[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 23 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING NATIONAL PEACE CORPS WEEK FEBRUARY 28 TO MARCH 6, 2004

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                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2005

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, the Peace Corps is celebrating 
its 44th anniversary on March 1st, and its work has never been more 
relevant than it is today. Since its inception in 1961, over 178,000 
Peace Corps volunteers have served in 138 countries to promote the 
Peace Corps' mission of world peace and friendship.
  There are over 7,700 volunteers now serving in 72 countries around 
the world--this is the highest number of volunteers in the field in 29 
years. Our Peace Corps volunteers work as teachers, business advisors, 
information technology consultants, health, youth and agriculture 
workers. With the spread of HIV/AIDS ravaging many countries, more than 
3,100 volunteers are working directly or indirectly on HIV/AIDS 
prevention and education activities throughout the world. In short, 
Peace Corps volunteers provide valuable knowledge and life-changing 
skills to people all over the world in all aspects of daily living, 
altering countless lives in a positive way.
  We are a generous nation and pride ourselves in giving, not only 
monetarily, but of ourselves. As a nation, we recognize the importance 
of humanitarian service, and host countries are eager for our 
volunteers because we give with sincerity of cause and commitment to 
service. Our volunteers spread goodwill and embody America's strength 
and pride.
  During National Peace Corps Week, I would like to salute and honor 
our men and women who serve abroad as Peace Corps volunteers. I would 
especially like to mention my constituents who are currently serving in 
countries ranging from Albania to Swaziland: Anna Gutierrez, Nicole M. 
Hendrix, Meldy Hernandez, Cliff Okada, Erica Smith and Samrong So.
  Thank you for your service. And thanks to the Peace Corps for 
continuing to encourage and inspire Americans to give so willingly of 
themselves.

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