Dear Editor,
The Peace Corps is an enduring example of American excellence. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the organization. On March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an Executive Order establishing the Peace Corps. The President said, “Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. Men and women will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals of the country in which they are stationed, doing the same work, eating the same food, talking the same language.” He also said that volunteers would be contributing “part of your life to this country.”
I wanted to serve my country, so I applied to be a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV). I was accepted and served in Tae Chon, South Korea teaching English as a Foreign Language from 1977-79. It changed my life in a profound way. Living with Koreans, speaking their language and working with them for a common goal was the greatest experience of my life.
Today more than 250,000 volunteers have served in over 144 countries. More than 722 of those volunteers have been from West Virginia (WV). Their mission is to help countries meet their needs for a trained workforce, promote a better understanding of Americans and gain a keen understanding of foreign nationals. Over the years, PCVs have established primarily educational, agricultural, health and business programs in countries that have invited us. Many of those programs are still in place today and continuing to benefit those countries in many different forms.
A recent survey showed, when PCVs return home they are three times more likely to volunteer in their local communities than others. Peace Corps values, treating everyone with dignity and respect while promoting world peace and friendship, are instilled in returned volunteers and with their broad international experience our society continues to profit from their service.
It is my personal expectation that this program continues to receive federal funding and the support it needs to continue and develop. I hope many more Americans are able to serve their country in this exciting and worthwhile program. Just know, it will change their lives.
Today, as a proud Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) living in WV, I am delighted to be affiliated with the WVRPCV Group. We have over eighty-eight RPCVs in the state who have served all over the world. If you would like more information please contact wvpeacecorpsfriends@gmail.com.
Pamela Barry
RPCV
K-43
Tae Chon, South Korea
