On the recordMarch 4, 2010
I rise today to congratulate the Peace Corps on the occasion of its 49th anniversary. Since the Peace Corps' inception in 1961, nearly 200,000 Americans have volunteered to live and work in developing countries around the globe in an effort to help provide stability and progress. Through aiding in education, community development, business development, health awareness and food security, these volunteers are improving lives and communities and making them better places to live and thrive. It is this selfless dedication to helping people and communities help themselves that has strengthened ties between America and the world. I am proud to say that 155 Georgians are serving as volunteers with the Peace Corps, including a former staffer of mine, Rebecca Riccitello, who is working in Ghana. My home State of Georgia has a long history with the Peace Corps. Former U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell of Georgia devoted much of his time to the Peace Corps, and served as its director in the late eighties. During his tenure, the World Wise Schools Program was founded, which connects students in the United States with Peace Corps volunteers around the world. Peace Corps volunteers engage in real, meaningful work and truly make a difference in individual lives around the world. I commend them for their efforts on our nation's behalf, and I am pleased to recognize the Peace Corps and all those who help the organization help others in America's name.
