I was a volunteer twice and while I firmly believe that Peace Corps is the most cost-effective element of U.S. foreign policy I do not support the RPCVs in Congress who are asking for full funding of Peace Corps programs. The war in Iraq is having a significant impact on the entire U.S. government and I don't think Peace Corps should be exempt from that impact. Until our leaders figure out how to control spending, how to raise more revenue fairly, and how to dismantle pork barrel programs, Peace Corps should take a hit like everything else.

By Ernest J. Lenz, PCV-Guatemala (extproxy2.guate.net.gt - 200.12.61.231) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 12:47 pm: Edit Post

I am presently serving as a PCV here in Guatemala in a heathy school project. Our COS is 9 April of this year.

Had the privilege of serving 37 years of active duty in the US Army. When it comes to a stratigic preemptive strike capabilty, the Peace Corps is the best thing the US has in its armormentarium. We preform preemptive strikes against disease, hunger and illiteracy. These are the underlying causes of insurgencies and many forms of terrorism. And, in terms of return on investment(ROI, we are highly cost effective.

Therefore, I strongly support our RPCV's in Congress in seeking full funding for the Peace Corps. Hopefully, the better job we do, the less our superb troops will have to do in the future.

There is so much to do for so many. There is still a lot to do here in Latin America. And, as John F. Kennedy said in 1961 "The whole thing is going to be won or lost right here in Latin America".

Ernest J. Lenz, PhD, MPH
Colonel, US Army, Retired
Peace Corps Volunteer-Guatemala

By Andre Cadieux (h-66-167-148-189.mclnva23.dynamic.covad.net - 66.167.148.189) on Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 9:57 pm: Edit Post

Full funding for the US Peace Corps is and should remain a bipartisan "sacred cow." While denigrated with some merit by those in some quarters as foreign policy "window-dressing," I still believe the individual Peace Corps' Volunteer to be a vital cog in our diplomatic arsenal abroad as well as a critical means for enlightening our populace upon her return. The Peace Corps through its important work helps to create the conditions for peace and mutual understanding both at home and in the far-flung lands it serves.

Andre Cadieux
RPCV Morocco '99-'01