Eulogy for Diplomatic Security Special Agent Ed Seitz

(As Prepared for Delivery)

Ed Seitz was our friend and colleague, and I am honored to have this opportunity to speak today. Mrs. (Joyce) Seitz, Butch, Alba, . . . on behalf of the Secretary of State, and the men and women of the Diplomatic Security Service, I extend our deepest sympathies.

Ed was unequivocally committed to the service of our nation, the Department of State, and Diplomatic Security. As Secretary Powell stated “Ed was a brave American, dedicated to his country and to a brighter future for the people of Iraq. Ed died in the service of his country and for the cause of liberty and freedom for others. There is no more noble a sacrifice.”

Ed Seitz comes from a family of dedicated law enforcement professionals, and proudly carried on that tradition with the Cleveland Heights and East Cleveland Police Departments. In 1988, Ed became a special agent with Diplomatic Security, and right from the beginning we knew that he was special. In the 16-plus years of service to the Department of State and the Diplomatic Security Service, Ed’s strength of character, and his dedication to family and this organization were his hallmarks.

His work was nothing short of magnificent. He accepted every challenge willingly and always performed with an unmatched level of excellence. Ed took on some of our most important missions throughout his career. Ed protected Secretaries of State and other foreign dignitaries so that they could conduct their business safely and securely, in the hope of bringing peace and stability to troubled regions of the world. Ed secured our diplomatic missions in Sana’a, Yemen, and Shenyang, China, so that American diplomats could carry out the President’s foreign policy agenda effectively. He investigated terrorism cases following the terrorist attacks of September 11th because he wanted to do his part to safeguard our nation. In Iraq, Ed played a critical role in America’s efforts to bring democracy and opportunity to the people of a country who had never experienced the joys of freedom.

Ed brought zeal to his job. More importantly he was successful. A former supervisor once remarked, “He (Ed) is one of a select few who can, when needed, move mountains . . . .” He was always there to help track down a lead, or to contact our offices throughout the world to help another law enforcement officer. Today’s outpouring of support from law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada reflect Ed’s willingness to help his colleagues, regardless of the country or agency, as long as you shared Ed’s commitment to combating terrorists and criminals.

Not only was Ed an exceptional agent, but he was an exceptional person as well. In an organization where so many interactions and personal contacts are short-lived by reassignments and the transient nature of the profession, the depth of personal friendships and length of time of the friendships Ed developed are remarkable. Ed’s classmates from his basic agent training days unanimously remember Ed’s caring and unselfish dedication to his colleagues and the organization. Ed would always be looking out for the welfare and safety of his fellow agents. Ed’s first words to a person were "What can I do to help?" He was always attentive to the needs of his colleagues. No request was beyond the realm of possible. Once, in the midst of a particularly grueling trip, Ed literally gave another agent the shirt he was wearing, so that the agent could attend a senior-level meeting. It is all these memories that will stay with us forever. Shortly after receiving word of Ed’s passing, the Consulate in Shenyang held a memorial service in Ed’s honor. The outpouring of emotions from those who worked with Ed and from those whose lives were touched by Ed--even after several years have passed--are a tremendous tribute to Ed’s character and personality.

His dedication to his profession is only outmatched by his devotion to his family. It was called to my attention that several years ago, when Ed and another agent were meeting in Ed’s hotel room, the agent noticed a wedding photo in the room. When asked about it, Ed replied that it was a wedding photo of his parents, and he took it with him wherever he traveled. Ed’s life was complete when he met Joyce in Yemen. Their friends unanimously note that Joyce was Ed’s perfect match. Ed was never happier than when he was with Joyce.

Several years ago one of Ed’s supervisors wrote that Ed (is) ". . . beloved by his colleagues and adored by the staff.” As I look out over the assembled family members, friends, and colleagues here today, I know that every person here echoes those same thoughts. Joyce, you should know that in the coming weeks and months that the people assembled here today are here for Ed, and they are here for you. You will always be part of our family.

Ed once wrote, “It is nice to know that I made a difference, and I did my job . . . .” Ed you did make a difference. A difference in every life you touched and in the hearts and minds of all of us. Furthermore, you not only did your job, but you did it with extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication. We will never forget you. God bless.