[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3012]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


 CELEBRATING THE PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS OF PENNSYLVANIA'S 7TH DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE SESTAK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 3, 2008

  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, since then Senator John F. Kennedy 
established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 190,000 U.S. citizens 
from all walks of life have served their country in the cause of peace 
by living and working side by side with our friends in 139 developing 
countries around the world. Our volunteers, representing the rich 
diversity of the American people, have helped those in need, promoted 
cross-cultural understanding, and created bonds of friendship that will 
last a lifetime.
  I rise today to honor these brave volunteers and to commemorate this 
as National Peace Corps Week, marking the 47th Anniversary of the Peace 
Corps on March 1, 2008.
  As of September 2007, 8,079 Peace Corps volunteers are currently at 
68 posts serving 74 countries, a 37-year high in program participation. 
Additionally, the Peace Corps has seen an increase in minority 
recruitment, with minorities now comprising 17 percent of all 
volunteers. The volunteers have made significant and lasting global 
contributions in agriculture, business development, information 
technology, education, health and HIV/AIDS, youth, and the environment. 
Returned volunteers often use the skills they acquire abroad to pursue 
careers in the U.S. Congress, the Executive branch, and the Foreign 
Service.
  I am proud to recognize the 16 volunteers from the 7th District of 
Pennsylvania who are currently serving their country and the world as 
Peace Corps volunteers and ask unanimous consent that their names be 
submitted for the Record: Justin M. Berman, Eric B. Geer, Tiffany I. 
Green, Katharine C. Heaton, Eli R. Heller, Bibi R. Khan, Thomas R. 
Kuklinski, John C. Langdon, James M. Lasak, Richard J. Liuzzi, John 
Paul Nicewinter, John F. Reilly, Chrystal L. Smith, Laura M. Urbanski, 
Maria E. Velez, and Sarah M. Young.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating National Peace Corps 
Week and to celebrate all our dedicated volunteers' important work. The 
spirit of service and opportunity they carry with them will help create 
a safer, brighter future for all.
  Thank you to our Peace Corps volunteers.

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