Sept. 22 marks a major milestone in the history of the United States Peace Corps. On this day in 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed into law the original Peace Corps Act, which formally authorized this unique and independent agency that has become perhaps the most recognizable example of U.S. goodwill to millions of people around the world.
Now, 64 years later, nearly 250,000 American citizens have proudly served our country in more than 140 nations. This includes 2,324 volunteers from New Mexico and 7,880 from Colorado since the Peace Corps Act was signed. I was fortunate to have served in Ghana as a secondary school science teacher in 1971-1972 and in Burkina Faso during 1972-1974 as a water well builder in small Sahelian villages.
The Peace Corps has a long history of strong bipartisan support. And, while our current political and social dynamics present unprecedented challenges, that support continues today. In its budget request to Congress, the Trump administration has requested level funding of $430 million for the Peace Corps in the upcoming fiscal year. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats, are coming together to introduce legislation to recognize the good works of Peace Corps volunteers with its highest civilian honor – a Congressional Gold Medal.
At a time when our country and world yearns for more peace and understanding, more civility, and more cooperative engagement, I urge New Mexico Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan, and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, and Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Rep. Jeff Hurd to support efforts to recognize the selfless, inspiring work of our past and present Peace Corps Volunteers, and provide the agency with the resources it needs to continue and thrive in the years to come.
Dr. Mick O’Neill
Farmington
