[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 24 (Wednesday, March 1, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEACE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 2006

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the United States Peace Corps and its more than 7,800 volunteers 
serving abroad as they celebrate the 45th anniversary of this respected 
organization. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace 
Corps, impressing upon thousands of young people the need for public 
service and urging them to become not simply citizens of the U.S., but 
to become global citizens in pursuit of peace and friendship.
  The Peace Corps has carried on that mission. By serving two years 
overseas, volunteers work cooperatively with local communities, 
providing expertise and assistance, and empowering people in developing 
countries. Their service continues President Kennedy's hopes for the 
Peace Corps to change the lives of countless individuals, families, and 
communities worldwide.
  Today, I would also like to share the story of a volunteer from my 
district--a young woman from Santa Fe, New Mexico who was committed to 
the mission of the Peace Corps.
  Tessa Marie Horan graduated from the College of Santa Fe in December 
2003 and began a career focused on educating children. She was accepted 
to the Peace Corps in November 2005, and after nine weeks of training, 
was dispatched to work in Tonga to teach in the Community Education 
project. The education project is focused on building life skills for 
Tongan students, and Tessa, who was looking forward to getting to work, 
had already established a connection with the village youth.
  Unfortunately, Tessa's life was cut tragically short this January 
when she was attacked by a shark in the waters off Tu'anuku. In what 
had become an afternoon ritual, she was playing outdoors with the 
village children when they decided to take a swim to cool off.
  In the days before her death, Tessa's friends and family recall her 
saying that she was thoroughly enjoying her experience in Tonga and 
looking forward to the official start of the teaching program. Tessa 
was just 24-years old and often quoted Ghandi: ``Be the change you wish 
to see in the world.'' Those words are very fitting to describe the 
character of Tessa and the thousands of other Peace Corps volunteers.
  Mr. Speaker, congratulations again to the Peace Corps on its 45th 
anniversary, and a personal, thank you to all former and current Peace 
Corps volunteers from New Mexico. Your selfless dedication and service 
serves as an example of the American spirit.

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