Andrea "Andi" Parhamovich, Iraq, Air America Radio

SAD NEWS

Former Air America Staffer Killed In Iraq







From Iraq today, very sad news:

The National Democratic Institute reports that one of its convoys was attacked yesterday morning, January 17, in Baghdad, leaving four people dead and two wounded. Information is still being gathered about the incident, but it appears that the three-vehicle convoy was ambushed and sustained heavy damage.

One of the confirmed dead is a staff person, Andrea "Andi" Parhamovich of Perry, Ohio, and the other individuals were dedicated security personnel from Unity Resources Group (URG). The names of the security personnel are being withheld at the request of URG management.

The Institute expressed its deepest condolences to its Iraq staff and the families who are facing this tragedy.

"There is no more sacred roll of honor than those who have given their last full measure in support of freedom," said NDI Chairman Madeleine K. Albright. "Yesterday, in Iraq, Andrea Parhamovich and our security personnel were enshrined on that list. They did not see themselves as heroes, only people doing a job on behalf of a cause they believed in. They were not the enemies of anyone in Iraq; they were there to help. Now, the prayers of all of us at NDI are with them and with their families. We pledge to do everything that is within our power to see that they did not die in vain. We will honor their example, keep alive their memory, and carry on their work."

A graduate of Marietta College, Andi, 28, developed her career in political commun- ication with the Mass- achusetts Governor's office and Department of Economic Development, Air America Radio and, most recently, the International Republican Institute in Iraq before joining NDI's Baghdad staff in late 2006.

An outgoing woman who made friends quickly, Andi wanted to use her education and skills as a communications specialist to help Iraqi political party leaders and parliamentarians develop strategies to reach out to voters and constituents.

Andi's work helped to build the kind of national level political institutions that can help bridge the sectarian divide and improve Iraqi lives. An energetic activist who inspired her colleagues with creative ideas, Andi forged impressive relationships with Iraqi political leaders, many of whom have expressed their deep sadness at her murder.

Clearly, Parhamovich was working for the good of all Iraqis and her murder only sets back the cause of freedom in the country.

Packing quite a lot of experience into her resume, Parhamovich interestingly worked both for a Republican Massachusetts governor and the liberal Air America Radio network. Her tenure at the latter must have been stressful and there's little doubt she was especially excited to assist in Iraq's reconstruction efforts.

We're very sorry to hear of Parhamovich's passing and thank her for her important work in Iraq.


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