American diplomats are considered spies by many people living in and outside the United States.
However, that’s not entirely true, according to a release from the Cold War Museum.
These officials are assigned a country that they collect information on.
Ambassadors are the senior American government officials in that country. They lead U.S. government programs and staff, except for service members commanded by a geographic military.
Members of the community can learn more about ambassadors by attending a virtual presentation, “Ambassadors & Spies: How U.S. Ambassadors Deal with Intelligence Agencies”.
Charles Ray, a former U.S. Ambassador will be giving the talk on August 30.
Ray served in the United States Army for 20 years and retired in 1982.
He began working in the U.S. Foreign Service, where he was a diplomat in several countries — Cambodia, China, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Between 2006 and 2009, Ray served as a POW/Missing Personnel Affairs deputy assistant secretary of defense.
The Cold War Museum and Old Bust Head Brewing Company in Vint Hill are hosting the online presentation.
Starting at 2 p.m., the event will be offered via Zoom.
Tickets cost $20, and the proceeds are going to support the Cold War Museum. You can purchase them and learn more information about the presentation on eventbrite.
For questions, contact Cold War Museum Executive Director Jason Hall at 703-283-4124 or jason@coldwar.org.
Anyone unable to watch the talk may buy a ticket and receive a link to the video. If you are interested, email Hall.
