John Kelly

As an assistant military attaché in the Paris embassy of the late 1970´s I worked closely with John who was then serving as the political-military officer in the embassy´s political section. I later worked with John in Washington circa 1986, myself at DIA and John at State Main. He was by and far one of the most balanced and intelligent Foreign Service officers whom I ever worked with over the years. May he rest in peace.

As a military attaché I worked with John in Paris in the 1970´s where he was serving as the political-military officer in the embassy´s Political Section. I later crossed his path at State Main in the 1980´s. He was a first class diplomat. Perhaps more importantly John was straight forward, sincere, extremely knowledgeable but still always searching and acceptable of new or divergent views. As a military man you could not do better for a diplomatic service colleague than John.

Just picked up on this notice. Years after John´s passing. My bad. John and I worked together in Paris circa1970´s. He was Pol-Mil and I was in the French liaison game. There could be conflicts so we routinely checked each other´s messages before transmission to Washington. Such a relationship is only ever possible if your counterpart is open, intelligent and above all without an overriding ego. No problem with John. As any number of respondents have already noted John was a class act. The...

You are never forgotten Rest in Peace Dear John

Dear John
You are always in my memories as a boss and friend thanks for everything
Rest in Peace

I hadn't known that John had passed away. I was his deputy in Beirut during some hard times there during the war. I had the greatest of respect for him. I ask Maritsa to accept my deepest condolences.

Beirut, mid- 1986 to mid -1987: I was a member of Amb Kelly's Marine detachment of 12 at the embassy, serving with Hud Bales and John Singleton. We enjoyed having a small close knit embassy staff that had a real sense of purpose in the wake of the bombings of our embassy in west Beirut and the Marine Barracks, not to mention the bombing of our east embassy location. We were limited where/when we could travel off embassy compound. I remember our Regional Security officers Frank Baker and Pete...

I also served as one of Ambassador Kelly's Marines at the Embassy in Beirut. He always made sure that we were well taken care of, treated with respect, and always had a moment to chat when saw one of us. A true Gentleman in every sense of the word.

I had the privilege of seeing Ambassador Kelly on more than one occasion in Helsinki when I was assigned to the Embassy there. To my surprise, he remembered me by name. Again, a class act.

My condolences to Maritza and the...

I served was one of Ambassador Kelly's Marine Security Guards in Beirut, Lebanon. He made sure his Marines were well taken cared of and had the respect and admiration of the entire detachment. May you rest in peace.

Michael Anderson