[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 26, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S1198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL PEACE CORPS WEEK

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate National 
Peace Corps Week and to honor more than 190,000 Peace Corps Volunteers 
from both my home State of New Mexico and across the Nation. Each year 
these courageous men and women embark on a 2 year journey to help 
develop the societies of 139 countries around the world.
  Almost 47 years ago, then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students 
at the University of Michigan to serve their country by peaceably 
living and working to develop another country. Over the years, 
volunteers have made significant and lasting contributions around the 
world by educating people on basic health issues, performing youth 
outreach, developing businesses, and offering assistance to small 
farmers to increase food production.
  Today, over 8,000 volunteers are serving in the communities of 74 
countries. Many Peace Corps volunteers from New Mexico are currently 
posted in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Honduras. Volunteers range in age from 
25 to 80, with varying levels of education including individuals with 
undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additionally, the Peace Corps 
offers programs that support academic studies once a term of service 
has concluded, which allows many volunteers to further their education 
after their self-sacrificing service.
  The experience volunteers take back with them from their host 
countries helps shape the course of their lives. Lifelong connections 
and friendships span these gaps of distance, and volunteers have the 
satisfaction of not only a job well done, but also of the positive 
image they created for our Nation.
  Throughout this week of celebration, I encourage Americans to ask 
themselves, ``What can I do for my country?''

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