The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is proud to celebrate the selection of the USAID Middle East Crisis Humanitarian Response Team as a recipient of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal in the National Security and International Affairs category.

As one of eight award recipients selected from a pool of more than 430 nominees, the USAID Middle East Crisis Humanitarian Response Team was honored for its effort in leading the U.S. Government's responses to the crises in Syria and Iraq. Response Manager Alex Mahoney will accept the award today on behalf of the team.

Since 2012, more than 360 people have served on the USAID Middle East Crisis Humanitarian Response Team, and have helped to deliver life-saving assistance to millions of Syrians and Iraqis, some whom ISIS has displaced. The team draws on decades of experience and creativity to provide food, water, shelter, emergency healthcare, sanitation, and protection programs in some of the world's most dangerous places.

The Service to America Medal is among the highest honors available to Federal workers. We are proud USAID's disaster experts are receiving this recognition for their important, life-saving work.