Legacies of War Announces New Board Chair: Karen Stewart is First Ambassador (ret.) to Lead the Board in Organization History

PRESS RELEASE

Washington, D.C. — January 8, 2026 — Legacies of War, the leading organization dedicated to raising greater awareness and funds to support the clearance of unexploded ordnance, survivor assistance, and explosive ordnance risk education is honored to announce that Ambassador (ret.) Karen B. Stewart will begin her tenure as Chair of the Board. Ambassador Stewart is the first U.S. Ambassador ever to serve in this role at Legacies of War.

A career Foreign Service Officer, Ambassador Stewart served as U.S. Ambassador to Laos (2010–2013), Belarus (2006–2008), and the Marshall Islands (2016–2020). Earlier in her diplomatic service, she held postings in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Washington, D.C. Her portfolio has long included issues central to Legacies’ mission: humanitarian engagement, diplomacy in post-conflict regions, human rights, and strengthening partnerships with communities affected by war.

Ambassador Stewart was also one of the leading senior signatories to the Ambassador open letter urging the resumption of U.S. foreign assistance during the 90-day freeze of Congressionally approved funding in early 2025. Her engagement demonstrated both conviction and leadership at a time when global UXO-clearance efforts had come to a halt.

“I am honored to serve as Board Chair of Legacies of War,” Stewart said. “Communities in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam continue to live with the daily threat of unexploded ordnance. Legacies has been a powerful force for awareness and action—and, with the Board, I look forward to building on that work, and the efforts of my predecessor Mike Burton, to advance safety, healing, and hope.”

Honoring Outgoing Board Chair Mike Burton

Outgoing Board Chair Mike Burton — a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Southeast Asia and a founding advocate for Legacies — expressed his confidence in the organization’s next chapter:

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to help give voice to those who endured the U.S. wars in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Ambassador Stewart’s leadership brings deep understanding, compassion, and global perspective. I know she will guide Legacies with the same dedication to justice and healing that has defined this organization from the beginning.”

Burton, who played a key role in shaping the organization since 2004, helped elevate survivor stories, support diaspora communities, and build national awareness of the American Secret War’s ongoing impact.

Legacies of War at a Historic Moment

Founded in 2004, Legacies of War fosters healing and peace through education, art, and advocacy. Over two decades, the organization has mobilized communities, policymakers, and international partners to support UXO clearance, survivor assistance, and explosive-ordnance risk education across Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Through persistent advocacy, annual U.S. funding for UXO-related programs has increased from $3 million to over $70M for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of Comprehensive Partnership between the U.S. and the Lao PDR and also President Barack Obama’s historic visit to Laos as the first sitting U.S. President to do so. Legacies is also honored to serve as a Friend of the President,  a trusted partner,  as Laos prepares to be the host country for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in September of 2026.

The year 2025 marked 50 years since the end of the American wars in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia — an essential moment to deepen public understanding of the conflicts’ enduring humanitarian consequences. It was also the 50th year since the largest refugee resettlement in U.S. history as millions of people fled the war from SE Asia.

Recent Impact Highlights (2024–present)

• Launched the first-ever Timeline of the American Secret War in Laos through the Legacies Library

• Featured in over 37 media outlets, significantly expanding public awareness

• Presented at major forums including the Vietnam Conference, Leahy Public Policy Forum, Global Health Week at West Virginia University, and the Economic Forum in Poland

• Coordinated sign-on letters from U.S. veterans, former U.S. Ambassadors, and international youth advocates supporting demining and survivor assistance

• Honored with an Award of Gratitude from H.E. Ambassador Sisavath Inphachanh of Laos

Leadership Voices

Khamsone Sirimanivong, Vice Chair, Board of Directors,Legacies of War, shared her excitement:

“I am deeply honored to support Ambassador Stewart as she steps into the role of Board Chair. Her decades of diplomatic experience — especially in Laos — bring invaluable insight, compassion, and global perspective. Together, we are committed to amplifying survivor voices, energizing our community of donors, veterans, and diaspora advocates, and accelerating the work to rid Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam of unexploded ordnance.”

Sera Koulabdara, CEO of Legacies of War, welcomed Ambassador Stewart’s appointment:

“Ambassador Stewart brings global experience and a deep understanding of the enduring impacts of war. Her leadership will help us strengthen awareness, build new partnerships, and accelerate progress toward a safer future for communities still living with UXO.”

Call to Action: Support Needed Now

As Legacies of War enters this pivotal chapter, we are seeking urgent funding to expand our educational and advocacy work. Your support will:

• Educate the American public about the long-term consequences of war and inspire strong Congressional support

• Empower the next generation of peacebuilders, including youth, diaspora communities, and veterans

• Preserve cultural memory and survivor stories, ensuring their history is honored and not forgotten

As a small but high-impact organization, Legacies of War has shown that meaningful change is possible through creativity, trust, and community engagement. With your support, we will continue building the bridges of memory and understanding that true peace requires.

If you would like to learn more about Legacies of War, please contact:

Danae Hendrickson, Marketing & Communications, Danae@legaciesofwar.org

www.legaciesofwar.org

@legaciesofwar