March 1, 2001 - University of Montana: James Birchfield said he was in Guatemala in the Peace Corps when the country was in the midst of a civil war

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Guatemala: Peace Corps Guatemala: Peace Corps in Guatemala: March 1, 2001 - University of Montana: James Birchfield said he was in Guatemala in the Peace Corps when the country was in the midst of a civil war

By Admin1 (admin) on Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 4:30 pm: Edit Post

James Birchfield said he was in Guatemala in the Peace Corps when the country was in the midst of a civil war



James Birchfield said he was in Guatemala in the Peace Corps when the country was in the midst of a civil war

Peace Corps celebrates 40 years of service
Chris Lawrence
Montana Kaimin


On March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy penned an executive order establishing the Peace Corps _ a humanitarian effort to help people around the world.

Today, Peace Corps members in the Missoula area and throughout the world are celebrating the 40th anniversary through "Peace Corps Day."

In Missoula, 24 members will talk to as many as 500 public school students on Thursday and Friday to share their stories and the mission of the Corps, said James Birchfield, coordinator of emissaries for the Peace Corps.

The mission of the Corps is to promote world peace through friendship and has 160,000 volunteers serving in 134 countries.

Other goals include providing knowledge to the rest of the world and immersing people in other cultures to break down stereotypes, said Robert Moler, a graduate student in forestry and communication, who served in West Africa from 1996 to 1998.

Birchfield said there are many people in the Missoula area involved with the Corps, including a western Montana return organization with 50 to 60 members. Also, a significant number of UM students are likely to join after graduation.

"(Compared to other universities) UM has a high percentage of those who participate in the Peace Corps," Birchfield said.

Although most join after they graduate, UM's school of forestry offers a way for UM students to be involved in the Corps while in school. The "Masters International Program" allows students a combination of graduate studies while working internationally with the Corps.

Birchfield, who served the Corps in Guatemala as a technical advisor for a bee-keeping cooperative from 1973-1977, said his experience was life- changing.

"It was extraordinary to live in a village with people with profound respect for each other," he said. "It was the most intense awakening to world realities I have ever had."

Birchfield said he was in Guatemala when the country was in the midst of a civil war.

"Political violence was never part of my experience before," he said. "It was a lesson I have never forgotten."

Birchfield said the Peace Corps offers a tremendous opportunity which few take advantage.

"Few people do this considering the extraordinary situations," he said, adding that many serve in third-world countries and adjusting to these cultures isn't easy."(The Peace Corps) is for people with an interest in giving to those who have less," he said. "And it's for those with a spirit of adventure."

Those interested in the Peace Corps should call (800) 424-8580, or contact local recruiter Hal Carey at 243-2839. Those interested in the Masters International Program should contact the UM school of forestry.



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This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Guatemala

PCOL2316
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By David C. Thompson (0-1pool199-151.nas19.washington2.dc.us.da.qwest.net - 65.129.199.151) on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 1:09 pm: Edit Post

I would like to contact James "Jaime" Birchfield. I was in country 1971-1974. I served my last year as a Volunteer Leader and believe Jaime and his wife were stationed in Nebaj, El Quiche. I visited them every other week until I was medically evacuated for back surgery. I'd just like to get in touch if possible.

David C. Thompson
pooh1510@verizon.net

By Adam Beauchman (216-129-230-162.soma.3rivers.net - 216.129.230.162) on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 4:27 pm: Edit Post

I have questions about carpentry.


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