The Epic Life of Bob Gersony: The Government's Greatest Humanitarian

The Good American: The Epic Life of Bob Gersony, the U.S. Government's Greatest Humanitarian

by Robert D. Kaplan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	36271 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	499 pages

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Bob Gersony was a legendary figure in the world of humanitarian aid. As the former Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),he played a pivotal role in some of the most significant humanitarian crises of our time. From the famine in Ethiopia to the civil war in Sudan, Gersony was always on the front lines, working tirelessly to save lives and alleviate suffering. His story is an inspiring tale of courage, compassion, and the power of one person to make a difference in the world.

Early Life and Career

Robert L. Gersony was born in New York City in 1934. He graduated from Columbia University in 1956 and then served in the United States Army for two years. After his military service, Gersony worked for the Ford Foundation and the Asia Society. In 1967, he joined USAID as an assistant administrator for Africa.

Gersony quickly rose through the ranks at USAID, and in 1978 he was appointed Director of the agency. As Director, Gersony oversaw USAID's response to some of the most devastating humanitarian crises of the 20th century. He played a key role in the famine relief efforts in Ethiopia in the mid-1980s, and he helped to negotiate a peace settlement in the civil war in Sudan in the early 1990s.

The Famine in Ethiopia

In 1984, a devastating famine struck Ethiopia. The drought-stricken country was facing widespread starvation, and millions of people were at risk of death. Gersony led USAID's response to the crisis, and he worked tirelessly to get food aid to the people who needed it most. He also helped to coordinate the efforts of other international aid organizations, and he played a key role in preventing the famine from becoming even more catastrophic.

Gersony's work in Ethiopia earned him widespread praise, and he was hailed as a hero by many. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985, and he was also named one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" in 1986.

The Civil War in Sudan

In 1983, a civil war broke out in Sudan. The war pitted the government of Sudan against the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA),a rebel group fighting for independence for the southern part of the country. The war was brutal, and it caused widespread suffering. Gersony led USAID's response to the crisis, and he worked tirelessly to provide humanitarian aid to the people who were affected by the war. He also helped to negotiate a peace settlement between the government and the SPLA, and he played a key role in ending the war in 1997.

Gersony's work in Sudan earned him even more praise, and he was widely regarded as one of the world's leading humanitarian figures. He was awarded the Free Download of the Nile by the government of Sudan in 1998, and he was also given the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' Nansen Refugee Award in 2000.

Legacy

Bob Gersony died in 2002 at the age of 68. He left behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and service. He was a true humanitarian, and he made a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world. His story is an inspiration to us all, and it reminds us that even one person can make a difference in the world.

In 2003, the Bob Gersony Memorial Fund was established to honor his legacy. The fund supports humanitarian aid projects around the world, and it continues to make a difference in the lives of people who are in need.

Bob Gersony was a true hero, and his story is one that should be told and retold for generations to come. He was a man who dedicated his life to helping others, and he made the world a better place.

Bob Gersony was a legend in the world of humanitarian aid. He was a man who dedicated his life to helping others, and he made the world a better place. His story is an inspiration to us all, and it reminds us that even one person can make a difference in the world.

The Good American: The Epic Life of Bob Gersony, the U.S. Government's Greatest Humanitarian

by Robert D. Kaplan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	36271 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	499 pages

FREE