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Kimberly man gets post in Paraguay
Peace Corps veteran volunteer heads operations
By Kara Patterson Post-Crescent staff writer
Kimberly native James Geenen knows this world has problems. As a veteran of the Peace Corps, he has spent more than half of his life seeking the solutions.
Geenen, 54, recently accepted his first Peace Corps leadership position as the operations director for the Paraguay, South America, division.
“The kind of work the Peace Corps does has always appealed to me,” Geenen said from Paraguay’s capital of Asuncion, where he is stationed with wife, Janine, an Appleton native.
About two months ago, Geenen took the helm of a crew of 28 American and Paraguayan staff, and 185 U.S. volunteers.
Geenen said his group has a lot of ground to cover. An economic crisis in neighboring Argentina cost many Paraguayans their jobs.
To combat poverty and crime, Geenen said, will take organization.
“I’m not talking about political groups,” he said. “I’m talking about women’s groups, youth groups, health groups, and showing how people can work together and trust one another.”
Geenen’s term will not last longer than five years. He said the Peace Corps also mandates a break of five years between administrative roles.
Geenen is known as a man who wants to save the world, according to his sister Kathy Mitchell of Darboy.
“He’s encouraged me, in my lifestyle, to go for what I think is right, and to be there for other people in Darboy, Wisconsin,” she said.
Kara Patterson can be reached at 920-993-1000, ext. 215, or by e-mail at kpatterson@postcrescent.com
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This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Peace Corps - Headquarters; COS - Paraguay
