Peace Corps Volunteers
PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS -- (Senate - March 01, 2007)
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Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I extend my congratulations to the Peace Corps on the occasion of its 46th anniversary this week. I know that in doing so I join a countless number of past and present Peace Cops volunteers in commemorating the fruitful history of the organization.
Since the establishment of the Peace Corps over four decades ago, its volunteers have served as unofficial U.S. Ambassadors, representing the best of what America has to offer abroad. Their mission could not be more important than it is right now, during a time when our nation is so misunderstood in many parts of the world. With its global presence and tangible impact, the Peace Corps has worked to combat misperceptions about what America stands for and reaffirm American values. I have no doubt that these good deeds on behalf of others have made a tremendously positive impact on the communities in which our Peace Corps volunteers serve.
I am a strong believer in investing in cross-border relationships through programs such as the Peace Corps, which places American volunteers in the heart of communities throughout all corners of the world. Who knows how the interaction and good works completed by Peace Corps volunteers will change the world as a result? Perhaps the example set by a Peace Corps volunteer will correct a distorted perception, or prevent someone from sliding into hatred and extremism. Perhaps an American volunteer will acquire a new understanding of the needs in other parts of the world which will lead to a critical humanitarian intervention. The Peace Corps, through the impact on the community and the volunteer, is a win-win investment in stability.
The Peace Corps has a daily direct impact by meeting the needs of foreign communities with its volunteers serving as teachers, business advisors, information technology consultants, agriculture workers, and HIV/AIDS educators. Indeed, these services directly contribute to the strategic priorities of our national security, because addressing poverty and public health issues helps promote global stability. As one of many examples, today the Peace Corps volunteers are playing an important role in implementing President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
In recent years the Peace Corps has increased in size, in response to a growing need for its services. I am happy to see that it has over 7,700 volunteers working in 73 countries, and hope it continues to expand its reach.
I am especially proud of the Minnesota volunteers who are currently serving around the world, of which there are currently over 200. To them, and to the over 5,000 returned Minnesotan volunteers, I want to express my heartfelt thanks, for their great efforts to spread Minnesotan values of dedication, integrity, and hard work to another part of the world. Among these veterans is Mr. Robert Tschetter, the current director of the Peace Corps and one of my constituents. I was honored to help confirm Mr. Tschetter during my tenure as the chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps and Narcotics Affairs.
A medieval Spanish Rabbi named Maimomedes said he believed that the world is held in balance between good and evil and a single act of goodness and virtue tips the balance. I believe that the actions made by Peace Corps volunteers all over the world work to tip the balance towards good everyday. It is because of this belief that I have consistently been a strong supporter of the Peace Corps. Again, I would like to express my deepest admiration and best wishes to the Peace Corps leadership and its volunteers. Thank you for making the world a better place.
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