[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2738]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




NATIONAL PEACE CORPS WEEK, THE 49TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE 
                              PEACE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2010

  Mr. BLUNT. Madam Speaker, I am continually inspired by the great 
philanthropy and giving nature of the American people. When humanity 
suffers, where calamity arises--floods in Indonesia, earthquakes in 
Haiti or Chile, war-torn landscapes around the world or in poverty 
stricken populations in the Sudan--Americans respond with their time, 
energy and sacrifice. This outpouring of generosity to foreign lands 
and different cultures is a uniquely American trait. The Peace Corps, 
created 49 years ago this week, embodies that trait.
  It was President John F. Kennedy who urged Americans to serve their 
country by working in developing countries and their local villages to 
enhance the quality of life for others. Approximately 7,600 Peace Corps 
Volunteers, including five from Southwest Missouri, are serving in 
Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the 
Middle East and the Pacific Islands.
  I am proud of the service of the five Southwest Missourians currently 
volunteering in the Peace Corps. Megan Abbott began her service in 
Belize four months ago. Austin Durr has been in Paraguay since 2007. 
Laura Pegram has served in Botswana since June 2008. Bruce Taylor has 
served for one year in Kenya and will serve another year. Scott Tuttle 
has been in Niger since 2008. Leaving behind the comforts and 
conveniences of home, Peace Corps volunteers like Abbot, Durr, Pegram, 
Taylor and Tuttle are symbols of our nation's commitment to progress, 
opportunity and development in the developing world.
  Their desire to make a difference, like that of 200,000 Americans who 
have served since 1961, has improved the lives of millions of people 
around the world.
  Peace Corps volunteers learn languages and receive extensive cross-
cultural training, enabling them to function effectively at a 
professional level. Volunteers have made lasting contributions around 
the world in agriculture, business development, information technology, 
health, education, HIV/AIDS, youth and the environment.
  Recognizing the legions of Peace Corps volunteers, past and present, 
who work hard everyday to improve the lives of the people they assist 
affirms our nation's commitment to helping people help themselves in 
the pursuit of life, liberty and prosperity throughout the world.
  To Megan Abbott, Austin Durr, Laura Pegram, Bruce Taylor and Scott 
Tuttle, I want to express my sincere thanks for your service in the 
Peace Corps.

                          ____________________