[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5862]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL PEACE CORPS WEEK

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                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2009

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today during National Peace Corps 
week to honor the immeasurable contributions of the more than 195,000 
Americans who have volunteered to serve in 139 countries in the cause 
of peace since 1961. Through mutual respect and understanding, these 
men and women have committed themselves to improving our country's 
relationships with the rest of the world, and I applaud their 
dedication to communities around the globe.
  When President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps 48 years ago, 
he set out to provide ordinary men and women with an opportunity to 
strengthen developing countries devastated by the effects of poverty, 
disease, and war. Volunteers have come from all walks of life, some 
with years of experience and some just out of college.
  Peace Corps volunteers have mobilized to combat some of the world's 
most urgent humanitarian crises, including providing crucial assistance 
to communities in need of post-conflict relief and reconstruction as 
well as countries overwhelmed by natural disasters. These men and women 
have helped economically depressed communities develop new business 
plans, struggling farmers improve their crop production, and families 
devastated by HIV/AIDS receive the care they need.
  Currently, volunteers are serving in 76 countries, providing 
development assistance while fostering new bonds of friendship and 
seeking common ways to address global challenges. Over 400 men and 
women have volunteered from California's Sixth District, including the 
following current volunteers: Samantha Atkins, Gail Bachman, Tracey 
Bloch, Jamie Bowen, Catherine Carlton, John Cervetto, Rebecca Como, Jed 
D'Abravanel, Fionah Dominis, Jillian Geissler, Emilie Greenhalgh Stam, 
Daniel Grinnell, Alexis Guild, James Gurney, Amy Howland, Larissa Hsia-
Wong, David Hughes, Frank Lester, Ryan Loughlin, Alissa Mayer, Reid 
Miller, Ryan Reichert, NurAliyya Shelley, Robin Smith, Jessica Souza, 
and Jessica Wright.
  Madam Speaker, the 48th anniversary of the establishment of the Peace 
Corps is an achievement that we should all commemorate. I celebrate the 
leadership and accomplishments of these compassionate Americans who 
have committed themselves to promoting global peace, diplomacy, and 
understanding.

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