[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 2719-2720]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL PEACE CORPS WEEK

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, as a part of National Peace Corps 
Week, I wish to join many of my colleagues in celebrating the 47th 
anniversary of the Peace Corps and honoring the important work of Peace 
Corps volunteers.
  During this week, Peace Corps volunteers from around the world who 
have served over the years will share their overseas experiences with 
schools and community groups around the United States.
  By giving presentations during Peace Corps Week, former Peace Corps 
volunteers will help Americans better understand the people and 
cultures they have experienced, and the many benefits of Peace Corps 
service.
  By making presentations in classrooms, former volunteers will help 
create greater global awareness among students.
  The Peace Corps is one of our most effective and successful foreign 
aid programs.
  Since the establishment of the Peace Corps by President John F. 
Kennedy in 1961, more than 190,000 U.S. citizens, including 25,000 from 
my home State of California, have served their country in the cause of 
peace by living and working in 139 developing countries.
  The world has changed since 1961--and the Peace Corps has succeeded 
in keeping up with these changes.
  While education and agriculture are still an important part of what a 
Peace Corp volunteer does, today's volunteers also work on HIV/AIDS 
awareness, information technology, and business development.
  Many volunteers work in orphanages with HIV-positive children, 
implement programs for at-risk youth, and create support groups for 
HIV-positive people.
  Business volunteers conduct seminars on subjects like marketing, 
strategic planning, and tourism development. They work with women and 
minority groups to strengthen their participation in the economic 
system.
  Agriculture volunteers may find themselves working with farmers to 
implement techniques to improve soil quality and conserve water--or on 
the business end conducting production cost-and-price analyses.
  The Peace Corps also assists countries in need by supplying Crisis 
Corps volunteers--former volunteers who return to the field on a short-
term basis. In 2005, for the first time in its history, Peace Corps 
deployed 272 Crisis Corps volunteers domestically to assist in 
Hurricane Katrina relief efforts along the gulf coast.
  Also in 2005, Crisis Corps volunteers were deployed to Sri Lanka and 
Thailand to assist with rebuilding tsunami devastated areas, and to 
Guatemala following Hurricane Stan. As part of PEPFAR, Crisis Corps has 
deployed volunteers to Uganda, Kenya, Namibia and Zambia. Finally, 
Crisis Corps is working with Peace Corps posts in Central America and 
the Caribbean to address disaster preparedness in the region.
  Today's Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and 
essential areas such as information technology and business 
development. They have made significant and lasting contributions 
around the world in agriculture, education, health, HIV/AIDS, and the 
environment.
  Peace Corps volunteers continue to help countless individuals who 
want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their 
communities.
  At a time when the United States is seeking to reclaim the respect 
and admiration of the world and once again be seen as a champion and a 
leader of democracy, justice, and human rights, Peace Corps volunteers 
revitalize faith in this country.
  They are leaders and diplomats, and they serve as an inspiration not 
only to their fellow American citizens but to citizens all across the 
world.
  I urge all my colleagues to support the Peace Corps and celebrate 
National Peace Corps Week.
  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate National Peace 
Corps Week and to recognize the 47th anniversary of this distinguished 
organization. Since 1961, the Peace Corps has dispatched over 190,000 
volunteers to promote a greater understanding between the United States 
and the rest of the world.
  As part of National Peace Corps Week, returning volunteers will be 
visiting Washington for several days of events. Many of them will use 
this opportunity to share their experiences in local classrooms. I 
heartily applaud these fine men and women for their initiative in 
seeking to make the world a better place to live and for the positive 
impact they have had beyond our borders.
  Now more than ever, the work of Peace Corps volunteers is an 
important asset within the diplomatic toolbox of the United States. 
Their efforts augment official diplomatic acts of our Government and 
add a personal dimension which could not be duplicated in any other 
way. When a volunteer travels abroad, they provide others with a 
glimpse of what it means to be an American and the values we cherish 
here at home. I encourage all Americans to make the kind of selfless 
contributions these volunteers provide to the international community. 
The Peace Corps has proven that individual citizens working together 
can promote and strengthen the image of the United States.
  Peace Corps volunteers inspire us all, and I am proud to say that 213 
volunteers from the State of Oregon are currently serving in over 50 
developing countries. These Oregonians complement the thousands of 
others who have served in the Peace Corps, and they brighten our hopes 
for a better tomorrow. Peace Corps volunteers have shown a level of 
dedication and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary. I invite all 
Oregonians, and all Americans, to join me this week in commending their 
efforts.
  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I wish to acknowledge Peace Corps 
volunteers during National Peace Corps Week.
  Currently, 25 active U.S. Peace Corps volunteers are from Wyoming. 
They have joined a unique organization of people who have taken the 
initiative and make the personal commitment to assist those around the 
world who are less fortunate.
  Peace Corps volunteers are the face of America in many countries. 
They are often on the frontline in the most primitive of environments, 
working tirelessly with local leaders to build a better future. Their 
optimism is often contagious as they assist communities in building 
infrastructure, developing

[[Page 2720]]

resources, and improving basic health care, education, and business 
opportunities.
  I commend all the men and women of the Peace Corps for their personal 
sacrifices. It is not easy to leave behind friends and family and the 
comforts of home. Yet I often hear that the rewards of bringing aid to 
those suffering from political unrest, natural disasters, disease, and 
a lack of economic opportunities are well worth it.
  The Peace Corps volunteers' reputation as ambassadors of good will 
demonstrates the ability of individuals to make a difference in the 
world. Their firsthand knowledge of the challenges people face on a 
day-to-day basis give those of us in the United States a better 
understanding of our world. I applaud their efforts and dedication.
  I would like to recognize the men and women from Wyoming who are 
currently serving as U.S. Peace Corps volunteers: Pamela J. Anderson, 
Jason N. Arnold, Alexandria L. Blute, Katie E. Boysen, Bria M. 
Chimenti, Joanne A. Cook, Jenna M. Dillon, Heather Dixon, Jeannie M. 
Freeman, Annie B. Gierhart, Alexis L. Grieve, Daniel J. Healy, Kevin U. 
Malatesta, Joshuah C. Marshall, Korie C. Merrill, Michael O. Nielsen, 
Katherine G. Oglietti, Kathleen F. Petersen, Rachel L. Petersen, 
Michael S. Quinn, Garrett C. Schiche, Brian M. Steen, Dayna C. Wolter, 
Angela E. Zivkovich, and Aaron R. Zueck.
  Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I stand before you today to congratulate 
the Peace Corps on 47 years of service. The Peace Corps was founded on 
March 1, 1961, when President John F. Kennedy signed an Executive order 
establishing the Peace Corps as a new Government agency. Over the 
years, 190,000 volunteers, including nearly 2,700 Georgians, have 
served in more than 139 countries around the world. Throughout its 
history, Peace Corps volunteers have responded to the issues of this 
world with energy, purpose, and compassion.
  From February 25 to March 3, 2008, thousands of former Peace Corps 
volunteers will share their experiences with schools and community 
groups across the United States during Peace Corps Week. Through these 
activities, former Peace Corps volunteers will help our citizens better 
understand the advantages of becoming a Peace Corps volunteer. They 
will also have the opportunity to educate about the people and cultures 
they have encountered during their service. Additionally, by making 
presentations in classrooms, former volunteers will help create greater 
global awareness among students.
  I also want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the late U.S. 
Senator Paul Coverdell of Georgia, who was my good friend and colleague 
for many years. As the corps' first post-Cold War director, Paul 
steered the Peace Corps into a new era. I was pleased the President 
honored Paul posthumously in 2001 by renaming the Peace Corps 
headquarters in Washington, DC, as the Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps 
Headquarters as well as renaming the Peace Corps World Wise Schools 
program as the Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools program. I am proud 
to support an organization that such a distinguished Georgian was so 
instrumental in shaping.
  I am pleased that the President announced the reopening of a Peace 
Corps mission in Rwanda during his visit to the country last week. I 
believe the Peace Corps will make an important contribution to the 
recovery of that country.
  Today, there are 8,079 Peace Corps volunteers and trainees in 68 
posts serving 74 countries. Of those volunteers, 160 are from my home 
State of Georgia. I want to take this opportunity to thank those 
Georgians and all Americans who have served in the Peace Corps. The 
Peace Corps is a critical piece of our diplomatic and humanitarian 
efforts worldwide. I look forward to supporting the Peace Corps as a 
Member of the Senate.
  Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I wish to commemorate the past 47 years of 
service of over 190,000 Peace Corps volunteers who have served our 
Nation and aided developing nations worldwide. This week our Nation 
celebrates their contributions toward the elimination of global poverty 
and disease that continues to deprive millions of people the 
opportunity to fulfill their goals and dreams.
  Henry David Thoreau noted that ``One is not born into the world to do 
everything, but to do something.'' To do something is the foundation of 
the Peace Corps' mission. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy 
established the Peace Corps to promote peace and friendship and 
challenged Americans, young and old, to help their Nation and the world 
by sharing their talents with those in developing countries. Many 
Americans have heeded his call to service. Currently, approximately 
8,000 volunteers serve in 74 countries to help train and provide skills 
to those in need and act as American cultural ambassadors to those 
nations. However, their work does not end there.
  I am very proud that 261 Peace Corps volunteers from Pennsylvania are 
currently serving abroad. These men and women will join the ranks of 
former Pennsylvanian volunteers who continue to leave their mark on the 
world such as Christina Luongo from Stroudsburg, PA, who served as a 
nutrition education volunteer in Bolivia from 2002 to 2005; Abigail 
Calkins, from Philadelphia, PA, who served as a community development 
volunteer in Cameroon from 1987 to 1990 and is now working at the 
University of Pennsylvania researching breast and endometrial cancer; 
and Betrice Grabish, from North Wales, PA, who served as an English 
teacher in Uzbekistan from 1992 to 1994.
  As we celebrate National Peace Corps Week, I would also like to 
highlight the vital contributions that a predecessor of mine, Senator 
Harris Wofford, made toward launching the Peace Corps in 1961. As 
special assistant to President John F. Kennedy, Senator Wofford helped 
plan and launch the Peace Corps and later moved with his family to 
Ethiopia, where he served as the Peace Corps' special representative to 
Africa and director of its Ethiopia program. Ever since, Senator 
Wofford has been a leading voice advocating for more Americans to 
become involved in national service. Committing to serve one's nation 
is an honor, and I join Senator Wofford in calling on more Americans to 
make this commitment.
  As our world becomes interconnected, more Americans will need to 
interact with those who live outside our borders. Peace Corps 
volunteers learn more than 250 languages, which provides them the 
skills to compete globally as well as assist the U.S. Government in 
national security areas where critical language skills are essential. 
Many Peace Corps volunteers go on to serve in Congress, the executive 
branch, and the Foreign Service. I salute the Peace Corps for its 
tremendous work and the dedication of its volunteers who have not 
hesitated to help improve our world. On this week marking the 47th 
anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corps, I call on everyone to 
join me in celebrating its historic achievements.

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