U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Richard Miles, is one of the most experienced and senior American diplomats, particularly when it comes to dealing with Russia and the former Soviet Union, where he has spent most of his career. In Tbilisi, Ambassador Miles sits in the cockpit of a huge American effort, which includes the third largest U.S. foreign aid program per capita (more than $90 million annually), a huge military assistance effort ($64 million this year) and, with his staff, serves as eyes and ears for Secretary Powell and President Bush inside this geographically vital nation. Sharon Miles, the Ambassador’s spouse, has gained a reputation in her own right, named this year as winner of the annual Avis Bohlen Award for a Foreign Service family member whose voluntary activities have done the most to advance American interests.