UP, UP AND AWAY!

On Friday, December 9, I had the great honor to attend the retirement ceremony for long-time AMHS member and officer, John Verna. John spent 40 dedicated years working in the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which was formerly known as the Bureau of Export Administration. BIS’ mission is to advance U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic objectives by ensuring an effective export control and treaty compliance system and promoting continued U.S. strategic technology leadership.

John was honored for his remarkable years of service by the Under Secretary for BIS, Eric L. Hirschhorn, Dan Hill, Deputy Under Secretary for BIS, and Brian Baker, his immediate Supervisor. In addition, the Secretary of Commerce, Secretary Pritzker, wrote a letter of thanks to John for his service in the U.S. Government. (By way of background, I work for the Department of Commerce and had long known about the ceremony for John, so I was certain I would not miss it). Congratulations to John on his retirement; may he and Eileen enjoy many years of happiness together as they embark on new adventures and journeys. (submitted by

Maria D’AndreaYothers)