Lucy in Indonesia writes:

May she rest in peace, God blesses the perish. Our thoughts and prayers to her family. regards lucy

Posted on Tue Apr 13, 2010

Linda V. in Australia writes:

I worked in the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and Victoria worked in the US Embassy. We both arrived in country a few weeks apart and we became firm friends during our time there. I haven't been in touch with her for a long time but, for some reason, she has been on my mind recently so I decided to google her and look what I've found. She was a great friend to me and I'm very sorry to see that she has passed before we've had a chance to reconnect. Please pass on my condolences to her family (if possible). Thanks.

Posted on Sat Mar 20, 2010

Pat P. writes:

I was just trying to find her new address when a colleague emailed me to tell me what had happened in Haiti. She was a dear friend who brightened my life and that of those she knew. One of our brightest lights has moved on. We will never forget her.

Posted on Thu Mar 18, 2010

Kristin K. in Washington, DC writes:

I had the honor of taking some courses with Victoria and serving in the same position in nearby countries -- she in Mauritius while I was in Mozambique. I admired her kindness and professonalism and believe that she was a model foreign service public diplomacy officer. May she rest in peace.

Posted on Sat Feb 06, 2010

Jenifer in Iraq writes:

I did not know Victoria, but truly appreciate her sacrifice in pursuit of our profession. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her friends and family.

Posted on Sun Jan 31, 2010

Abdel A. in Haiti writes:

As a Fulbright Scholar from Haiti, I had the opportunity to know Ms. Victoria. I will never forget her involvement in Capacity Building for Haiti. Please extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends. My prayers are with her.

Posted on Sat Jan 30, 2010

Rod M. in Washington, DC writes:

On behalf of myself and many others who did not have the opportunity to know Victoria but grieve her passing in service to our country and the nation to which she was assigned, contributions in Ms. DeLong's name have been made to the Little Flower/Rosa Mina orphanage identified and to Doctors Without Borders. Our prayers are with her family.

Posted on Fri Jan 29, 2010

Nazima R. writes:

Extending our deepest condolences - Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. DeLong's family.

Posted on Fri Jan 29, 2010

Brenda writes:

I worked with Victoria in the Press Office in Washington. Recently, I had the opportunity to contact her after several years. She told me, "I am here in Port-au-Prince, Haiti as the Cultural Affairs Officer. It’s a fun job, lots of work and little free time, with many challenges. I love it here." It is comforting to know that Victoria found her true calling.

Posted on Wed Jan 27, 2010

Sue M. in Pennsylvania writes:

I was shocked and devastated at the news of Victoria DeLong's passing. I worked with her in the Ambassador's office in Bonn, Germany. I remember her as very dedicated to her country and her profession. She had a enormous zest for life. Victoria will be greatly missed by many. May her family and friends find comfort and support from each other and these messages as they endure this loss. My prayers go out to all of them.

Posted on Wed Jan 27, 2010

Ruth K. in Washington, DC writes:

Great admiration for a colleague who gave her all to bringing the best of the U.S. to peoples around the world and who showed the compassionate, engaged, and creative face of the U.S. to those whom she touched.

Posted on Wed Jan 27, 2010

Mehari T. in Senegal writes:

My condolences to the family and colleagues of Victoria. She was one of our Mission's staff in Kinshasa, DRC. Great person to work with and she will be missed a lot.

Posted on Wed Jan 27, 2010

Joyce S. in Washington writes:

I was one of the lucky ones to have known and spent time with Victoria over the course of so many years. George and I met Victoria back when she was Vickie in 1987 in San Salvador. Foreign Service friendships are often strained by service on different continents but, over the years, we found times to spend together: our home in Williamsburg, VA, her home in Kuala Lumpur, a Zambezi River safari in 2007, our Feb. 8 birthdays in Shepherdstown, WV last year. Victoria always found time to connect with George and me and we will dearly miss her.

Posted on Mon Jan 25, 2010

Barbara J. V. in Washington writes:

I had the pleasure of working with Vickie in the early 80s before she began her honorable State Department career. Vickie was then a civil servant instrumental to the operation of Naval Station, San Diego. I remember how excited she was to start her new journey with the State Department and how we were all so happy for her! She served her country then and has now made the ultimate sacrifice for her country. A beautiful human being who touched so many people throughout the world, Vickie made an memorable impact. Unfortuntately, I lost track of her over the years. It it so wonderful to read the stories of how this beautiful woman touched so many lives around the world during her short lifetime. I am honored to have worked with her. Vickie will not be forgotten. May she rest in peace.

Posted on Sun Jan 24, 2010

Vienna B. in Nicaragua writes:

I had the pleasure to work with Victoria in Bonn, Germany. May she always be appreciated and blessed for everything she gave to the world. Blessings.

Posted on Sat Jan 23, 2010

Pamela M. in California writes:

Victoria and I served in the Front Office in Bonn together. I is difficult to believe she is no longer with us. This could have happened to any of us Foreign Service employees. It really hits home. She will be sincerely missed by all who knew her. I hope all who can will donate to the cause in Haiti -- they are hurting badly and need all the help they can get. Pam

Posted on Sat Jan 23, 2010

Joyce C. in California writes:

I met Vickie in 1975, we worked together at 32nd St. Naval Station. in San Diego. She was a remarkable young woman and I knew she was destined for greatness. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her death, My prayers are with her family. Joyce

Posted on Fri Jan 22, 2010

Betty R. G. in California writes:

My dear friend was a life-long friend of Ms. Delong's Mother. My heart felt condolences go out to her Mother and sisters. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time.

Posted on Thu Jan 21, 2010

Gwen S. in Iraq writes:

I met Victoria in Kinshasa on my first tour. She was a friend and mentor. I have a beautiful wall hanging from the DRC that came from an artist that Victoria worked with. It will continue to hold a place in my heart for Victoia. I will always remember her friendship and her zest for life. She will be missed.

May the Lord grant her peace.

Posted on Wed Jan 20, 2010

Kelly C. in Washington, DC writes:

I worked with Victoria in the Press Office at main State in 2000. She is a person that I have never forgotten and never will. I will keep her and her family in my prayers.

Posted on Wed Jan 20, 2010

Patrick in Iraq writes:

Hats off and heads bowed for a fallen colleague who served her country with honor.

Posted on Wed Jan 20, 2010

Wanda K. in Bosnia and Herzegovina writes:

I knew Victoria in Kuala Lumpur when she worked in the Political Section. What a lovely, delightful woman! I have so many wonderful memories of Victoria. A quirky sense of humor, her love of the water and deep sea diving (I envied her shell collection). She was absolutely devoted to her family and spoke often of them. I remember taking her to the airport when she left KL for her posting in Bonn. Her suitcases...oh my. They each weighed 100 pounds, perhaps more, and she had 3 of them. That check-in agent was absolutely not going to allow her to check those bags but before she was through w/him not only was he checking them in he was bowing and scraping and "yes ma'am"-ing her until I thought she was going to miss her flight. She had a definite way about her. She was left-handed, had absolutely gorgeous skin and hair...I just remember so many things about her. She will be sorely missed.

Posted on Wed Jan 20, 2010

Miriam E. G. writes:

I met Victoria when she served in Kinshasa and I was Cultural Coordinator in AF/PD. She was a sincere and devoted officer. I recall her dedication as she strove to assure that a threatened English Language Program would survive and the post's exchange programs thrive.

It is sadly ironic that I arrived in Port au Prince on a personal visit four hours before the earthquake and had planned to visit our cultural program the following day. Now, just returned home, I am devastated to learn of Victoria's demise and send my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Posted on Tue Jan 19, 2010

Suzelle S. in Massachusetts writes:

My prayers and extreme gratitude to Ms DeLong and her family. Had it not been for this tradegy I would have not known of you. Now that I know about your work and your passion for humanitarian efforts, I applaud your compassion and dedication that are matched by few. Thank you for what you have done for the people of Haiti on behalf of the US. Your work and the imprint you have left was not in vain.
With sincere appreciation and gratitude, God Bless your soul and your family.

Suzelle S.

Posted on Tue Jan 19, 2010

Rosalie in Chile writes:

We were very distressed to hear about what happened to Vicgtoria. We knew her in Bonn, Germany, at the Embassy in 1995. She was a lovely person. We send our sincerest condolences to Victoria's family and friends.

Sincerely,

Rosalie B. K. and Guillermo L.

Posted on Tue Jan 19, 2010

Marva L. L. in Washington, DC writes:

It pained me to learn of Victoria's death. I had sent her an email recently and was waiting for a reply. We worked together as Press Officers and continued to have a special bond because we shared the same "Birthday, February 8th." May her biological and Foreign Service families reflect on the joy, peace and love she gave to each one of them, I know I will. I will keep her family lifted up in prayer especially during the difficult days and months that lie ahead. Yes, Victoria your spirit will live on and may your soul rest in peace.

Marva (Retired FS OMS)

Posted on Tue Jan 19, 2010

Connie in Iraq writes:

Victoria and I served together in Bonn just before the Embassy moved to Berlin. She was remarkably talented and dedicated. She enjoyed all of her assignments but particularly those as a Public Diplomacy Officer where she was able to meet many new friends and mingle into local cultures. Victoria was a wonderful person, I will miss her warmth and friendship.

Posted on Tue Jan 19, 2010

Julie P. in Maryland writes:

Victoria was a dear friend to my mother and me. We met her in Bonn, Germany. She and my mother have carried on many years of close friendship and I have carried many fond (AND funny - she had an excellent sense of humor) memories of her. We are very sorry for her family's loss. Victoria will be greatly missed :(

Posted on Tue Jan 19, 2010

Victoria C.R. in Tunis writes:

Victoria and I took French classes together in the fall of 2008 at FSI. We shared a name and laughed about it sometimes. She was a real sweetheart and a hard worker, and she will be missed. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.

Posted on Tue Jan 19, 2010

Cindy L. in Washington, DC writes:

I worked with Victoria over the years; she was always overseas, requesting speakers; I was always in Washington. I remember always being glad it was her name attached to the project; she was easy to work with, but clear on what she needed to do the most good.

When I heard her name as having died in Haiti, I immediately called NBC4 to donate in her name to the Salvation Army, and in my sadness, I misspelled her name! Please forgive me; but know that some of the money contributed to the Salvation Army was in her name from a colleague who remembers her affectionately.

Posted on Mon Jan 18, 2010

Nancy K. in Ghana writes:

The loss of Victoria brings the Haitian tragedy closer to home. It could have been any of us, in the wrong place at the wrong time. I met Victoria in Kinshasa where she showed a tremendous capacity for hard work, taking on one challenge after another without getting ruffled. Surely she was doing the same in Haiti. The condolences of EducationUSA go out to her family and friends.

Posted on Sun Jan 17, 2010

Donald M. in Virginia writes:

In Memory of Victoria DeLong

May she rest in peace, God blesses the perish. Our thoughts and prayers to her family.

Posted on Sun Jan 17, 2010

Mary C. in Washington, DC writes:

Being a bit older than Victoria DeLong, I think of her as "Vickie". I was an Embassy spouse (in Kuala Lumpur) and a mother dealing with the expected ex-pat brat worries. Victoria, in addition to her professional responsibilities, made a point of seriously following my own family adjustment issues ..almost on a daily basis. She was a major force in a Women's Book Club we established as a community building institution that embraced us all. Vickie was always there.. mining the text of our books...always ready to shore-up flagging spirits.....in her own way... shy, self effacing and ultimately a woman who represented her/our country with intelligence, compassion and a deep understanding of the National legacy she knew to be true.

Posted on Sun Jan 17, 2010

Dana B. (USAID) writes:

Victoria was a beautiful person that I am lucky to have known. She will be solely missed.

Posted on Sat Jan 16, 2010

John Patrick in North Carolina writes:

As an aspiring Foreign Service Officer, I too would like to send my condolences and appreciation to the work that FSO DeLong undertook. Her work, as is all FS work, impacted the local community and will stand as a benchmark for the ones to follow. Thank you Foreign Service Officer DeLong for you work.

-J. P.

Posted on Sat Jan 16, 2010

Don G. writes:

May Victoria rest in peace. So sad to see a colleague perish in this manner. Victoria offered her talents to helping folks wherever she served her country. RIP

Posted on Sat Jan 16, 2010

Sustasa in Florida writes:

Anyone who has ever met Victoria was touched by her love of Humanity. There is no way to express the loss of such a dear soul. It is simply heart breaking.

Posted on Sat Jan 16, 2010

Mary Kay in Washington, DC writes:

I send my condolences to the family and colleagues of Ms. DeLong. I worked with her in Kinshasa, DRC and served as her International Student Advisor for approximately 2 years. I had the opportunity to travel with her to the eastern part of Congo where she met with hundreds of faculty and students at the university in Bukavu.

She will be missed.

Sincerely,
Mary Kay K.
Washington, DC

Posted on Fri Jan 15, 2010

Susan C. in Florida writes:

We sometimes forget that our diplomats, our foreign service officers, our representatives in embassies around the world, face difficulties and dangers everyday. I was deeply saddened to hear about Victoria DeLong's death. My heart goes out to her family, friends and colleagues. I am so sorry.

Posted on Fri Jan 15, 2010

Palgye in South Korea writes:

To The Dead.

Cultural Affairs Officer Victoria DeLong,

the heavenly bliss of the dead person.

it`s a sad days.

Posted on Fri Jan 15, 2010

Shaleen W. in Panama writes:

I met Victoria in September 2009 We participated in a training program in Washington DC. She was a beautiful and caring human being who loved serving her country and was eager to make a difference for the Haitian people. I was shocked to hear of her passing and know that the State Department has lost one of its finest. I would have loved to have had the pleasure of having her as my CAO but am honored to have met her.

Posted on Fri Jan 15, 2010

Patricia M. in California writes:

We in the United States are so fortunate to have the kind of person, like Victoria DeLong, representing us throughout the world. My condolences to her loved ones.

Posted on Fri Jan 15, 2010