Please share any comments, stories, or memories. If you are a friend or family member of a fallen PCV and would like to contribute a picture, a story, or something different to a volunteer’s individual page, please contact us. You may also comment at the bottom of a volunteer’s individual page.
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Dear Chelsea:
I have not looked at this list for quite a while, but on this veteran’s day I can’t help but think of them all as heros of this country. As a parent of a fallen volunteer, the night mare of loosing a loved one is the same as if they had died in combat I can’t help but she’d a tear or two when reading the list even after all these years.
Thank you for keeping their memory alive and honoring them for their sacrifice.
Doug Roberts
John Roberts 10/11/2007
why was David Christopher Merritt DELETED from the original Memoriam published in records by USPC in 2019?!!
He died within 6 months of completing service in Namibia Africa
completed in late May 25, 2018
deceased from complications of misdiagnosed falciparum makaria-butkitts lymphoma on November 14,2018
in possession of photos of original memorium
Looking for Mrs. Bolt. She was a peace corp volunteer in late 60’s in Nigeria. She was my French teacher at Ilesha Grammar School, Nigeria. I need her contact info.
Dr. David Olowokere
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX 77004
RPCV Thailand 129.
Thank you for creating this sad and beautiful digital memorial to our lost family members.
My cousin Michael Periard was.killed in Nigeria in 1971. The only survivor of that accident, James M George, apparently lives in the same city as me! It would be fun to meet!
To the fallen heroes, we love you all.
WILLIAM W MILLER JR
KOSCIUSKO, 39090
MISSISSIPPI USA
willywmillerusko@gmail.com
I want to take a moment to remember Audrey Copeland, Ecuador Omnibus 45 who died in a river drowning accident in 1985 in the jungle. Audrey was bubbly and kind and hard working and she had beautiful curly hair. Today I was waiting in line behind a woman who looked like her from the back. I would like Audrey’s family and friends to know she has not been forgotten.
Joan Wolfe’s memorial is on video. (link below) Words are all we have to describe Joan’s intelligence, the depth of character & vision. Remaining friends & famiiy attempted to do so:
https://www.mykeeper.com/momentos/JoanLWolfe/
As we celebrate our fallen military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and its ideals over this Memorial Day weekend, let’s not forget the many other Americans who have given their lives in service to this country. Primary among them are the 300 + Peace Corps Volunteers who lost their lives since 1961 away from home pursuing the noblest of goals–world peace and friendship. May they rest in eternal peace, and may their families and loved ones find solace in knowing that they passed doing what they wanted to be doing, with whom they wanted to be doing it.
RIP Richard Leahy 1971 Ecuador
Please add this to his listing in the Fallen PCV project
Dick Leahy and I worked with cooperatives in the northern Ecuadorian sierra, with Dick’s work being around the border town Tulcan with a federation of agricultural coops. He threw everything into his job, spending weekends, days and nights helping the federation with their accounting records, with visits to members’ fields, with plans for purchasing fertilizer for resale, and any other way he could help the local farmers through their coop. He was fluent in “campo Spanish” and enjoyed joking and hanging out with his Ecuadorian friends as well as anyone. During his third year of service, his life was taken in a brutal head-on collision in the jeep he was driving with an Ecuadorian counterpart, Guillermo Lopez. just south of Tulcan on the Pan American highway. .
Alfred Wood, Ecuador 1968-71; Eswatini 2010-2012.
Hi iam looking for a miss Donna Stern, she served in the peace corps , and she also volunter in Honduras, Roatan Bay islands in the latar part of the seventes. It will be so good to hear from her or any information about her, She was such a sweet smart and caring person. All of us who worked at the health Center always remember her fondly.
For the Peace Corps Fallen
Read at the Memorial Amphitheater
Arlington National Cemetery
We who left you
Before our time
May return if you reach back
And carry a world
With us
Within you.
Let our monument
Be the mark you make
In the life you lead of peace and purpose.
Do, so that we may do
Act, so that we may act
Live, so that we may live
Again, through you
– Donald Maclean
I am looking for a volunteer first name Dean who served in Tanzania in the 1960’s. He had been a Park Ranger at Memorial Park near La Honda California prior to his service. My family corresponded with him for quite awhile then the letters suddenly stopped. We never heard from him again and always wondered if he was safe. I’m sorry but I was just a kid & don’t remember his last name. Anyone know him?
Peace Corps Volunteer Al Bannister was killed in Fiji in the period of time between 1968 and 1971 but does not appear on your list.
i was in the peace corps in western samoa…. i know the history os allan babister, he ran a turtle hatchery. alan was a peace corps hero. he was killed by a shark and was never found. more info email at ronald666rous999@gmail.com
I am searching for Tom Hosmer who I believe was building wells in Mali with the peace corps in the 80s or 90s. I don’t know if he died there or is still alive. If any one knew him and can give me any information that would be so helpful.
I’m from phebe hospital in central Liberia and searching for Dorina C. Mari
s, Medical Technologist. She left phebe hospital August 1989
John McGuinn was in our Ghana One group and didn’t die in this time frame although I recall not so long after he returned. In New York I recall, stepping from a curb or something senseless like that considering he had had much more chancy times when in service. I who’d returned early due to the death of my dad I recall seeing a new mention. He was such a nice guy. And from either Berkeley (where we trained) or near in the Bay Area of San Francisco. Edward Mycue
I revisited the FPCV website yesterday for the first time in a few years. I immediately looked for Jeremiah’s name as my eyes scrolled through the list of volunteers who had died. It has been 24 years since I had met Jeremiah Mack.
While many of the details are not crystal clear around my trip to Niamey in 1996, a few images stand out in my mind today. I had traveled to Niger with a two fellow PCV’s from Benin on a vacation. We traveled north and ultimately landed in Niamey during a time when many of the Niger volunteers were in the capital for a conference.
There, at the maison de passage in Niamey, a gregarious character approached me inquiring about where I was from and what I was doing up in Niger. I told him I was spending a week in Niger checking out a few PCV sites and people I had met as they were passing through Benin. He was the friendliest person I had met up in Niger. He introduced himself as Jeremiah and invited me and my Benin crew to his place in Goteye for the Goteye Fish Bake. We bonded over our impending trips to Europe. I was leaving from Niamey to Paris the following week while he would be traveling the same path one week later.
My memory of him as the host of the Goteye Fish Bake was as this magnetic individual whom people seemed to be pulled in by his joie de vivre, unrelenting wit and genuine warm-hearted kindness. We spoke of how much we were looking forward to seeing our families and dining in Parisian restaurants. He was a kindred spirit. Most impressive about Jeremiah was the seamlessness in which he integrated into his Nigerien community. He was also their son, brother, friend and uncle. They recognized his old soul attributes. He made us all strive to be better volunteers.
I would travel back to Niamey for my COS trip at the end of May 1997. I had made my way to the maison de passage where a large group of volunteers had gathered. I didn’t recognize many of the faces this time around. I was sitting amongst the group and inquired after a few Niger volunteers I had met during my last trip. I asked the woman sitting next to me if she knew of a volunteer named Jeremiah and if he was around. I remember she had beautiful red hair with a heavyhearted look on her face. Tears had welled up in her eyes as she contemplated my question. She buried her face in her hands and was led away by a few consoling friends. The individual next to me said “that was Margie, Jeremiah’s girlfriend. He died last week in an accident.”
While I barely knew Jeremiah, it was clear just how much he was loved by all of those volunteers huddled together grieving his death. How lucky I was to have met him. His candle and memory will burn brightly for years to come.
Hi iam looking for a miss Donna Stern, she served in the peace corps , and she also volunter in Honduras, Roatan Bay islands in the latar part of the seventes. It will be so good to hear from her or any information about her, She was such a sweet smart and caring person. All of us who worked at the health Center always remember her fondly.
I am curious about Mark Ellis. He worked in Haiti and in Africa. He was originally from Uniontown, Pa. He also attended West Virginia university.
Am just reading now about how Kellie Greene, the first director of victim advocacy as result of Kate Puzey Reform act was suspended and had lodged a formal complaint with US Government. Seems like she wasn’t playing nice!!! If nothing changes nothing changes. A sub standard response/ legacy for a superstar volunteer. somethings never change in the Peace Corp! The volunteers deserve a better Corp.
My post today on Facebook:
Today as we honor our Veterans for their service to our great USA. I want to remind everyone of another group of Americans who sacrificed.
Since the Peace Corps began in 1961, more than 235,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 141 countries, Of those dedicated men & women, 309 have sacrificed not only their energies and time, but also their lives while pursuing the Peace Corps mission. .
.
President Kennedy signed an executive order establishing the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961. One of his signature achievements was creating the Peace Corps, a new agency and a new opportunity for Americans to serve their country and their world.
I am Thai .I’m looking for Jones Megan Moynihan . She was a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand, 1988 . If someone knows her or her address please let me know.I lost her address when I was young. But still miss her and hope she have a goodlife .
Just, thank you for creating this and remembering them. What an awesome thing to do. M. Riggs RCPV Latvia Group III.
I think many more have died in service than are reported. This is a problem that needs to be addressed. Military soldiers always get credit for action…and Peace Corps volunteers are ignored and do not get recognized for their service and bravery and loss of life for their service. This needs to change and I am willing to work on this oversight of Peace Corps service.
Kindset regards,
Molly Skousen
I;m Kevin Leveille’s dad. I’d like to share information about Kevin. It has been more then 20 years since he died. I continue to think of him every day.
I’d like to contact David Franklin Storm, a PCV to Sierra Leone circa 1986. Dave, where are you and Dolores Mazineck? Your colleague teacher at Bumpeh High School, Cobbina, who taught Biology likes to reconnect.
My god. As a ‘returned’ PCV Fiji 60 (86-89) I had no idea how many volunteers had lost their lives during service. I, unfortunately did experience firsthand, the high number of sexual assaults visited on volunteers. Thank you for this on-line memorial for those whose service in many, varied ways,ultimately cost them their lives.
I found a letter today from a dear young man named Jeremy Rolfs, a fallen volunteer. He was a charming, disarming child and young adult. I miss him still. He was in a park district class I taught on theater for children. He and his sister Angie were two spectacularly talented kids. I loved them both and my life was made better by knowing them and their mother, Alma. It is hard to imagine my found letter was written 25 years ago. This season, I think about those whom I love/d. The Rolfs family is part of that group and will be forever.
Back in the early 60s I met a family by the name of Schaffer when they were posted by the Peace Corp in Jamaica. As a kid we played with there kids when they stayed at a guest house owned by my parents. It was called the Grange in Kingston. The actual house was called Fermain. This family introduced us to skateboarding back then.
Wondering about the family and if they recall the Batchelor’s. My uncle Owen (mother’s brother) and his wife adopted me thus different name.
My dad, Jack Shaffer, was the Director in Jamaica then. I can try to connect you with my half-siblings who were there at that time.
I’m looking for a nice couple of Americans, Leon and Laura who served my family and my village Moribabougou since childhood in 1983.
We have lost their address because of english,now i would like get in touch with them.I would like to be more grateful by sending to them some of their souvenirs. Please, help me finding their address.
Thank you a lot
Fode DJIRE from Moribabougou-Bamako/Mali
I am looking for Kathy Orr who served as a Peace Corp Volunteer the Ester Bacon Nursing School , Curran Lutheran Hospital in Zorzor Town; Lofa County from 1981 to 1983.
My name is Karen Kimba Moniba, from Liberia West Africa. I am Looking for Karen Atkinson,at the time she was called Karen Ducray, married to Dean DuCray. They were residing in Bopulu, Lofa County, West Africa, Liberia. The were peace corps from 1964 to 1966, I was named after Karen. Dean, found me, and now we both have been looking for her, since I wanted to know Karen’s where about. It will mean the world to me, if I know if Karen is still alive, and get in contact with you. Dean have shared lots of memories of Karen, and my parents while they were in Liberia.
I am looking for Mr James Lehmann a Peace Corp teacher who taught me chemistry in Secondary school at Peki Secondary school in the Volta Region Ghana West Africa. I would like to get
in touch with him and say thank you. I am grateful shaping my life. Without him. I will not be where I am today. Hoping some can connect me to Mr. Lehmann James.
i am his son,you can get back to me for more information about my dad david.raymond26@yahoo.com
Because James Redmann of Minot, ND, drowned in the rough surf of Grand Anse beach on the windward side of St. Lucia in July 1966, I was granted a reprieve by the Peace Corps and assigned to replace him in a teacher training program. (I’d been evacuated from eastern Nigeria in August that year, debriefed extensively in Washington DC, sent home and then summoned in September to replace “Jim” in Babonneau, St. Lucia. For the next 10 months I bunked with Steve Frederickson of Coeur d’Alene, ID, until he and his group completed their two-year assignment. In the heat of the Vietnam War, with Selective Service hanging over every man’s shoulder, my appeal to stay on as a community development volunteer for another year was turned down. (I had in mind teaching villagers how to build rainwater cisterns to capture a dependable supply of potable water.) While I never knew Jim Redmann, I became friends with Steve, Tom Anderson, Jerry Chambers and a few of the next (community development) group of PCVs who arrived in Castries in spring 1967. Tom, who is a retired math teach and school administrator, lives in Lewistown, MT. I’ve lost contact with all of the others as well as most of those I trained with at UCLA with Nigeria XX. I was able to attend the 50th reunion of the Peace Corps in Washington in 2011 and bump into a few of my old mates. Today when I search for my overseas stations on Google Earth, I’m unable to recognize any of it. To quote Don Ameche, “Things change.”
Thank you for this remarkable and valuable website.
Hi, my name is Cita Guna Maignes, I was born and raised in a Mansaka village of Cadunan, about 10 miles from Mabini, where late Nancy Boyd was a Peace Corps volunteer during the 60’s. I was in grade three when I meet Nancy at one of Friday night’s social dance in Cadunan. I have lived in MN, USA for 35 years. Three years ago, I return to live permanently in Cadunan. To take care of my mother who is 92 years old and suffering from dementia. I obtained a dual citizen. While I am here, I am creating a self -sustainable farm that creates job for locals. I also have established a beach resort about 10 minutes from Mabini.
I happened to be invited at the Araw ng Mabini last week as a guest speaker at opening ceremony pf their 64th county fair ” Araw ng Mabini”. It was my first time to see that the Nancy Boyd Library in Mabini is no longer there. I asked one of the government officials who invited me on what happened to the Nancy Boyd Library. They said it was torn down. I told them I wanted to restore that library as a memento of the past.
This caused me to google the whereabouts of Nancy Boyd. And I am happy I found this article. Nancy , was the life of the our village when I was growing up. I admire her ability to mingle and be immersed with our culture, so naive and no fear in executing her desire she caught from President Kennedy, “To represent America”. I love to see her dance the twists. When I watched her energy at that time, as a little girl, I also wished I could volunteer for the Peace Corps like Nancy. The Peace Corps is such a wonderful idea by President Kennedy. I am now 60 years old, but I never stop to wish that I could volunteer for the Peace Corps and this is still on my bucket list.
My prayer is that in spite of the current world turmoil and leadership we are currently dealing with, that Peace Corps will continue into the future. And that those Peace Corps organizers, will continue to think of ways on how volunteers can be safe while on their volunteering fields. Thank you, Nancy #1 and Nancy #2 for all that you have contributed to our world!
My daughter recently returned from her Peace Corps service in Malawi, and had the honor of knowing Cami Burton briefly as their service overlapped and they were serving in different parts of the country. I know what an amazing young woman she was, as are the many fallen Peace Corps Volunteers listed here.
On Memorial Day, I truly wish our country recognized also those who serve our country and humanity everywhere in the name of Peace–these amazing, dedicated Peace Corps Volunteers.
Thank you for bringing this project to everyones attention. Being in the Philippines in 1962-1964 I trained with and knew 3 of the first 6 PCVs on this list. All believed in the PC mission but some did not come back to personally gain from the riches of our experiences.
A small correction: from personal involvement: the year of the death of Roger McManus is 1963, not 1964
It is unbelievable to read the list of people who were in Peace Corps who have fallen. The wide range of countries, of specialities..and the amazing similarities of the people in their dedication, their inspiration and their love for all humanity. Kennedy inspired us all, brought us together and continues to have an impcat throughout the world. I am proud to be a RPCV who never left the country I adopted in 1977. We are the ones who can and will change this world!
As a nation on Memorial Day we rightfully remember those military members who gave their lives in service to their country. However, we should also honor those citizens who gave their lives in service to their country, while promoting world peace and friendship. I want to take this opportunity to salute all fallen Peace Corps Volunteers, their families and loved ones. Your sacrifices have made this country and the world better places. As an RPCV myself, you will forever have a special place in my heart.
Hello, My name is Janet. Cody worked with me and my team at Colorado State University Bakeshop for sometime while attending University. He was such a nice young man. He made such a wonderful impression when he spoke of his dreams of working for the corps and his dreams of what he wanted to accomplish. What a loss…….Prayers…….
My name is Richard Joh. I’m from the southeastern region of Liberia, West Africa. Precisely, in Duogee Town, Grand Gedeh County. I’m searching for a former peace corps volunteer by the name of Paul Watts. Paul taught in Duogee Town between 1965 & 1968/’69.
I can be contacted at: 267 471 9119
I was Chamorro language instructor for Peace Corp Micronesia Hawaii. I was in Molokai East End with John C. Pangelinan and Nick T. Palacios. I remember John Phillips, Allan Blustone, George from Arizona, Geraldine Biersbach of Buffalo, NY, John Gage, Ron Ronsheimer, the public health guys, Jeff and Linda Ewing. I remember Director Jerry Fite who played basketball here on Saipan. Anyone from Molokai camp?
I served on Yap and trained in Molokai. I knew those u mentioned and hear from j Phillips and g buersbach occasionally
Bob Jonas was my friend in Colombia. An “older volunteer” than most of us. He knew he had a heart condition, but even as a successful business man in Colorado, he parked his sports car on blocks and headed for Peace Corps in Colombia where he said he felt more fulfilled as a person. Although he never quite mastered Spanish, Bob was effective, breaching the age and culture gap with his experience, making friends and influencing small business men in Cartagena and Bogota. I still miss him…
I was in Gabon from early 1979 to early 1982 (“animating” villagers to build 3 room schoolhouses and teachers houses in the deepest darkest corners of the Gabon rain forest. I was very close to Diana Fillmore, who was killed in a tragic road accident in Libreville in December 1980.
I was reading an article about Gabon in a British paper today. I got to googling and, amongst other sites, landed here.
Diana was a soulmate (I’m 61 and have only used that phrase in the context of my relationship with her) whom I not only loved but admired. She was one of a kind. She has an eponymous niece whom, together with her sisters and their families, I hope are healthy & happy. Having been close to Diana I share a bond with them, and all those who knew her.
Michael – Not a day goes by that I don’t think about, and miss Diana. She was special – and is in my thoughts and heart always. Polly
May you all…Rest in Peace. Having served in the Marine Corps in Viet-Nam and the Peace Corps in Liberia…I sometimes think the most dangerous was the latter
you are right, I served in vietnam in 1970. came home got my masters degree in education, Was a peace corps volunteer in western samoa in 1984, we suffered alot of theft and abuse there, The girls suffered sexual assults. I started having flash backs related to the dangers in a combat zone. you are right,,, in the history of fallen volunteers, many were murdered,
My friend Ann Kenney died in a boat accident in June of 1970. She was a teacher on an island in the Ulithi Atoll in Yap, Micronesia. She was a dedicated teacher and was much loved by the people on her island. As her supervisor I observed her teaching skills and they were excellent. As an aside Ann was a beautiful woman and to this day I mourn her tragic loss.
I remember Ann Kenny as well. She was in our group, Micro 9. We were in training on Saipan June-August 1970 and then about 175 of us dispersed throughout Micronesia. I remember the tragedy of her loss in the outer islands of Yap in 1971.
PCVs have had a great impact on the coarse of my life. I now work at Google and I would love to express how valuable the work undertaken by the volunteers is.
Serving the cause of Peace can be difficult and dangerous, and we must not forget OUR fallen brothers- and sisters-in-Peace.
I have been in a blue funk since yesterday, thinking about Jennifer, and her first PC Country Director, Warren Weinstein, killed accidentally as an Al Kaida hostage, by a us drone missile, in Pakistan. I knew them both, I had a crush on Jennifer. She sang and played accoustic guitar. Warren helped me get out of Benin after a bad Motorcycle accident in Parakou, in 1983.
They were special people. Warren gave sooo much, Jennifer had so much to give.It was half a life time ago for me. I just hold them in my mind from time to time and hope to be a better person, from day to day, partly because of them.
Warren and Jennifer, your lives live on in me snd in so many more.
Warren Hadlock, RPCV,
Nattitingou, Benin
1-1982- 3-18-1985
I am sorry, I should have made it clear: Jennifer Rubin was in Northern Togo, not far from me, in Natitingou, Benin.
Also thinking about Bill Piatt, the then new Country Director for Togo, who discovered her body on a visit to her home, to meet her, shortly after he got to Togo.
We will always remember! More prayers today on Memorial Day 2016 for the eternal rest of the 298 PCVs who sacrificed their lives during serivce to our nation.
With sincere thanks to all who serve and remember,
Erin L. Eddy
RPCV Ecuador ’98-’99
President, RPCVs@State
I simply had no idea as to how many fallen PCVs there were.
Thanks to all of you who have kept up this memorial site and are working to make sure that these wonderful pcvs are not forgotten. I have never forgotten Beth Livingston, Costa Rica 1997. Maybe our collective memories and memorial actions can be the third goal of the Peace Corps organization. I do many things in memory of Beth here in Costa Rica even now.
Still mourning the loss of my sister Gail Gross who died in the Great Peruvian Earthquake of 1970, along with her roommate, Marie Clutterbuck. They died serving Peru and the USA. I hope their experiences were as great as my PC experiences were in Sierra Leone, and Palau, Micronesia. May they rest in Peace!
Hello Scott – Came across your comment on fallen PCV’s. Wonder if you’re aware of the 50th Anniversary of Peace Corps Palau. If you’d like more info, visit http://pcvpalau.blogspot.com — When did you serve in Palau? We’d really like to have an update from you.
i am a viet nam vet ….after gettin my masters degree in education, i joined the peace corps in 1984, spent two years in western samoa. I was more stressful to be in the peace corps than a war zone, it takes a brave person to deal with the problems in a third world country, you will serve two years in the peace corps and in the end you will change, not the people you tried to help, i was in samoa and got the 25 annaversary pin,,, I am now getting a 100 percent agent orange disability from the v a,,, And i wad drafted ,,, So helping third world countries leaves a bitter taste,,
if some one knows charley a peace corps who has worked in zaire , please let me know. thank.
A sad, yet interesting memorial to fallen PCVs. Thanks for this.
I was in Bandundu, Zaire ’89-91 as an aquaculture volunteer. I heard the story of Pauvre Bill (Poor Bill Mathis) just before crossing the bridge he died at. It was nice to learn his name and a bit more about him.
Thank you for sharing this. My Cousin was Marie Clutterbuck who died in the Earthquake in Peru in 1970. Thank you for not forgetting her.
Hi Chelsea and Donna. This is Angie, Jeremy Rolfs’ sister. I want to thank you guys for making this wonderful site. I just looked at all Jeremiah’s pictures and feel like I know him! You have done a beautiful job tending the garden of his memory and giving us all the chance to do the same (and to wander in the neighboring gardens as well). I’m very grateful. Thank you also for reading my words and my mom’s words at the ceremony this October. You guys are great and I hope I have the chance to meet you sometime. Cheers to Jeremy and Jeremiah. Much love to you.
Since I served as a non-combat military War Veteran and, as I’m now disabled, for which I receive aa small disability pension, free medical care, and a special housing subsidy, I firmly believe that all Peace Corps Volunteers should receive the same benefits I do, as their chances of getting hurt or killed in their line of duty is probably greater than stateside non-combat Veterans. If fact, I wrote about the beautifully evocative Vietnam Veterans Memorial 10th Anniversary for The New Yorker. It was called The Vietnam Undead (11/30/1992) after I discovered that, through clerical errors, there are between a minimum of 14-36 names of living people engraved there. It’s about time for not just war corps vets to have their memorial in DC, if not added to our existing war memorials, of which our country, unfortunately, has many of.
Jeremy Rolfs – you make me smile and cry. No one worked as hard as you to find the parameters of his soul. You never made it, little one, because there was no limit to it, to yoy. You were the child so anxious to show me the chia pet you bought your mom for Christmas. The next week we talked about your character in a play and how you were going to portray a baby being born and then not surviving the birth. Your folks paid me to teach you to play guitar. Quite honestly, I’d have done it for nothing. A supreme human being makes sharing art priceless.
I thank your family for welcoming me and I mourn the loss this world has had to survive. Yet, I rejoice in knowing a Jeremy Rolfs (and his so talented sister Angie.)
So, as you sit on my shoulder to this day, let’s work on that barre chord.
Laurie Slicer
Laurie! My mom saw your beautiful, inspired words about Jeremy and sent them to me. Thank you so much for them; they mean a great deal to me. I felt like he was right there in the room as I read them. I would love to find out how you are doing! Could you get in touch with me via my website? Sending you lots of love. http://www.angielouise.com
I grew up with Ted Cooper, we went to HS together worked together and travelled together in our teens and early 20’s. Ted had a calling to serve and spent not one but two tours in the Philippines. His second tour was hard but he wanted to see out the work he had started. He was tragically killed on his way home in 1981. Funny how your remember your friends of the past and what they would have become 35 years later. To his family and friends, RIP, a true friend and hero.
I remember Allan well from the days that my husband, Bruce Rose, and I were living there from 69-76. We hung out when he was in town on leave, so to speak, from the Peace Corps. I felt that he was an exceptional person in terms of his character and compassion as well as his intellect.
3 peace corp volunteers died in Liberia not in 1970.vechile hit by train believe 1968 or 69. they were on vacation i believe christmas. asked me, and my friend Susan if we wanted to go with them. we were stationed in samay Liberia at the time.
I think the year was 69. Marilyn McKay was my friend at St John’s and we talked about being Vols. I went to Ghana in 68 and we corresponded back and forth. She wrote that she was excited to be going to see East Africa over Christmas and maybe climb Mt K. I was going north to UV, Mali and maybe Niger. A few weeks after I returned I received a letter from Dir PCV Liberia telling me about the accident on the train tracks. She was a good person and friend. I never will forget her.
Tom…
Did you know my dear friend John McGinn who was in the first PCV group? After being in Ghana for two years he came back to stateside and became a recruiter for the Corps. He was killed in Ohio while working for the Corps. I still miss him after some fifty years and I still have the letters that he sent to me
It was the Winter break of 1969. PCV’s hired an Ethiopian Airline plane to take us round trip to East Africa. We all went on our individual “safaris”. The three killed were in a car driven by an Indian man who offered them a ride whilst hitchhiking. This was done often in that time. The girls had a very meager budget and had saved all year for that trip. The driver decided to engage in a race with a local train. We brought all three bodies back with us in the plane that returned us to Liberia. One was buried in her town in Liberia at first. The other two were home to the US for burial.
Until I found this websiteI was uncertain what had happened to my friend Craig Pollock. We were hiking buddies in high school and had good times roaming the mountains of Colorado. I am confident Craig benefited the lives of the people he worked with in PC. I am sad to know he is gone and I appreciate that he is honored by this site.
Thank you for creating this website and for the tribute to my cousin, Francis Kirking. I was just 7 years old and was visiting my paternal grandparents along with my younger sister when the news arrived that Francie (as we always called him and do to this day) had died. Like so many Peace Corps volunteers, he was an extraordinarily fine human being and would have made a great contribution to his community and our world at large had he not lost his life at so tender an age. He is very, very fondly remembered to this day by his family and friends.
I understand that Sandra Lee Taplin died in Bolivia, while a Peace Corps Volunteer in the late 60s or early 70s, but I don’t see her name on the list.
Could you check on this please.
I was a PCV in Thailand from 1968 – 1970.
Thank you,
Connie
I served in Colombia 69-71. One of our group Allen Eden stayed for several weeks vacation before returning back to the states. Shortly before he was to return he was killed in a car wreck. I think he should probably be on the list.
My brother, Alan C. Banner was killed while serving in Samoa in 1972. A scholarship has been established in Alan Banner’s name at the University of Hawaii to for students from Oceania. If you would like to contribute, please contact the UHfoundation.org. I cannot give you a person to contact because the one I was working with took a job somewhere else, but if you go to the UHFoundation and ask around, I am sure you will find the right person. Or, you can write me at chbanner@ksu.edu.
Chris Banner
chris if you are the banner/ brother of alan i have a story for you, i served in western samoa in 1984, i worked at the sanoa teachers college, i took students to practice teach to alipaca the tip of the island, This is where alan hatched turtles. .. In 1984 the village people still talked about the shark getting alan. the fishermen got nets to try to catch the shark, the tears would flow from the natives how alan gave his life to help western samoa. It made me proud to be an american and a member of the peace corps, Your brother is a national hero in samoa…I read about your brother in national geographic, he is pictured at the turtle hatchery…..The two samoas still coming of age……..was the article, thanks for touching base with the peace corps volunteers
Thank
you
for
your
service…
I read about William Mathis age 28 PCV in Lemufu, Zaire. He was said to be a water volunteer as we called it. He died on October 23, 1984. This was the year before I arrived. I remember being told about him. I wasn’t told his name, but I’m very sure it was him because they said he died recently and was in a truck accident. What I was told was he was riding in a banana truck, and it flipped over. Everyone in the truck perished. William was the only American. All the rest were Zairians. Banana trucks were dangerous to ride in. Very sad story.
Hi!!
I was just wondering if you guys have any idea or the where abouts of Wade Bacon. He was a friend of mines that had used to work as a peace corps in the southern part of Belize in the late 80s and early 90s. I was young then but quite remembered him and want to know if he is still alive and would like to get in contact with him.
I was looking for Wade too. I was in Belize in the Peace Corps with him and miss him
in ethiopa hasban and wife I think 1973 or 74 thy were teaching us to speak englis. now I even forget my own language I speak English and do you believe I am American.I just want tell them what God did for us though His Son Jesus christ.
As a RPCV I am always saddened by the death of another PCV in the field. Thank you for this memorial.
thank you for telling my brothers story, he is a HERO
As a currently serving PCV in Guatemala I would like to take a moment to salute the 296 colleagues who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our mission of peace and friendship.
Happy Memorial Day!
Anybody from Micro I…’66 – ’68? John Gage, David Drake, Jack Colburn, Dennis O’neill, many others, I’m still around and kicking, living in Iowa near Des Moines.
We were treated like royalty by the very warm and friendly people of Saipan for about the first 3 weeks we were there. Then reality set in but it was and still is quite memorable.
Great days, great experience…still communicate with Fred Holt from Palau group I think. I should ask him. He lives in Costa Rica now growing coffee. We trained together in Key West. Always felt safe when I was with Fred…he’s 6’8″ and the army wouldn’t take him but PC did. Lucky them.
Was just reminiscing with a friend about the typhoon of ’68 that smashed the island.
Wonder if Jerry Fite is still around. Really great guy.
You can find me on FB but I don’t go there often so message me.
Scott
Dear Scott Foreman,
My name is Melissa Fite Johnson. It’s so crazy to me that I stumbled across your message containing a query about my father, Jerry Fite. Unfortunately, my dad died in 1998, when I was 16. He was an amazing father. I have many stories, and I bet you do, too! I am also on Facebook, so I will try you there. I’d love to learn more about what my dad was like in his younger days.
Sincerely,
Melissa
P.S. My brother (who’s my only sibling), Dave, is also on Facebook. My dad adopted him in Micronesia in 1970, shortly after Dave was born.
I just friend requested a Scott Foreman in Iowa–there were a lot of Scott Foremans, so I hope I asked the right one! Hope to hear from you soon.
Melissa did make contact with me and we have exchanged several emails. Very sad to hear of the passing of Jerry Fite. Very nice guy and made an everlasting impression on me. He would be quite proud of his daughter.
Anybody else who trained at the Casa Marina in Key West 1966? Please leave a message.
I went to Saipan in 1968, so I just missed you. I was able to return last spring reconnecting with former students, reconnecting also with Mt. Carmel where I taught.
hi
Hi everyone
I am looking for Tod Snyder who served as peace cop volunteer in south Africa matoks botlokwa 1999.
I’m looking for my friend James Reed,a gentleman, who served as PC volunteer in Iran in 1960s. I hope I can link with him. I was his Persian language teacher.
I have been trying to find and contact Mr. Martin Wallenstein, one of the first 22 members of the Peace Corps. He served in Ghana. He was my 7th grade Science teacher in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Wallenstein was a wonderful teacher. I was delighted to finally find mention of him today in Robert Klein’s google book, and thought I’d connect with him to find Mr. Wallenstein, only to find that Robert Klein (another very early Peace Corps member) passed away soon after writing his book, “Being First”.
The PCV Karen Wald was a tremendous person and great caring personality. We were fellow volunteers in the Malasia Five Group. Is this the same Karen that was murdered?
I would like to post a note to my 5/6 ? grade teacher Mrs. Hunt. She and her husband served in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. I want her and her family to know she made a difference in many people’s life. Thank- you from the bottom of my heart and I am sorry if your experience was not pleasant.
I am looking for the PCV in Lepanto High School,Mankayan, Benguet Prov. Philippnes.
We are planning to invite them to join the LHS reunion in 2016 to honor them . All expenses to be paid by the alumni association.
Kindly give info of there whereabouts or how to contact them .
Thank you for your cooperation .
I served in Togo. I like all PCVs had my issues. But I love the people around me and believe wholeheartedly in Volunteers the work of those who seek to make the world a better place. I mourn the loss of those working to make the world a better place.
Rest in Peace, our PCVs.
Happy to see this effort. I was a PCV on Palau/Micronesia from 1975-76 (Micro’77) and served with a volunteer who died as a result of an illness he was stricken with while serving.
V/R-R
RLH3
RPCV – Palau/Micro’77 – Magistrate Assistant- Aimeliik Municipality/Babelthaup Palau
Hello Rolfe – Came across your comment on fallen PCV’s. Wonder if you’re aware of the 50th Anniversary of Peace Corps Palau. If you’d like more info, visit http://pcvpalau.blogspot.com — Who was the fellow PCV you referred to? We’d really like to have an update from you.
I remember my friend Diana Fillmore who died in a stupid truck accident in 1980. She was smart, funny, and honest. We lived together in Lastourville for a year. When we finished our two years, she opted to stay for a third. I ended up being medically evacuated home. We got to spend some time together before she went back to Gabon, and I am very glad for that. Only to say, Diana, I miss you with all my heart and how I wish you were still here to tell me when I am full of shit and when I am smart and on point. I know you are part of many people’s Peace Corps stories. I’m glad you are part of mine.
Hello Lynn
This is Michael C from Gabon 1979-82. You might remember me. I remember you and the house in Lastoursville, before you had to leave.
Today I was reading an article in the Guardian about Gabon. I did a bit of googling and found myself on an Amazon page for a book named Adventures in Gabon (memoirs of former volunteers in Gabon). Well, the first memoir was by someone I instantly recognised. Memories flooded back. After Diana’s death, I remained in contact with one of Diana’s sisters (when she married and had a daughter she named her Diana), but haven’t had contact with anyone from Gabon class(es) of 1979-82 since Steve Connolly and I spent a year or so drinking & wrecking sailboats in Massachusetts after I’d returned. I’ve no idea whether this is linked to an email and if you’ll see it.
I still remember the time & circumstances surrounding Diana’s tragic death. Two people were dispatched from Libreville to the deep dark corner where I was to inform me. They brought me back to Libreville and I accompanied Diana back to NJ. One of the most difficult episodes of my life. I’m adding an email addy so perhaps you can reply if you’re so inclined.
Just wanted to say that I ran into Brian a couple of times while he was in Louga, Senegal. I was only 11 years old (my parents were missionaries in Louga) but he made an impression on me. Seemed to always be willing talk to me and it always felt good to speak to another American. I have thought of him often.
It is hard to believe that it has been nearly 33 years. May God Bless and keep his family with peace.
Thank you for the kind words Matthew about my brother Brian.
I lost a brother and a friend and think of him daily. It’s been 36 years and though time heals, know Brian will be terribly missed till the day I die. I loved him dearly.
I stayed a couple days at your house when I came to investigate his death and sure I met you. Your parents were very kind.
Mark Edens
I want to get in touch with relatives of Polly Zimmerman, died in an accident in Morocco in 1976.My e-mail is- ionita@abv.bg
if anyone knew her, let me say
Bill was a great nephew, so well like and a lot of fun to be around. We all miss him. We had many fun family gatherings. I have many fond memories of
Bill. Hard to believe it has been 22 years since he left us. God bless.
i miss those nice peace corps
Thank you very much for creating this site to remember Peace Corps Volunteers. If we spent one tenth as much time and effort promoting peace, and honoring honoring peaceful service, as we do on weapons and ‘defense’, I believe we’d find ourselves in far fewer wars.
En 1974 trabaje con Rebeca Miller en el Ministerio de Educación de C R .He oído que ella murió ,quisiera saber si eso es cierto .Mis Miller era oriunda de Indiana
RPCV Agroforestry Philippines 1980-1983.
My older Sister was best friends with Linda Fink in high school. She was considered missing and presumed to be dead in 1973. She had been in Zaire. I would appreciate any photos or information on her. Even though I was young, memories of her has stuck with me.
Hi jan,
just saw you mentionec my sister, Linda.
newspaper reporter from Bluefield daily telegraph just did an article on Linda on Memorial Day this past May.
Email me.
hope to hear from you.
I had friends he and his and wife they came peace crop volunteers 1973-1974 in Ethiopia I forget their name that time I wasn’t spoke English they were my English teacher. Now my English become with my kids the first language. I just want to let them know I am American now. With God all thing is possible. Do you believe I am in America.thank you. hope you will the good news it is not here c u in heaven
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing
Many, many blessings to these volunteers and cheers for this website. I am a recently medically-separated (life-flighted home)volunteer who was in my 3rd year of service. I went through a very traumatic mugging. . I am very fortunate to have survived the ordeal and can’t express the sadness for those who are listed here. I just want to say that I wouldn’t change one day of my Peace Corps service. I absolutely loved what I was doing and said a prayer of thanks for my life and service there everyday. Even though my service ended suddenly at the hands of another. . I would go back tomorrow if I could. Most volunteers share my gratefulness. May those here be remembered with honors.
These people will always be in my thoughts from now on. They went on to do something great and for that I want to thank them in some sort of way.
My brother was William (Bill) Challed, who died while serving in the Peace Corps in Iran in 1972. I am excited to find this site and to contribute something about Bill to an individual page.
I recently found a letter written by the Director of the Peace Corps to my parents in 1989, about efforts to realize a permanent memorial to fallen PCVs in Washington, D.C. (like the Vietnam Vets memorial). It’s ironic that this hasn’t happened. I’d love to get involved if such a memorial is still a goal.
Cindy Challed
Cindy, I served with Bill, I still miss him. His memory has been a constant presence in my life ever since.
N. Bruce Nelson
RPCV Iran
Donna, it was a pleasure meeting you in Boston. Learning about this project was a great highlight of the weekend. Thanks for your efforts.
Thank you for the website.
This is a project who’s time has come at long last. How many other countless Memorial Day’s, will have to pass until American’s wake up to the fact that Peace Corp Volunteer serve their country just as proudly and sometimes in most worst conditions then those in military. They to be honored and remembered as well. Both the living and those who have passed on. And, by the way wholeheartedly thanked for they serve.
This is well said. Thank you. As a mother of a current volunteer I worry everyday for her safety.
Bless you all.
Thank you for doing this! I served in Ghana with Susan Fagan and it is nice to see her and the other volunteers who lost their lives being honored.
I did not join Peace Corps but during my volunteering years in Honduras, I met many. (1982-84) I am glad to know that those who passed abroad serving our country for peace are remembered.
Hi,I am from honduras And a knew few PC,robin luisa smth,jerrold withcowski,mark gramberg,tim holt,I hope you knew them too
Thai 94A
Thinking of my peace corps family on this memorial day
I just wanted to express my thanks and pay my respect to the wonderful work that these women and men accomplished.
They are not forgotten.
Kind regards,
Corey Taylor
I lost my daughter, Danielle, as she served in the PC. She died as a result of a drunk driver running her down in Gulu, Africa. My life is changed and we are devastated. We are trying to find ways to continue her service and make this world a better place for everyone.
Would love information on alcohol limits and the number of lives lost due to drunk driving in Africa. I am joining MADD her in the states, and would love to promote this organization over in Africa. No one should ever have to lose a loved one because of someone’s carelessness. Love to all PCV, may you stay safe and live for God!
Danielle Dunlap reported loss in Ghana on April 28, 2013. Prayers to her family. Thanks for the website.
http://www.peacecorps.gov/resources/media/press/2231/
Also, Marian Baciewicz was in my training class and I have photos to share. Can I add them to your collection?
Today, April 28, is Diana Fillmore’s birthday. She served as an English teacher at a girls’ school in Gabon in 1978, ’79, and ’80. She died in December, 1980 when a vehicle carrying a group of PC Volunteers from several African countries crashed. A graduate of Boston University and Ramsey HS, Ramsey, NJ, she was planning to go to law school at the end of her assignment. We remember her with much love.
I lived with Diana in Lastoursville from 1979-1980. We became very good friends. I finished and left after the two years of service; Diana decided to stay on a third year. She was a funny, smart, generous, creative woman and I still miss her.
Dotty Thompson!
It’s Michael, Diana’s guy from the Birdhouse in Boston, Paris (rue Rollin, eh?) and Gabon. I found this website quite by accident a couple of days ago. However, have seen your comment just now. Diana thought that you were, like Lord Byron, mad bad & dangerous to know. In the most positive sense; she thought you were the bees knees. I read an article on Gabon the other day; as a result found this website and managed to get in touch with some colleagues from those days.
I saw you posted on Diana’s birthday. Once we went to Key West to encompass our birthdays – late April-mid May. We stowed away on Amtrak (occupied a sleeper car). She loved that. We got so sunburnt we laid in the room under the ceiling fan for 2 days, unable to move. They broke the mould with Diana. We remember her with much love, indeed.
Thank you for this wonderful, wonderful website!
I just discovered it today, here in 2013. My friend Jennifer passed away while
serving in the Peace Corp in 1984.
Here is the link to her page on this website:
http://fpcv.org/volunteers/jennifer-rubin/
I did not know Jennifer that well, but I went to college with her and we were both members of a group on campus that was working to help others.
I remember Jennifer as, well, more than just a person really, as an incredibly powerful spiritual force, completely and entirely passionate to make the world a better place.
I remember hearing about her death, back in the 80’s, with shock and with horror.
So, again, I would like to thank you for honoring her and these other wonderful souls with such a nice tribute.
from the Japanese poet Issa, On the death of his child:
Dew evaporates
and all our world
is dew . . . So dear,
So fresh, so fleeting
May she and all the other wonderful volunteers listed on this site, rest in peace.
So sad! It is good to know these people are not forgotten!
je souhaiterais avoir le contact de mon Amie Kim Ctaig, Professor au Lycee Moderne de Man,Cote d.Ivoire,dans les annees 1984.je vis aux Etats Unis depuis 2005.
Je serai tres heureux de retrouver mon Amie Kim.
Je suis le petit dessinateur qui a dessine son poryrait chez elle.A bientot
Prof.Bruno Sompohi
Thank you so much for this website. I served with Kate Puzey in Peace Corps Benin when she was murdered in 2009. Her death was heart breaking, and by far, the worst experience of my entire life. I really appreciate this blog because I hope people like her are never forgotten. Thank you.
My prayers are with all of the fallen volunteers that have demonstrated such an incredible devotion to their country and the pursuit of international peace.
RPCV Senegal ’11-’12
I greatly appreciate this website. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the volunteers on this list.
Laura Stedman – I am thinking of you on the 16th anniversary of you death. Happy Birthday too.
Suzie Pingert Gruendling
My sympathy to those who have lost loved ones in the Peace Corps. They have made the world a better place. Although I do not know any of these volunteers personally, your memorial site brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for maintaining it.
Does anybody know if there still is a secondary school in Thabana Morena? Also, is the road up there paved yet? I was teaching Mathis and science there in 1972-1974. Also, does it have electricity yet? Kevin
To: Blythe's family, At each holiday and family gathering Blythe remembered as she touched our lives and will forever be with us. Rembering you all. Patrice
God bless your haert
CAN SOMEBODY IN THE US WHO KNOWS THE WHEREABOUTS OF NICOLE RITMIER WHO WAS MY SCIENCE TEACHER AT KAGISO SECONDARY SCHOOL IN RAMOTSWA BOTSWANA IN 1985. NICOLE WAS MY BEST FRIEND AND TEACHER.
Thank you very much for this wounderful wepage. I am missing her lot. i was her student when she was volunter in karkineta.
Thanks for photo that i can remeamber old time. she was so nice to me.
I miss you often. I keep a picture of you on my phone all the time. I wish you were still here.
Matt Costa, I will never ever forget you & the times we had in Nola.
In the short time we had , I got do close to you so fast
Thank you for putting this site together. Sharon and I still bring up Jeremiah in conversations from time to time and he is still truely missed. We are planning on honoring Jeremiah's memory at the Peace Corps Niger reunion July 25th to the 28th, 2013. Thoughts and prayers …
Joe and Sharon Marley
Judy was my older cousin. I remember being at her wedding when I was very young and thinking she was beautiful.I am so glad this webstie exists. I have never seen any of the pictures before. It kind of keeps her alive in my mind.
Thoughts and prayers go out to all fallen Peace Corps volunteers throughout the years, each of whom have served their country honorably, as well as with dignity and courage. As we say in Hebrew, Baruch Dian Emet.
I think it would be good to identify the volunteers in the "We Honor" section of rotating photographs on the homepage.
Grace: Just like the first time I saw you, the news your passing hit me like the thunderbolt.
For Grace Russomanno, I will always think of you
My Parents who are both gone now were in Brazil in 1974 to 1976. They were Willard and Fran Selke . when i look them up i cant get a thing to show my kids. Dad showed them how to run a post office in Belo Horasonta spelling not good please email me if anyone remembers them thanks
I'm 34 yrs old male looking for a PCV , actually working in pohnpei, FSM in 1988 to 1990 probably…she is a very important person for me…I been searching for her for more than 20 years. The purpose is that i want to return the very best of the outcomes she did for me. the person i am now today…I will tell you the whole story of this women, if you can find her for me…. Her name is Christina Dresher or Dresser..She is my favorite teacher for all time, I was in 7th grade that time…. Please remind her the school name is rohnkitti in kipar..kitti pohnpei….if you find her…
I need to find her..She might be 57 -58 yrs old by now!!!
She might be someone in west side of Singapore
Probably you can find her in west side of singapore
I worked with a peace corp volunteer as a secondary school teacher in Fiji between the years 1986-1988 at a school named Navosa Central College, in the province of Navosa on the main island called Viti Levu.
John Schultz taught mathematics and perhaps biology, it's been some years and I cannot remembers correctly the years and the subjects that he taught, but certainly how he conducted himself with the students, the teachers, and that community.
I do not know where John is now, but I moved and taught in other schools in Fiji and has since retired and I have moved to the US. It's been over 20 years and it would be nice to catch up with John. Moreover I wish to acknowledge the great contribution that the PCV scheme has done for Fiji, particularly in the field of education. I was myself taught by a few PCV who have returned to the US while a few have established roots in Fiji. What a great scheme, the impact made to the lives of so many will certainly live on. Thanks a lot John and thank you to the scheme.
As a Mozambique 17 volunteer my heart goes out to Alden's and Lena's family. They both were beautiful people with shining personalities. Forever missed and in our hearts – Moz 17
As a parent of a present volunteer also in Moz, they were all shocked and sadden by the accident. They have a Memorial Service for those in country on 28-Dec.
Can only express my sorrow for your loss.
My heart has been heavy this week with news that two PC Volunteers died in Mosambique on 12/20/2011, to their families, please know that I ( we, all the families whose children are honored on this site) are walking with you down this road. I know that doesn't help much right now but in time it will. I am so sorry for your loss and it is just so painfull with all the world trying to be happy and cheerfull. Take some time for yourselves, hold your other children close, I wish I could, and I pray that God can put a smile back upon your faces in the not too far future. God Bless you for their service to their country and to humanity.
Doug Roberts, Father of John Roberts, 3/1/83-10/11/2007, Vanuatu, South Pacific
I am very saddened to read that on December 20, 2011, two more Peace Corps volunteers died while serving. My heart goes out to their families. Unfortunately, too many of us know what they are experiencing right now and how difficult it is to understand.
Please keep all families of Fallen Peace Corps Volunteers in your prayers.
Kathy Chance
Mother of Stephanie M. Chance, Niger, July 31, 1984 – October 7, 2010
I am a PCV currently serving in Ghana & was greatly saddened to learn that the PC family recently lost two of our sisters in Mozambique. I am very appreciative to those who created & maintain this website to honor those members of our family that gave their lives in pursuit of a better world.
My brother Michael Leo Periard was killed in an accident in 1971 while serving in the Peace Corps in Liberia. I cannot begin to describe what a special person my brother was. He was a great friend, son, and brother. At a later date, I would like to post a picture. At the moment, I am overwhelmed to find this site. May the World constantly strive towards Peace and helping our fellow man.
A year ago on Thursday, October 7th, I received the phone call that our beautiful daughter had died. She was only 26 years old and went to sleep, never to wake up. While I find comfort in knowing she was not harmed, it's hard to accept that. apparently, she died for no reason and no cause. One day, when I see her in Heaven, I will find out the answers to my questions. Until then, I have to simply trust that God had a reason. Thank you so much for all of your hard work in keeping this website up and running. And, most importantly, thank you for honoring our children who died while serving in the Peace Corps.
A special thanks to Donna Mack and Chelsea Mack for putting together and hosting the special events for the families of the Fallen Peace Corps Volunteers at the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Celebration held Sept 23-25. Your hard work and generosity were very much appreciated by my family. The world is a better place because of you and your family!!!!
What a wonderful (and well deserved) ceremony today at Arlington Cemetery to honor all of the Peace Corps volunteers who died in service to their country, as part of the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary celebration. I only knew one fallen volunteer, but as an RPCV I remember them all. Rest in peace and thank you for your sacrifice.
Our brother Scott around the time of his death.
My heart goes out to any fallen PCV…
I feel the Peace Corp is a great organization. Hopefully one day instead of "militaries" the peace corp is all we will need…
Hope in Peace
I think this is a great way to remember the volunteers that died in service to the country. These men and woman died making the world a better place and spreading good will towards our Country, a very important mission. I want to send my prayers to all the other families that have suffered through the loss of a loved one as well.
As a soon-to-be Peace Corps Trainee, I just wanted to pay my respects to the fallen Peace Corps Volunteers who gave their lives in the fight for peace and justice.Rest in peace.
guatemala 73-76 As an ex pcv , I for one beleave these fallen PCV'S must be allowed to have their names viewed for all to see. They were in the house at the time ,our house and we should honor them,,,,,,
In a stronger America caring citizens protect and empower each other. This moral mission includes honoring those caring citizens who gave the ultimate sacrifice, not only in the military, but especially in service to their country expanding freedom and fairness for all. I am interested in corresponding with anyone else who shares these values and is wanting to explore expanding them in thier own communities.
Very nice tribute.
Karen McCarthy
RPCV Saint Lucia, 2008-2010
Thank you for this wonderful website in memory of those who served
Mark Oberschmidt
RPCV Thailand 1988-90
So many volunteers have fallen in service to our country, and to the spirit of volunteerism. I am reading "When the World Calls" and have just read the set of set of chapters about PC deaths. Who knew…PC has been very ambivalent, to say the least, about how it handles these tragedies.
I prefer to think of people on what would have been a birthday … but I find myself thinking of my former partner and dear friend Lucille Raimondo today … 16 years to the day after her passing. I'm so very heartened to find that more coordinated efforts to memorialize fallen Peace Corp volunteers have come to light in the last several years. I'll be sure to sign in again on June 12, Lucile's birthday… God, how she hated the fact that George Bush Sr shared her birthday!
My second cousin is Fredric Detjen, who died in Columbia in 1963. Sargent Shriver helped his father find a flight to be at his son's bedside. Now my son, Alex, will be applying to the Peace Corps when he graduates from college next year.
After many years, I still hold Matthew Sherman's loss close to my heart. How big is the commemorative tree planted at his school? This year the Peace Corps will commemorate its 50th anniversary. On September 25, 2011 thousands of former volunteers will march to Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate the legacy of the Peace Corps. Matt is an honored part of that legacy. I will say a prayer for Matt at the service and leave a token in his honor.