"I leave - it’s always emotional, it’s always difficult. It is going to be perhaps most difficult here - only because Armenia has embraced me so completely. Everywhere I’ve gone, it’s been like…having dinner with the family," said United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Armenia Mission Director John Allelo, as he completes nearly four years of service in the country.

“Under John’s leadership, the Mission expanded its impact—budget allocations increased, new projects were launched, and the benefits for the people of Armenia significantly grew. John’s time here was defined not only by his effective leadership but also by his heartfelt love for Armenia and its people,” USAID/Armenia noted in a statement on Facebook. 

 "You know, I am very, very proud to be an American, but if there could be a little part of me that could change - it would become Armenian," Allelo said as he reflected on his time in Armenia.