WASHINGTON — His storytelling left a mark. Albert Votaw lives on in memories decades after his passing. At 70, Cathy Votaw reflects on her father’s vivacious spirit. She describes someone larger-than-life, evident from old photos showcasing his bold mustache and love for bowties sewn by his wife, Estera.
On every April 18, marking the anniversary of the 1983 U.S. Embassy bombing in Beirut that claimed Albert’s and 62 others’ lives, a wave of sorrow surfaces for Cathy. She often writes emails to her family recounting Albert’s vibrant life as a public-housing expert for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In these messages, she expresses regret to Albert’s descendants who never met the grandfather who lost his life in a devastating attack.
Albert’s legacy reverberates across generations. Forty years later, as the agency tasked with boosting U.S. security through international development fades, its impact on the Votaw family stands clear: USAID both shattered and redefined their world. Albert’s work and sacrifice have inspired two generations to carry on his mission, weaving their family history into the broader story of USAID.
Telling this story is Cathy Votaw, who pivoted her career towards advocating for the victims and families affected by extremist violence, influenced by her father’s death. Similarly, his granddaughter, Anna, embraces risky assignments as a USAID contractor, tracing her decision back to her grandfather’s commitment and tragic end.
Albert started his USAID journey shortly after the agency’s founding in the 1960s by Congress and President John F. Kennedy. The initiative aimed to secure U.S. interests and promote global stability beyond military might. Albert’s family moved with him through various international postings, including Ivory Coast and Lebanon.
Memories of his first stint in Ivory Coast capture the essence of Albert’s work and passion, where he labored to develop rural housing. The local community nicknamed his recognizable big white station wagon “the Bateau” or “the Boat.” A treasured family photograph depicts Albert engaged in energetic dialogue with Ivorian elders, with Estera lovingly observing the scene.
When Albert was killed, Ivorian leaders, honoring his impactful contributions, crossed the Atlantic to attend his memorial. Despite the tragic loss, Cathy cherishes the acknowledgment of her father’s efforts by other nations. She recounts the pride and recognition felt when global cooperation worked towards upliftment.
The 1983 embassy bombing led President Ronald Reagan to honor Albert and his colleagues, asserting the ongoing importance of their mission. USAID’s roll call of remembrances includes Albert’s name among the 98 honored colleagues on its Washington, D.C. memorial wall.
Posthumously, Albert continues influencing his family’s trajectory. Cathy transitioned from private law to federal prosecution, driven by the inspiration of his government service. The embassy suicide bombing, one among the earliest of its scale, prompted the Votaws to advocate for better policies for American attack victims. Their efforts attributed legal responsibility to Iran and contributed to a compensation fund for attack victims, financed through fines on entities dealing with terror-related nations.
Anna Eisenberg, Albert’s granddaughter, feels a familial sense of invincibility against the threat of violence—cemented by the worst already visiting their lineage. Inspired by her grandfather’s life’s work, she pursued USAID roles, taking on challenging assignments, undeterred by personal risk.
Anna’s USAID career saw her through contentious regions like Boko Haram’s Nigeria and war-torn Afghanistan, where she contributed to community communications and empowerment efforts, continuing Albert’s legacy of resilient service.
Ironically, Anna anticipated a second term under President Trump might bolster USAID, magnifying its overlooked contributions. However, unexpected policy shifts resulted in congregation terminations as USAID faced dissolution under broader administrative changes.
Despite decades’ safety, Albert experienced unusual anxiety about his Beirut assignment. Yet, he reassured his family of the U.S. government’s sound judgment just days before the tragedy struck. On that fateful day, Albert was among those in the embassy cafeteria, likely animatedly conversing, when the explosion silenced all.
This year’s anniversary felt markedly different, as USAID, too, ceased to operate independently. Facing budgetary cuts, President Trump and Elon Musk targeted USAID’s infrastructure, branding it wasteful. An abrupt end to its humanitarian missions abroad and closures of its headquarters followed.
In memory of the service and sacrifices by Albert and others, officials promised the relocation and preservation of the Beirut memorial. Albert Votaw’s life and legacy remain a tale of dedication to bringing about change, reverberating through those who continue his mission.