Prince Edward County mayor Robert Quaiff (L) honours Karen Bongard for with a Civic Recognition Award on Tuesday October 25, 2016. Pictured is Anne VanVlack who graciously accpeted the award on her sister’s behalf. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
A local woman is being recognized for her outstanding achievements in Afghanistan.
Tuesday night, Karen Bongard was awarded with a Civic Recognition Award for achieving a 2016 Professional Association of Foreign Officers Award and her exceptional achievement in Kabul Afghanistan from 2014 to 2016 as the Mission Security Sector Specialist.
Bongard’s sister Anne VanVlack accepted the award on her behalf.
VanVlack shared a message from her sister.
“It was indeed an honour to hear that I was nominated for this award. No matter what we do or where we go in the world, thinking of our home town and our mothers is always important.”
Bongard tipped her hat to the Rotary Club of Picton for giving her, her first big boost laying the foundation for her future career in Canada’s diplomatic service.
“The Picton Rotary Club sent me overseas for a year as part of the International Student Exchange Program. I owe a great deal to the support around me during those informative years.”
Bongard is now in Ottawa working in the defence relations division at Global Affairs Canada she said with operation Mosul underway she was unable to return home to receive the award.
“I am not sure where I will be posted overseas next but regardless I will always find myself returning home to Prince Edward County. Thank you for the most unexpectedly but sincerely appreciated recognition.”
