fortunate to share the American values with Afghans and build a bridge through personal and public diplomacy.
“ I owe my service to many of our military colleagues who kept me safe and protected me like an ambassador and my service wouldn't have been possible without the friendship and support of our Afghan friends.” She added.