Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Brian Straight can be contacted at brianstraight2002ayahoodcom
Country of Service: El Salvador
Training Group: Agroforestry June 1999
Cities you served in: Jocoaitique
Arrival Year: 1999
Departure Year: 2001
Work Description:
Agricultural extension projects, secondary work in home health, education, et al.
Bring us up to date on your life after the peace corps:
I was medically separated in May 2001, just prior to my anticipated COS date. In 2002 went to teach in China, then went to teach for 2002-2003 in US Virgin Islands. In 2003 returned to US mainland to study MA program in International Affairs at Ohio University in Athens, OH, and since early 2006 work for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington, DC. I travel around US to teach parents, teachers, law enforcement how to keep kids safer.
Any thoughts you have now looking back on peace corps days?:
Wonderful times. For all the hardships, heartache, and homesickness, they were the best two years of my life. They were formative, tempering years and solidified me as a person, as a man. I miss it constantly and not a day goes by that I don't talk about El Salvador in some way. I feel blessed to have had the experience and one day would like to do it again, maybe next time with a wife to share it with her.
Anyone you are looking for or would like to hear from?:
I am happy to swap stories with anyone from El Salvador or elsewhere who served as as Volunteer.
Any message for returned volunteers?:
God bless each and every one of you for your service, your courage, your strength. People like you were my lifeline while I was there and I cannot ever thank you enough for the support and love you provide your fellow volunteers, especially during the hard times. I don't know that I have ever felt as close to another group of human beings as I did to the other volunteers with whom I served, and I will cherish those relationships and the memories they provide forever.
Originally posted: May 22, 2006
