Ambassador Laskaris honored Les McBride for his five decades of service at a retirement ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy in Chad. McBride, an American citizen, has spent 50 years fostering friendship and cooperation between Chad and the United States. He first arrived in Chad in 1974 as a volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps, where he taught English in Biltine, located in the Wadi Fira region.
After completing his Peace Corps service, McBride chose to stay in Chad, playing a significant role in coordinating projects led by the U.S. Embassy and USAID. His efforts focused on improving education and healthcare, combating desertification, and strengthening communities.
Throughout his long career, McBride built friendships with Chadians from diverse backgrounds across the country. Several of his former students from 1974 attended the ceremony; they have since become influential leaders, successful farmers, senior officials, teachers, as well as mothers and fathers.
The success of these individuals highlights "the profound impact one person can have when dedicated to a mission with passion and commitment." As McBride retires to the United States, attendees wished him a peaceful retirement and invited others to view photos taken during both the ceremony and throughout his time in Chad.