U.S. Embassy to Bucharest, Romania | Newsletter (May

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U.S. Embassy Newsletter

Activities and events from across the US Mission in Bucharest

Volume 1, Issue 5, 2008

Ambassador Nicholas F. Taubman

Recently, I had an opportunity to help launch a wonderful initiative to connect young, talented Romanian students with business eager to hire them as summer interns The START Internship program's internship fair attracted thousands of enthusiastic young people.

We hosted a number of American visitors in the last few weeks including the Director of the Peace Corps Ronald Tschetter, President of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Michael Kaiser, political commentator Ann Stone, and 17 young men from the Yale undergraduate choir, the Spizzwinks(?). Their interactions with Romanians laid the groundwork for future cooperation on a wide range of issues.

The Fourth of July is here and we are looking forward to a big celebration of the 232nd anniversary of our Independence Day. These festivities mark the "official" start of the summer in the U.S. Like us, we know that many of our Romanian friends are headed off on holiday. We wish you safe journeys and fun times.

Ambassador Taubman

Ambassador Taubman discusses the importance of intern programs with volunteers and students at the START Internship Fair in Bucharest, May 23, 2008 (Photo: Lucian Crusoveanu,
U.S. Embassy)

Ambassador hails START Internship program for Romanian Students

Ambassador Taubman kicked off the May 23 START Internship Fair in Bucharest, an innovative program designed in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce and the Romanian Prime Minister’s Office that is offering 500 paid summer internships in 64 businesses in Romania to local students. The paid internships are designed to allow young Romanians the opportunity to work and learn in top companies in Romania, rather than having to take menial jobs at home or abroad, as many now do, to pay their way through college.

Peace Corps Director Ronald Tschetter answers questions from Antena 3 reporter about activity of Peace Corps Romania. Bucharest, June 9, 2008 (Photo: Ana-Maria Popa, U.S. Embassy)

Peace Corps Director’s Visit Strengthen Bilateral Relations

In early June, Peace Corps Director Ronald Tschetter spent six days visiting Peace Corps Volunteers and their counterparts in Cluj-Napoca, Baia Mare, Sighetu- Marmatiei, Ploiesti and Bucharest. Director Tschetter also met with Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu who expressed his appreciation for the Volunteers’ service. He said that volunteerism gives a new sense to charitable behavior at the level of local communities and invited the Volunteers to get involved in more projects aiming at boosting the educational level, and in projects pertaining to health or environment sector.

Kennedy Center’s President Michael Kaiser answers questions during an interview at TVR Cultural’s studio. Bucharest, June 10, 2008 (Photo: Ana-Maria Popa, U.S. Embassy)

Kennedy Center President Discusses Arts Management in Romania

In June, President of the Kennedy Center Michael Kaiser visited Romania to meet with managers of local cultural institutions to share with them his expertise on arts management. During the talks, these managers shared their views on the state of Romanian arts and on the problems the managers are facing. Mr. Kaiser is working with the Embassy, Romanian Government officials and the managers of cultural institutions to develop a 2-day seminar on arts management in Bucharest in the fall.

JTF-E firefighters display their equipment to members of Romanian Land Forces 2nd Infantry Brigade during a weeklong training exercise hosted by the 212th Combat Support Hospital as part of JTF-E in Romania. (Photo by Sgt. Aimee Millham)

US military personnel train with Roman medical counterparts

Members of the 119th Civil Engineering Squadron, from the North Dakota Air National Guard, took a break from their construction work June 6 to welcome their adjutant general, Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, to Romania. This visit marks the first time that Sprynczynatyk, an Army general, who serves as the adjutant general for both the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard in North Dakota, was able to visit his Airmen deployed overseas. The 119th civil engineers are currently deployed for two weeks to MK Airfield Administration Center near Constanta, Romania, as part of the annual Joint Task Force-East rotation. JTF-E is part of an ongoing commitment for U.S. forces to train with and build enhanced relationships with Romania and Bulgaria.

Actor Harrison Ford during the filming of a Public Service Announcement for the U.S.-led Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science

USG Initiative to Stop Wildlife Trafficking in Romanian Media

On June 5, World Environment Day, Romania joined an initiative by the U.S. State Department in promoting three Public Service Announcements (PSAs) featuring renowned actor and activist Harrison Ford. The Department of State, working with other governments and conservations organizations, formed the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) to encourage people to stop buying illegally traded wildlife products. The Coalition works to reduce demand for wildlife products through education and improve enforcement through regional cooperation and training.

A Spizzwink serenades an audience member to the delight of the watching crowd. (Photo: Kathy Kavalec, U.S. Embassy)

Yale Spizzwinks (?) Charm Bucharest

In three Embassy-organized concerts the Yale underclassmen’s choir, Spizzwinks(?) drew appreciative crowds to outdoor stages in Bucharest. Some of the most fervent fans of the Spizzwinks(?) were a specially-invited children’s group from a Bucharest boys’ orphanage, but the tuxedo-clad singers also won enthusiastic fans of all ages and backgrounds with their appealing mix of popular harmonies and wacky humor. The 17 young Spizzwinks(?) proved to be great cultural Ambassadors, mixing freely with the crowds, singing autographs, and posing for photos.

Ann Stone (R) with students from the Pitesti University. Pitesti, May 26, 2008.

Elections, Women in Politics, and Communication Styles Discussed

U.S. entrepreneur and political activist Ann Stone met university and high school students, women politicians and entrepreneurs in Romania, May 26-30. On her second visit to Romania, Ms. Stone discussed U.S. presidential elections peppering her presentations with first hand experience with candidates and offering less known stories from the current campaigns with audiences in Pitesti, Bacau and Bucharest. Ms. Stone exchanged tips with women politicians and business managers in Pitesti, Bacau and Bucharest on how to break the so-called “glass ceiling”.

Dr. James Lindsay at the National School for Political Studies and Public Administration. Bucharest, May 12, 2008 (Photo: Lucian Crusoveanu, U.S. Embassy)

Missile Defense Pros and Cons Discussed in Bucharest

University of Texas Professor James Lindsay provided an overview of the US missile defense plan to Romanian foreign policy officials, academics, graduate students and the media in a series of presentations and interviews in Bucharest in mid-May. Speaking to audiences at the National Defense College, the University of Bucharest, and the School of Advanced Political and Administrative Studies, Dr. Lindsay covered the technical aspects as well as the political and security implications of the Missile Defense deployment in Poland and the Czech Republic.

Ambassador Taubman (R), watches as two Romanian soldiers lay a wreath at the American Heroes Monument in Cismigiu Park. Bucharest, May 29, 2008 (Photo: Lucian Crusoveanu, U.S. Embassy)

Memorial Day Holiday Honors American War Dead

On May 29, Ambassador Taubman attended a memorial ceremony at the Monument of the American Heroes in Cismigiu Park, Bucharest. As “Taps” was played by the Romanian Military Band, the Ambassador escorted by the U.S. Defense Attaché, Col. Bruce West, laid a wreath to honor the 378 U.S. servicemen who lost their lives in Romania during the Second World War.

Official website of the Joint Task Force – East 2008 Rotation

Official website launch of the Joint Task Force-East 2008 Rotation

Starting on June 19 2008, you can access the official internet website page of JTF-East 2008 Rotation exercise at: http://www.jtf-e.forter.ro

At this address you will find useful information regarding exercise activity and specific forms for media accreditation.

For more information regarding JTF-E please contact the Public Affairs Office, major Jennifer Johnson, phone 0241 608 079, major Axinia Dragos, phone 0788566225, e-mail:cpicjtf-east@eur.army.mil

VISIT WEBSITE

Ambassador
Press Releases
Joint Task Force – East
U.S. Forces in Romania

Visas to the U.S.
Visa Application Forms
Visa F.A.Q.

Fulbright Commission
Information Resource Center
Teachers Resource Center
Meet the USA

This Newsletter is produced by the Public Diplomacy Office of the United States Embassy in Romania. Links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. To unsubscribe, send a message to infobuch@state.gov with “UNSUSCRIBE” in the Subject line.


U.S. Embassy Newsletter Activities and events from across the US Mission in Bucharest Volume 1, Issue 5, 2008

Recently, I had an opportunity to help launch a wonderful initiative to connect young, talented Romanian students with business eager to hire them as summer interns The START Internship program's internship fair attracted thousands of enthusiastic young people. We hosted a number of American visitors in the last few weeks including the Director of the Peace Corps Ronald Tschetter, President of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Michael Kaiser, political commentator Ann Stone, and 17 young men from the Yale undergraduate choir, the Spizzwinks(?). Their interactions with Romanians laid the groundwork for future cooperation on a wide range of issues. The Fourth of July is here and we are looking forward to a big celebration of the 232nd anniversary of our Independence Day. These festivities mark the "official" start of the summer in the U.S. Like us, we know that many of our Romanian friends are headed off on holiday. We wish you safe journeys and fun times. Ambassador Taubman

Ambassador Taubman discusses the importance of intern programs with volunteers and students at the START Internship Fair in Bucharest, May 23, 2008 (Photo: Lucian Crusoveanu, U.S. Embassy)	Ambassador hails START Internship program for Romanian Students Ambassador Taubman kicked off the May 23 START Internship Fair in Bucharest, an innovative program designed in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce and the Romanian Prime Minister’s Office that is offering 500 paid summer internships in 64 businesses in Romania to local students. The paid internships are designed to allow young Romanians the opportunity to work and learn in top companies in Romania, rather than having to take menial jobs at home or abroad, as many now do, to pay their way through college. READ MORE
Peace Corps Director Ronald Tschetter answers questions from Antena 3 reporter about activity of Peace Corps Romania. Bucharest, June 9, 2008 (Photo: Ana-Maria Popa, U.S. Embassy)	Peace Corps Director’s Visit Strengthen Bilateral Relations In early June, Peace Corps Director Ronald Tschetter spent six days visiting Peace Corps Volunteers and their counterparts in Cluj-Napoca, Baia Mare, Sighetu- Marmatiei, Ploiesti and Bucharest. Director Tschetter also met with Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu who expressed his appreciation for the Volunteers’ service. He said that volunteerism gives a new sense to charitable behavior at the level of local communities and invited the Volunteers to get involved in more projects aiming at boosting the educational level, and in projects pertaining to health or environment sector. READ MORE
Kennedy Center’s President Michael Kaiser answers questions during an interview at TVR Cultural’s studio. Bucharest, June 10, 2008 (Photo: Ana-Maria Popa, U.S. Embassy)	Kennedy Center President Discusses Arts Management in Romania In June, President of the Kennedy Center Michael Kaiser visited Romania to meet with managers of local cultural institutions to share with them his expertise on arts management. During the talks, these managers shared their views on the state of Romanian arts and on the problems the managers are facing. Mr. Kaiser is working with the Embassy, Romanian Government officials and the managers of cultural institutions to develop a 2-day seminar on arts management in Bucharest in the fall. READ MORE
JTF-E firefighters display their equipment to members of Romanian Land Forces 2nd Infantry Brigade during a weeklong training exercise hosted by the 212th Combat Support Hospital as part of JTF-E in Romania. (Photo by Sgt. Aimee Millham)	US military personnel train with Roman medical counterparts Members of the 119th Civil Engineering Squadron, from the North Dakota Air National Guard, took a break from their construction work June 6 to welcome their adjutant general, Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, to Romania. This visit marks the first time that Sprynczynatyk, an Army general, who serves as the adjutant general for both the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard in North Dakota, was able to visit his Airmen deployed overseas. The 119th civil engineers are currently deployed for two weeks to MK Airfield Administration Center near Constanta, Romania, as part of the annual Joint Task Force-East rotation. JTF-E is part of an ongoing commitment for U.S. forces to train with and build enhanced relationships with Romania and Bulgaria. READ MORE
Actor Harrison Ford during the filming of a Public Service Announcement for the U.S.-led Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science	USG Initiative to Stop Wildlife Trafficking in Romanian Media On June 5, World Environment Day, Romania joined an initiative by the U.S. State Department in promoting three Public Service Announcements (PSAs) featuring renowned actor and activist Harrison Ford. The Department of State, working with other governments and conservations organizations, formed the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) to encourage people to stop buying illegally traded wildlife products. The Coalition works to reduce demand for wildlife products through education and improve enforcement through regional cooperation and training. READ MORE
A Spizzwink serenades an audience member to the delight of the watching crowd. (Photo: Kathy Kavalec, U.S. Embassy)	Yale Spizzwinks (?) Charm Bucharest In three Embassy-organized concerts the Yale underclassmen’s choir, Spizzwinks(?) drew appreciative crowds to outdoor stages in Bucharest. Some of the most fervent fans of the Spizzwinks(?) were a specially-invited children’s group from a Bucharest boys’ orphanage, but the tuxedo-clad singers also won enthusiastic fans of all ages and backgrounds with their appealing mix of popular harmonies and wacky humor. The 17 young Spizzwinks(?) proved to be great cultural Ambassadors, mixing freely with the crowds, singing autographs, and posing for photos. READ MORE
Ann Stone (R) with students from the Pitesti University. Pitesti, May 26, 2008.	Elections, Women in Politics, and Communication Styles Discussed U.S. entrepreneur and political activist Ann Stone met university and high school students, women politicians and entrepreneurs in Romania, May 26-30. On her second visit to Romania, Ms. Stone discussed U.S. presidential elections peppering her presentations with first hand experience with candidates and offering less known stories from the current campaigns with audiences in Pitesti, Bacau and Bucharest. Ms. Stone exchanged tips with women politicians and business managers in Pitesti, Bacau and Bucharest on how to break the so-called “glass ceiling”. READ MORE
Dr. James Lindsay at the National School for Political Studies and Public Administration. Bucharest, May 12, 2008 (Photo: Lucian Crusoveanu, U.S. Embassy)	Missile Defense Pros and Cons Discussed in Bucharest University of Texas Professor James Lindsay provided an overview of the US missile defense plan to Romanian foreign policy officials, academics, graduate students and the media in a series of presentations and interviews in Bucharest in mid-May. Speaking to audiences at the National Defense College, the University of Bucharest, and the School of Advanced Political and Administrative Studies, Dr. Lindsay covered the technical aspects as well as the political and security implications of the Missile Defense deployment in Poland and the Czech Republic. READ MORE
Ambassador Taubman (R), watches as two Romanian soldiers lay a wreath at the American Heroes Monument in Cismigiu Park. Bucharest, May 29, 2008 (Photo: Lucian Crusoveanu, U.S. Embassy)	Memorial Day Holiday Honors American War Dead On May 29, Ambassador Taubman attended a memorial ceremony at the Monument of the American Heroes in Cismigiu Park, Bucharest. As “Taps” was played by the Romanian Military Band, the Ambassador escorted by the U.S. Defense Attaché, Col. Bruce West, laid a wreath to honor the 378 U.S. servicemen who lost their lives in Romania during the Second World War. READ MORE

Official website of the Joint Task Force – East 2008 Rotation	Official website launch of the Joint Task Force-East 2008 Rotation Starting on June 19 2008, you can access the official internet website page of JTF-East 2008 Rotation exercise at: http://www.jtf-e.forter.ro At this address you will find useful information regarding exercise activity and specific forms for media accreditation. For more information regarding JTF-E please contact the Public Affairs Office, major Jennifer Johnson, phone 0241 608 079, major Axinia Dragos, phone 0788566225, e-mail:cpicjtf-east@eur.army.mil VISIT WEBSITE

Ambassador Press Releases Joint Task Force – East U.S. Forces in Romania	Visas to the U.S. Visa Application Forms Visa F.A.Q.	Fulbright Commission Information Resource Center Teachers Resource Center Meet the USA
This Newsletter is produced by the Public Diplomacy Office of the United States Embassy in Romania. Links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. To unsubscribe, send a message to infobuch@state.gov with “UNSUSCRIBE” in the Subject line.