ATAA Remembers Fallen Hero, Officer Mustafa Akarsu

Officer Akarsu had served the US Embassy security team for 22 years.  His courageous intervention and ultimate sacrifice saved many lives and sent a strong message that America and Turkey will not yield to violent extremism and terrorism.
 
Many who have visited the American Embassy may have had the fortunate experience of being greeted by Officer Akarsu.  Professional and kind, protective and hospitable, Mustafa Akarsu was an exemplary officer of the peace.  ATAA will remember him as a hero and exemplary person.
 
ATAA calls upon Turkish Americans and Friends of Türkiye to donate generously and honorably to the Akarsu Family Fund.
 
The following are several ways you can help the Akarsu family:
 
1. For Direct Donations to the Akarsu Family Fund:
 
www.indiegogo.com/projects/mustafa-akarsu-family-fund  

"Local Embassy Guards around the world, oftentimes overwhelmed and outgunned, are frequently forced to flee from attackers rather than stand and fight.  We saw this in the recent attack in Benghazi, Libya where a number of Americans were killed in a similar attack.  In holding his ground and knowingly placing his own body literally between the bomber and those he protects, Mustafa truly demonstrated his selflessness and acted as courageously as any hero we have ever known."
 
2. For Donations to a US Embassy Account at Garanti Bankası:
 
Turkish Lira account:
GARANTI BANK KAVAKLIDERE BRANCH ANKARA-TURKEY
ABD BÜYÜKELÇİLİĞİ BAĞIŞ HESABI TL
Swift code: TGBATRISXXX
IBAN: TR11 0006 2000 0750 0006 2950 60
 
US Dollar account:
GARANTI BANK KAVAKLIDERE BRANCH ANKARA-TURKE
ABD BÜYÜKELÇİLİĞİ BAĞIŞ HESABI USD
Swift code: TGBATRISXXX
IBAN: TR69 0006 2000 0750 0009 0821 84
 
For those wishing to deposit a check, the check should be made payable to  "American Embassy Ankara".  If the check donation is coming from outside of Turkey, please address the letter to:

 Financial Management Office
Attn:  Class B Cashier
7000 Ankara Place
Washington, DC 20521-7000

These accounts are open and will remain open for three months.  Donations to these accounts are not tax deductible as they are not American charities.
 
3. For tax deductible donations to a general fund that will help Mustafa Akarusu's family and other families of American security officers and locally hired staff who have died in the line of duty:
 
www.dsfoundation.org