2006.07.21: July 21, 2006: Headlines: Directors - Vasquez: Peace Corps: Gaddi Vasquez writes: My Departure from the Peace Corps

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Directors of the Peace Corps: Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez: Gaddi Vasquez: Newest Stories: 2006.09.07: September 7, 2006: Headlines: Directors - Vasquez: Peace Corps: Director Vasquez bids Farewell to Washington : 2006.07.21: July 21, 2006: Headlines: Directors - Vasquez: Peace Corps: Gaddi Vasquez writes: My Departure from the Peace Corps

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Gaddi Vasquez writes: My Departure from the Peace Corps

Gaddi Vasquez writes: My Departure from the Peace Corps

"Against the backdrop of the September 11 aftermath, the Peace Corps has achieved the highest funding levels in its history, a 30-year high in the number of Volunteers, 21 entries and re-entries into new countries, and an implementation of an effective safety and security operation that has led to a decrease in the number of crimes against Volunteers. Moreover, we have created new and innovative programs, including a major effort in the area of HIV/AIDS. Your work has contributed to all of these achievements, and I thank you for your dedication."

Gaddi Vasquez writes: My Departure from the Peace Corps

July 21, 2006

To: All Peace Corps

From: Gaddi H. Vasquez, Director

Subject: My Departure from the Peace Corps

I have been greatly honored and privileged to serve as the 16th Director of the Peace Corps. Though I have enjoyed the richness that public service has afforded me for over two decades of my life, I believe that my tenure at the Peace Corps during the last four years and five months has been the highlight of my public service career.

The sense of personal reward and accomplishment, coupled with the opportunity to work with Peace Corps Volunteers and staff, is unmatched. The men and women who serve at the Volunteer and staff levels represent the finest in America, and I am proud to have been associated with their service and commitment to promoting world peace and friendship.

We have much to celebrate in this, the 45th anniversary year of the Peace Corps. Against the backdrop of the September 11 aftermath, the Peace Corps has achieved the highest funding levels in its history, a 30-year high in the number of Volunteers, 21 entries and re-entries into new countries, and an implementation of an effective safety and security operation that has led to a decrease in the number of crimes against Volunteers. Moreover, we have created new and innovative programs, including a major effort in the area of HIV/AIDS. Your work has contributed to all of these achievements, and I thank you for your dedication.

I am honored that President Bush nominated me, and the U.S. Senate confirmed me, to continue my service in the administration as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organizations, in Rome, Italy. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities the new position will provide. I will be concluding my service on Thursday, September 7, 2006. On that date, Deputy Director Jody Olsen will become the Acting Director.

I wish you all continued success as you lead the Peace Corps through the challenges and opportunities of our time. I will always value the friendships that I have made here, and you can count on my continued support of your efforts to promote the ideals and principles of this wonderful agency.

Thank you.





When this story was posted in September 2006, this was on the front page of PCOL:


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