Ambassador Melissa Wells will receive the Estonian American National Council’s award for “Distinguished Service” at EANC’s 60th anniversary gala on September 29, 2012. Ambassador Wells exemplifies dedication to public service.  Her career includes posts with global responsibilities at the United Nations and five ambassadorships spanning over twenty years.  Born in Tallinn, she became the highest ranking American of Estonian birth or heritage in the U.S. State Department, and concluded her career in Estonia.  There she served with distinction during her “homecoming” to Estonia. EANC lauds her many accomplishments during a long and distinguished diplomatic career. The EANC awards program was established this year in order to recognize the work of Estonian American individuals or organizations in preserving and nurturing our Estonian heritage, culture, history, language, or community in the United States, or for outstanding contributions in a field of endeavor.  Other award recipients for 2012 will be announced shortly. EANC invites all to partake in this historic evening on September 29, 2012, to honor Ambassador Wells and other award recipients, and to celebrate our achievements over the past  60 years!  Complete details about the gala at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC, including registration forms, are on EANC’s website, www.estosite.org.  The ticket price goes up on August 15, so register now. For details, contact Linda Rink, EANC’s Executive Director, at (215) 546-5863, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .