[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27358]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TEXAS GRANDPARENTS JOIN PEACE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2007

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, Maya Angelou once said, ``You shouldn't go 
through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able 
to throw something back.'' Since its inception in 1960, the Peace Corps 
has labored tirelessly throughout the world, ``throwing back'' to 
improve the lives of others. In these short 47 years, more than 187,000 
volunteers in 139 countries, have worked on issues ranging from 
environmental preservation to information technology.
  Despite the fact that many people recognize this global need, fully 
committing to serving is often easier said than done. Mary and Tom 
Evans, of Humble, Texas, however, are an example to us all. These Texan 
grandparents want to ``return to the communities of the world,'' their 
``good fortune.''
  At the age when most of the couple's peers are retiring, they will 
soon be departing for their second tour with the Peace Corps. The 
Evans's are part of the volunteer organizations recent drive to utilize 
the wisdom of America's baby boomers. Life experiences, undergone by 
this generation give them a better understanding of what is required to 
more effectively aid others in foreign cultures. Already serving the 
community at home in Humble, Mary has taught at local schools for 15 
years. Her Husband Tom is retired chemical salesman, who too began 
teaching as a substitute at area schools.
  The grandparents' combined experience adds to the proficiency of 
their ability to educate and assist different populations, as was 
demonstrated on their first tour in the Republic of Kiribati. During 
their previous trip, Mary and Tom's main task was to create textbooks 
for the Gilbertese speaking islanders. The ``tangible difference'' that 
the couple observed in the people they helped, made up for the 
seemingly remote living conditions.
  Currently, these Peace Corps volunteers are busy preparing for 
another adventure this time in the Ukraine. In anticipation of their 
upcoming trip, Mary and Tom are busy learning both the language and 
culture of their new posting. Although time has passed since their last 
endeavor, the couple is confident that they will even now be able to 
``serve their country in the cause of peace.''
  Giving back to the global community is truly an honorable endeavor. 
The example set by the Evanses and numerous other Peace Corps 
volunteers should be heeded by all. These patriots show the world what 
it means to be American; I commend their noble service.
  And that's just the way it is.

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