Andrea Parhamovich

Everyone on our office was saddened to learn today of the death of Andrea Parhamovich in Baghdad. Andrea was there working with the National Democratic Institute, training on election norms and other democratic practices. She was 28. Three members of the NDI security detail were also killed when their convoy was attacked as they left a meeting with Sunni politicians - the names of the security personnel have not yet been released. Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, currently the chair of NDI, is quoted on the NDI website as saying: There is no more sacred roll of honor than those who have given their last full measure in support of freedom. Yesterday, in Iraq, Andrea Parhamovich and our security personnel were enshrined on that list. They did not see themselves as heroes, only people doing a job on behalf of a cause they believed in. They were not the enemies of anyone in Iraq; they were there to help. Now, the prayers of all of us at NDI are with them and with their families. We pledge to do everything that is within our power to see that they did not die in vain. We will honor their example, keep alive their memory, and carry on their work. NDI sent us a link to this story about Andrea in the LA Times. The article quotes a former co-worker of Andrea's at Air America, the liberal comedy radio network as saying: She had to go to the heart of the war and create change and understanding. She was so obstinate in her efforts to create change. Nothing could stop her." The National Democratic Institute "works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government." NDI has been a client of ours for many years. The tragedy of Andrea's death underscores for us just how important their work is.