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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, please email: webmaster@fpcv.org. Thank you for all of your comments and emails.
Name: Robert Heil
Name: Shayna acord
Name: John Turnbull
Name: Paul Ziebert Name: Pam
Cameron Name: Kim
Sundermeyer Name: Kim
Sundermeyer Name: Name: Nelson Perkins
Name: Mike DeFranco
Name: Maryanne Ashton
Name: Joe Endsley Wow, some of the bolts
of lightning that come at you when searching the Internet! I stumbled across the
web site this evening. Name: Barney Caton Date: 19 Oct 2007 Name: Rose Saunders Name: Denise Thompson Name: Natalie GP
family Name: Rachel - Kriss's
mum Name:
Constantine Sboukis
Name: Linda Mayes
Name: For anyone interested in making a donation, the article lists a link at https://novasis.villanova.edu/pls/bannerprd/hvakapmt.P_CreditCardPayment .At the bottom of the online gift form there is box for "Gift Type:Please Select Your Donation Designation". There you should write "Karen Phillips Memorial". The first $1,000 will used to place a bench with a plaque and additional funds will be used for scholarship.My thought is that even a small donation will help me keep in my consciousness how lucky I am to have an R before PCV and to remind others the sacrafice that Karen and her family have made for poor Africans.
Name: Zella Falcon Cook
Name: I am currently reading the book American Taboo and ran across this web page. What a wonderful thing to do for those young men and women who did not return from their Peace Corps assignments. Thank you for your efforts.
Name: Carolyn Segermark Llewellyn Every memory I have of Jeremiah makes me smile and laugh, and I know this is the same for countless others who were in Peace Corps Niger at that time, as well as so many Nigeriennes. Jeremiah came to the village where I lived, Falki Karama, for one day. Though he did not speak the language, he succeeded in making everyone laugh and smile. The people of Falki Karama mourned with me when they heard the news. Every mother's day I remember hearing Jeremiah talk to his mom the night before his death, asking her not to embarrass him when he called his girlfriend's mother, and saying goodbye with "Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you." I wasn't one of Jeremiah's closest friends in Peace Corps, but I did get to work with him a lot on CSB. He encouraged me, as the only she-CSB volunteer, and also kept me from taking myself too seriously. A valuable combination.I know that so many lives have been touched by Moussa, and he continues to make people smile with the memories. A wonderful legacy. Name: Carrie Boettcher Email: carrie.boettcher@gmail.com Name: Shawn Davie He and I philosophized many times about what happens when you die... I actually just "talked" to him for the first time I can remember since then. I could really use some of that damn industry that he was so imbued with. If there is any still out here floating around, I could use some. Jeremy was the most un-lazy person I have ever known. I still love ya Jer.. of course Name: Sabinus Thank you so much for all that you sacrificed for us. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the PCV present and past. Name: Taylor Murray
Fortunately, no PCV has passed away while serving in Mongolia. I was a m14 from 2003-2006. Name: Kathy Horan Mahoney We will always remember them and celebrate their lives by using their example to be better people ourselves. Thank you for putting this together. Name: Name: Andres Vaart Name: Nancy Bird Pecor Name: Hazel Name: Chris Banner Name: Beth, Togo 87-89 Name: Libertus V. Mangdou Name: Mary Chapman Name: Teressia Name: Karen Blodgett Name: Clayton Bailey Name: Mary Name: Jennifer Bock Name: Kris Petersen Name: Fordson
Kafweku I was introduced to the FPCV website by Linda, mother to one of the great FPCVs Elizabeth Bowers who passed away March 6th, 2002. What i have read has touched my heart and given a me a different understanding of how great these young men and women are. Elizabeth's life though short was well spent and the memories of her will linger on. Reading the "Celebration of light" and the news on the web soon after her death, I could not beleive that on that fateful day her death was as a result of her not wearing the helmet because it was "another sign of economic chasm between those around her - the haves and the have-nots! What a cost of unselfishness it is!To quote Berkeley Williamson, her best friend's words "she always was very sensitive to those around her" This is incredible. As a Zambian and Lunda who comes from Mwiniluga, this remote place of Zambia were Elizabeth spent her last days, I feel honored and indebted to her. Thank you Linda for carrying the light of your daughter Beth. Its the best you have done for her. Keep on celebrating the light of your daughter through the Elizabeth Bowers Memorial Fund.Thank you Linda,Gerry and Jenny Bowers, am proud of you all. Name: Jerome Karl Person May their souls rest in peace. Name: Metr I served in Honduras in the seventies and was in country when Bob Warren was killed in an automobile accident. I remember the massive outpouring of love and sadness among the Peace Corps community, and the sympathy of so many Hondurans. I lived and worked in another part of the country, but for weeks after Bob's death, almost every Honduran I met expressed their grief at his loss. I would like to let all the friends and families of fallen PCVs that their loved one is remembered and appreciated still. I was proud to have known Bob Warren, and am very proud of my Peace Corps service. Thank you and God bless. Name: Mark B. Roath I served in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica, Central America from 1973 to 1975. Upon completion of my service, I went to Ohio University in late August 1975. At the University, I worked as a Resident Director in a Latin American Residential Dorm. One of my Resident Assistants was Ms. Francis Gavit. Ms. Gavit was a recently returned PCV from Honduras. She was a wonderful person. In October 1975, Ms. Gavit passed away from a disease that she contracted as a PCV in that country. As I recollect, Ms. Gavit was from Ohio. In reviewing the registry of fallen PCVs, Ms. Gavit is not listed; however, she should be shown as a fallen peace corps volunteer. If you would like to contact me about her, I would welcome the opportunity to see that the record is corrected. Name: Rosemary
Pillsbury Thank you so much for this memorial to my son Wyatt and the
others who have died while trying to make the world a better place. When my
husband and I rode to Boston from central Maine in the hearse to meet Wyatt's
coffin after an indescribably painful week of pain and disbelief, we found no
honors accorded his homecoming. We have since visited the Peace Corps
headquarters and the memorial there and requested some changes, which were
greeted very respectfully by Gaddi Vassquez. Mykell Winterowd will always be
among our dearest friends for her grief counseling. This site is a place where
we, whose lives have become bittersweet, can share our pain, our pride, our
healing and our hope. Thank you. Name: K.R. Name: Martin Haber Name: Chris Name: Todd Le Name: Bob Satin Name: Marlin L. Harrison Name: Maggie McQuaid Name: Leslie Boby Name: Name:
Art 'We He Left You Behind' reminds me of a death. Gloey Wiseman served in Bolivia and died in October, 1991. I think that PC left this person and believe that DEA, to this day, is responsible. I went in right after this and also was involved in Operation Green Ice. I believe that what was done to her reputation by Peace Corps and the Director's comments simply prove this was a DEA failure. The officers I met were professional, but I managed not to have a similar problem. I believe that this volunteer is why I am still alive. Ames was not worth this person's life or reputation. Regards, RPCV Central America Name: Patricia Bundshuh-Dixon Thank you so much for creating this wonderful memorial. I am a returned peace corp volunteer from Liberia. When I went off to serve my country I didn't imagine the impact it had on my family and friends at home. I didn't realize it completely until I attended the Memorial Service for Kathryn MacGillivary. I never met Kathryn, but when I learned of her tragic loss it touched my heart. She, and every fallen Volunteer, could be anyone of us. We give our selves to serve our country through peaceful efforts to change the world. An Americian Flag is a small thing to ask to honor those who lost their lives serving their country. Name: Ann Minns I was deeply moved by this site. It brought back a rush of memories from my time in Lesotho as a PCV. Why is there not something in D.C. to applaud ALL PCVs? At times (perhaps now more than ever) it would appear that we were and are the best "Foreign Aid" this country has to offer. Name: laura my aunt marjorie was in senegal in the 90's. i am in awe of your organization and what you all do. you all amaze me. thank you Name: Judith Haas (Simmons) My husband, Gareth Simmons, and Bob Zeck both died in the Dominican Republic in 1965. A small revolution was happening and the area in which we were was under gunfire, in hurrying to make curfew our little publico loaded with 6 of us was hit by a Land Rover. At this time Johnson had sent troops to "save American's lives". The Peace Corps continued to bring in new volunteers. Our leader Bob Satin did much negotiating for captured soldiers. He really understood "Peace" Name: Gail Nystrom I had no idea this project was being worked on and am immensely grateful to you for doing this. It is no surprise that the Peace Corps people in Washington were compassionate and respectful and helpful. They would not be Peace Corps if they weren't that way. I would say that the Peace Corps vision not only changed my life, it became my life. I am a very good friend of Beth Livingston who died while serving here in Costa Rica in 1997. I feel that she is with me even today as I continue to do the kinds of service work that helps to make people's lives better. I want to support this project in any way I can, please continue to send me information and please continue your work. There is so much these fallen PCVs want to do and say still. I am especially interested in the concept of a physical memorial to Peace Corps right there next to the war memorials in Washington. Please let me know what is being done in that regard. We have a lot of people to make this happen.... Gail Nystrom Name: Dave Von Glahn I was very close friends with Brian's sister Stacy. The death of her only brother broke her heart. Not knowing the true cause of death will haunt all of us forever. Name: Sharon and Joe Marley We new Jeremiah Mack in PC. Great guy--loved him. Just wanted to say we gave our 1st born son his Zarma name, Moussa. Samuel Moussa Marley is 5 years old now. Hope all is well with his family. Sharon Marley Name: annemarie Natalie was my counselor at camp...I miss her dearly. xoxox Annemarie Name: Harry Howell I wish to add one more comment. In the Peace Corps, I took the same Oath of Service that I had taken in the US Army 10 years before. PCVs defend our country from all enemies foreign and domestic with truth. I too believe that the family of a PCV who dies in service should receive an American Flag. Sincerely, Go in Peace Name: Harry Howell My wife, Mary, and I served in Honduras, 1972-1975, and lived there from 1976 to 1979. If we remember correctly, Roy Prior was on vacation in Costa Rica when he died. He was an older man (meaning over 60).Rosanna Provini was killed in a hit and run incident in Tegucigalpa. The owner of the car was a Lieutenant in the Honduran Army. He made a sergeant admit to have been driving the car. The US Ambassador at that time was a spineless thing named Becker. He would not press the Honduran government to punishing the guilty parties. Bill Maximer, an RPCV, was in charge of bean research for the Honduran Ministry. He died in a single vehicle accident in December, 1975. The Honduran Government buried him with a State Funeral in the National Cemetery—the only gringo so honored. Vols got along well in Honduras. One Special Ed teacher, Roxanne Dubois (’73-’75) had a local TV show on which she invited the local school kids, played guitar and sang Honduran folk songs. The first science fair was organized by a PCV in Talanga in 1974. During Hurricane Fifi, 1974, PCV’s rescued children from a flooded orphanage (the nuns were too afraid to wade the river, so 2 girls saved the kids.); fed 1,000 refugees in Chaloma; delivered babies; and surveyed isolated villages for medical needs. Name: margaret fitzgerald My family just found this site. My sister, Rose Anne Crimmins, served in India from 1965-1967. She died Feb.1. 1967 from carbon monoxide in her hotel in Iran. She was on her way home to N.Y.C. Rose Anne's group trained in California and left for India from JFK airport. My parents hosted a party for the group and family and friends at our home in N.Y. the evening before. My parents are now in their nineties and we all cherish the pictures from that party and letters and pictures sent from fellow volunteers and staff after her death. I attended the 25th anniversary and am still moved by the memories of the service at Arlington and how the Peace Corps family honored those fallen. Last winter, my brother visited the orphanage in Hyderbad where Rose Anne worked. We have a picture of the children planting a tree in memory of "the pretty blue eyed girl..." and a picture of the tree in 2004! This project is amazing and please add our name to those who hope for and would contribute to a memorial to all who lost their lives when they left us to "trod the path of peace in a distant land". Thank you so much. Margaret Crimmins FitzgGerald Skaneateles. N.Y. mafitz@adelphia.net Name: Allison I just typed in 'Deborah Gardener' on the internet and this site came up. I am currently reading "American Taboo" the story of the Tonga 16 and the murder of Deb Gardener. I'm only half way through...but am so engaged in the text. I am considering the Peace Corps, so this probably isn't what I should read! Nonetheless, I feel like a very privileged reader to be able to glimpse into the life of Deb Gardener and also her fellow volunteers. I'm not sure why I'm writing, I'm just so moved by the book...she sounded like a beautiful soul. Name: Joe Midzalkowski There was a book recently published about a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji who was murdered by another volunteer. I don't have it handy and don't remember the title or her name. I do know it's not on your list. I'll try to locate it and send it later. You are undertaking a worthy project. My (then) wife and I helped med-evac David McCarthy from Longar, Arno Atoll, Marshall Islands, Micronesia in 1970. We later visited with his parents in Washington, DC. He was a great guy and a good friend who died of some sort of lymphatic cancer after being flown to Tripler Army Hosp. in Honolulu. At least his parents were able to get there and be with him at the end. Name: It is a fine website, and the perfect forum for calling attention to a new book A Deadly Fog: Pith and Conflict, which portrays war in its various manifestations, historically and as we witness war around the world, today...the authors have endeavored to describe human emotion at the deepest levels of loss and longing. Its authors, a father and son collaboration, inspire others to raise their voices in protest against war as solution to problems...It’s a good read. Name: Don Wilson Donna and Chelsea, Great to see you here in Washington, and explore the Mall together in our hunt for a space for a Memorial to Fallen Peace Corps Volunteers. May these first steps toward a contemplative place, not only for fallen PCVs, but to honor all workers for peace here and abroad, begin bringing it to fruition. Along with a living web memorial, and the support you seek to provide -- this is a vital project, and not just for Peace Corps. The changes to the website are terrific. While there will always be a sense of sadness about this project, of the lost lives of people who this world truly needed, there is too, a strong sense of renewed purpose. Through remembrance and recommitment, we pick up their torches to light our own work ahead, in their name. Thanks for giving us all the gift of sharing your grief, so that we too gain the sense of direction that has risen out of it, like a phoenix. Name: Pat Reilly This is a lovely website and a nice touchstone for former volunteers, especially those who knew the PCVs who died in service. Thank you for your efforts. I hope they bring you solace as well. Name: Bob Klein (Ghana I) Why not establish a memorial fund to be used in countries where fallen PCVs served? A monument may serve the needs of their families but a development fund will serve the needs of those the fallen PCVs tried to help. Name: Kevin Koester I served with Lesa Sanftleben in Lesotho, 1984-1986. I miss her very much. Name: Christine Vanderlan It is very important to recognize the work and sacrifice of fallen volunteers. Thank you for starting the memorial project. Name: I saw the name of Gerald Robillard who had passed away while serving in Zaire 1n 1974. I would like to share a story about Gerry. I did not serve with him, but met him in 1972 while I traveled in Africa after my service in Southern Africa. I was in Kisingani, Zaire for 2 weeks awaiting a river boat. Gerry was a frequent visitor to George's Bar and Restaruant across from the Olympia Hotel where I was staying. Gerry had a great gift of making people laugh with his stories of the "Volkswagon drivin' Hippy Rebellion" back in Boston, and other spirited tales of how he had come to Zaire. He encouraged our party to eat George's "Kidney Pie" only to inform us later the kidneys had come from a monkey. He loved his training time in Geneva, Switzerland. It was my impression that it was the best time he had ever had in his life. Gerry spoke the most Americanized French I have ever heard, and people of loved it! He was so sincere in his ability to try to communicate with others. Gerry summed up his philosophy of the Peace Corps like this, and I have never forgotten it: "I do what I can to help; if everyone put just one bean in a pot, soon, nobody would go hungry." That was Gerald Robillard. Name: Robert Deutsch Thank you some much for putting together this beautiful and sensitive web-site. Like many RCPVs I was touched by the loss of a friend and colleague during my service. I wrote the family but never heard a reply, so I was sort of left without an outlet for sharing my feelings and thoughts and memorializing my friend. I'll post something to his name soon. In the mean time, my thoughts and wishes go out to everyone who lost a friend or family member in the service of humanity and the Peace Corps dream. Name: Richard Gabriel Congratulations to Jeremiah, Donna and Chelsea. A fantastic website and memorial long overdue. A very touching website (made me cry a couple of times). I was not a Peace Corps volunteer but I very much support the goals and dreams of the Peace Corps and their unselfish, dedicated volunteers. I have, however, had the pleasure for working on Peace Corps staff in D.C. Headquarters, and the Dallas Recruitment Office, and we worked desperately, albeit air-conditioned, to keep the operations running smoothly as best we could given the limited resources we always seemed to be at odds with. My partner was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali. And despite a horrific accident which he overcame, his insistence on returning to Mali (after being MedEvac'ed to the State) to complete his service speaks volumes of his dedication and commitment like other Peace Corps volunteers. The entire concept of a physical memorial dedicated to fallen volunteers is a superb one and I hope you receive the support needed from current PCVs, RPCVs, the NPCA, and others who believe in the mission of President John F. Kennedy's legacy. My prayers and thoughts are with all of the families and friends. Thank you. --Richard Name: mike willson i was in colombia I with crozier and radley, and i will contact radley's relatives to see if they are aware of your site. Name: Terry Adcock This website is a wonderful memorial and a touching tribute to all PCV's. I served with Crozier and Radley (the first fallen PCV's on the list) in the CARE/Peace Corps project (Colombia I, '61-'63). Their deaths were a shock to all of us in Colombia I and in the Peace Corps and CARE staffs. Death of a young person hits everyone hard, but the death of comrades and friends hits home especially hard. It certainly hit me, because when we first arrived, we were assigned Colombian families to help us with acclimation. My assigned family and David Crozier's family lived next door to one another, so I got to know David well, even though we eventually served in different parts of Colombia. From personal experience, I can tell you that a lot of tears were shed for these two fine young men. They never had a chance to experience the joy of having children and grandchildren as I have, and that makes me sad, even now, to think about it. It is nice to know that they are still not forgotten, thanks to this website. Name: Jeff J. Brown, Tunisia 80-82 Thank you. I was particularly interested to see if Deborah Gardener's name was there from Tonga, 1976. Her story on NPR is based on a book called "American Taboo: A Murder in the Peace Corps", by Phillip Weiss (sp?): http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1961357 Name: Stephen Michael Murray Larry Radley 1961 was the first person I met who had anything to do with the Peace Corps. We were both interviewed on Chicago television before we went to training with the first Peace Corps group to do so. He and David Crozier another of our group that was killed with him are sorely missed. Thank you for beginning this memorial. The effort is long overdue. Name: Dan Gudahl Wow, what a list! I knew about a couple of these people. The fellow who just committed suicide in Mali was a shock to read about too. Another victim of Lariam! If you need me to lobby the Arkansas Congressional delegation for support of this, Please let me know. Thanks, Dan Gudahl Winrock RPCV Philippines 81-84 Name: andrea what a wonderful and special way to remember the volunteers who served as peace corps volunteers and I hope that the npca will help to establish a memorial at the kennedy library... Name: Brian Farenell This is an awesome project and I wish you well. I was a PCV in Guinea in the mid-90s, where a pair of vols died in a road accident a few years later. Though I didn't know them personally, their deaths were felt throughout the Guinea PCV community. I'm also communications director for Friends of Guinea and if there's any way we can help, please contact me at the above address. Name: Ken Hill Congratulations on this sensitive and touching creation! While I was a volunteer in Turkey in the 60s we lost two of our group - a couple, the Pearson's. We are affected to this day! As a Country Director I was fortunate not to have to face the death of one of my volunteers or staff. As the chief of operation for Europe and Asia and later as the Chief of Staff of Peace Corps I was not so fortunate. It's extremely emotional, difficult and sad. I can only imagine the effects on the families as well as fellow PCVs and staff. My only recommendation is you consider including staff who died in service. This is a very fitting tribute to our fallen colleagues and to you, the founders of this site! How excellent! Ken Hill Name:
Patrick Kadian Date: 12 May 2004 It's hard to believe that it has been seven years since Jeremiah died. Most of what I remember of Jeremiah are the same things, it seems, that most people remember about Jeremiah: the times he made me laugh, his funny way of twisting his accent, the crazy things he did, and, of course, his kindness. However, Jeremiah also made a real impact on my life and the course that it would take. When I was in Niger, I had a tough first couple of months at site. I was sick for most of the time and lost more than forty pounds in 5 weeks. Of course, I also had to deal with the uncomfortable position of being a foreigner for the first time and all the other things that came along with being a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger. I was lucky, though. Jeremiah was at our hostel doing some work on our maison-sans-bois when I was thinking about leaving. Not only did he make me laugh while I was miserable, he also was able to convince me to stick it out. The decision to stay has certainly affected my life. Since my time in Niger, I have had an opportunity to work with poor women in Ecuador to create a micro credit union, with people devastated by Hurricane Mitch in Honduras, and now with entrepreneurs in the former Soviet Union. None of that would have happened without Jeremiah's influence in my life. Jeremiah lived his life with presence and force. Your work in establishing a scholarship in his name and the wonderful website to fallen Peace Corps Volunteers are great tribute to the man he was. Please live with the certainty, as I do, that other great things are occurring, unknown to us and unmarked by his name, which would not have happened if Jeremiah never were. The energy he released still ripples through, affecting people all around the world. Name: daniella I just finished reading "Souvenirs de Nancy." I don't know what I am feeling. Anger mostly because we are not working towards making better and stronger laws to protcet PCV's. What is going on? People are being killed and raped...and no one is doing anything. Thank you...for putting her journal out. Name: Deborah Rose I am the mother of Jennifer Rose, December 2000 fallen peace corps volunteer. I was just told about this site by another mother, Toni Kallison at our monthly Compassionate Friends meeting. I think it is great and intend to make a contribution to the site in the near future. Thank you for starting it. Name: Lucretia Meece Ukraine 2001-2003 As a recent RPCV, I can only imagine the sense of loss of a Volunteer to family and friends. We leaned so heavily on each other during our time of Service that losses like these would be incredibly painful. Thank you for this opportunity to share and support each other. Name: Susan Henderson Thank you for this website. Those who did not come home will be remembered. Susan Henderson, RPCV Togo, co-volunteer of Karren Wald Name: Amy Duncan What a beautiful and touching site. Thank you for creating it. Name: Bill Batt Thank you for doing this. I'm Group III Thailand, 1962-1965, and I return every decade still to see "my country." Since I am now involved in public policy matters that relate to transportation, I'm wondering if perhaps it wasn't inspired by some of the harrowing travel experiences I had in rural areas some 40 years ago. Name: Paul Karrer Thank you, very moving and necessary. We gained much "over there" and some lost even more. Paul Karrer RPCV W.Samoa Group 27 1978-1980 Name: John Levings Well done. The (growing) list of 'Fallen Volunteers' has been overlooked until now. While not 'in uniform' they were just as dedicated as other government employees - members of the military, Ambassadors, embassy (sp) staff, etc. Their volunteer status tends to cloud their status somewhat. The effort is most MOST appreciated by the families & friends of the Fallen Volunteers. Have you ever found a project! Name: Susanne B. Cooper Thank you for this incredibly moving and important labor of love. Susanne (RPCV, Thailand 69-71) Name: Though I wasn't one of Jeremiah's close friends in Niger, I remember the day he died and the absolute devastation felt by both the volunteers and Nigeriens alike who knew of the legendary "Moussa," upon the news of his death. I found it hard to believe, and still do, that someone so full of life was gone so quickly and for no understandable reason. I am deeply sorry for your loss, but I will add my voice to the chorus of people who agree that Jeremiah was an amazing spirit, and he continues on through you, through this site and through everyone he touched during his walk on this earth. Thank you for creating this site. Name: Michelle Lynar Ashley Thank you so much for developing this wonderful website. On January 7, 2000, I lost the love of my life, PCV Jesse Thyne in a car accident in Guinea, West Africa. Although 4 years has passed, he is alive in my thoughts every day and I would love to share his story with others through your website. NO FPCV should ever be forgotten... Name: Kathy Palokoff My son, Matthew Edwardsen, was in Guinea as a PCV and came home safely. This memorial reminds me of how grateful we all need to be for lives that continue and how grateful we all need to be for those people who left this earth while giving so much of themselves. I was shocked by how many volunteers have died during their service and would love to see a permanent memorial that celebrates the lives of our Peace Veterans as much as we celebrate the lives of our War Veterans. My deep sympathies to all those friends and families who have suffered such a tragic loss. Please let me know if I can help publicize this project -- I have expertise in this area. Name: Kara Hi, I found this site for the first time today. It is very moving, and I offer up my condolences and prayers to the family/friends of the fallen PCVs. I am seriously considering becoming a PCV myself, after I get my undergrad in a few years. I am starting to read about the assaults and deaths, which is discouraging, but I know that if it's in God's will for me to go, I will. The guestbook has helped me to put it in perspective- it's like the soldiers going off to war--we are taking the same risk as they are. Name: Clare A. Hatten Just learned about this site today... We have had an empty seat at our table for nearly twenty years... Lesa Hatten Sanftleben is missed...the memories are so precious.. Lesa's mom.. Date: 12/10/2003 My father, Charles Snow, was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia, I believe in the late '60's. I was just running around the net looking at pictures of Bolivia and I stumbled upon this website. My father passed away in 1995 and left me with some incredible tales of his time in the Peace Corps. Think this is a wonderful cause and I would just like to let you know of my appreciation! Date: 12/5/2003 Thanks for this site. I knew 2 volunteers who died in Peace Corps. They were both extraordinary and unique people and it is painful to remember them, but this site helps to honor them. Katherine Romano, Missoula, MT Date: 11/11/2003 what a wonderfully peaceful way for those with losses to connect in compassion....although i did not lose a family member or friend who volunteered, my peace corps experience brought me great joy and grief as well.....while a volunteer in jamaica, i fell in love and married and gave birth to two children...i stayed in jamaica for 13 years until my children were kidnapped in 1989....i returned to the united states and finally recovered the kids in 1992....in 1999 my 12 yr old son, the youngest, was killed in an accident in colorado.....so, i suppose, my choice to become a pcv led to a loss that saddens me daily...but, my choice to become a pcv also led to such gifts that would never have been possible otherwise...i still return to jamaica at least once a year with my daughter who is now 19 and we visit with old friends who remember well this crazy american who came to help farmers and ended up making it her home as well as starting her family with them....i suppose if i had never joined the peace corps, maybe i would have avoided some of the most painful experiences of my life but, i would have also missed out on many of my greatest joys...(liz colten najali2000@aol.com)......peace. Date: 11/10/2003 I was very moved by your website. Thank you for this memorial. Eden Perry, RPCV Date: 11/6/2003 I am a former PCV who served for 3 1/2 years in Brazil. I extend my thoughts and prayers to your family on the loss of your son and brother in Niger. In these difficult days for our Country with regard to Iraq, it is wonderful to remember Americans like your departed son/brother who are true peace-makers in the world, and it is only through acts of kindness and sharing like Peace Corps can offer that our Nation will ultimately have peace at home and abroad. John Reeder, RPCV, Brazil '69-72 1812 N. Huntington Street Arlington, VA 22205 Date: 11/2/2003 I strongly support your efforts to honor all Peace Corps Volunteers who have died during their service to the people of the world. Jim McGeorge, RPCV Liberia 15, 1968-71 Date: 11/1/2003 Thanks and congratulations to the founders and shepherds of the Fallen Peace Corps Volunteers Memorial Project! It is important to recognize and honor those who have died while in Peace Corps service. Their contribution to their country and to it's most important values are as important as any! Ken Hill Date: 10/30/2003 What a nice tribute! I remember when the first Thailand PCV was killed -- in a bus accident in the northeast. Thailand had gone 20 years without a single fatality when that happened. I didn't realize that another Thailand PCV had been lost in 1988. What a heart break to their families. Charles S. Rice, Thailand #43 (1973-78) Date: 10/29/2003 One of the reasons my Peace Corps experience was so moving and changing was that I learned to face war, and death, and understand the importance of peace. While I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand in 1998, and good volunteer friend of mine was brutally murdered. He was from France, and worked with a non-profit medical aid agency. I add this to remember the many, many other volunteers from all over the world who have also sacrificed their lives in the struggle for peace and justice. Date: 10/28/2003 I would like to see that each Peace Corp Volunteer received a casket flag upon their death. Any military person receives a casket flag at burial. Why not PCVs? Bill Timmons, RPCV Niger, IV 1965-67 Date: 10/28/2003 I am a Mali RPCV who was in country when Zack Merrill passed away... I only met him briefly, but he clearly touched his fellow volunteers deeply. His passing was also of tremendous concern to many Malians with whom I have spoken. I think the idea of a tribute to fallen PCVs is touching, appropriate, and overdue. Craig Tower, Mali 94 - 96 Date: 10/27/2003 Please add me to your e-mail list. I think what you're doing is very important. It's not only a matter of remembering RPCV's who have died while serving the cause of Peace although this is very important. It's also a way to remind people of the Peace Corps and it's relevance today, especially today. Let me know how I can help. Roger Parent, Thailand I rogerop@aol.com South Bend, Indiana 46615 Date: 10/26/2003 Dear Chelsea and Donna, Thank you so much for creating this beautiful memorial to those who have died while working for world peace. Carolyn Nickels-Cox Thailand RPCV, 1971-1975 Date: 10/23/2003 I think that this site is a wonderful tribute to those Peace Corps Volunteers who lost their lives doing something that they loved. They are our lost brothers and sisters who will never be forgotten... Mona Nyandoro RPCV Sao Tome and Principe, 1994-1996 Date: 10/23/2003 A wonderful initiative. Will pass this on to others. Rob Dolce, State Dept.; PCV-Nepal 56, 1976-79; US Embassy Kathmandu, 1986-88 Date: 10/23/2003 Like others who have added their comments here, we would like to thank you for undertaking this labor of love, in a sense on behalf of all of us. We will certainly contribute to a permanent memorial when the time arrives. Barbara and David Grove, Nigeria V, 1962-1964 Date: 10/23/2003 I think this web site is a lovely idea, and I also support the idea of a memorial to fallen PCVs. Thanks for all you have done in this effort. Date: 10/22/2003 This is an excellent idea and a very noble project. Thank you for your efforts. James R. Beckey RPCV (Thailand) Date: 10/21/2003 During my Peace Corps service in Micronesia (1995-97) we would receive a Peace Corps magazine connecting us to the global Peace Corps community. At the end of each issue would be a tribute to PCVs who had recently "fallen". I never knew any of them, but I was always eerily touched and deeply saddened to read the tributes. It was too difficult to fathom losing Peace Corps kin because I knew they,like me, were in the middle of one of the most amazing, special and intense periods in their lives. I appreciate this tribute and commend everyone involved. Melissa Mendonca Date: 10/16/2003 A project like this was overdue. I'm sorry the grief of a family was its foundation, but glad that it may help in their healing. I served in Honduras (80-82) and had heard of a beautiful girl who had been killed by a bus in the streets of Tegucigalpa a few years before my service. I now see that girl was Rosanne Provini. Thank You, Brock Mullis RPCV Date: 10/16/2003 Thank You for doing this. It means a lot to me to honor my friend, Jennifer Rose, who passed away in a car accident in 2000. How can I add a photo and stories to honor her memory to this website? Date: 8/20/2003 Thank you for creating this extraordinary living memorial to fallen Peace Corps volunteers. It is my hope that this great endeavor can be expanded to include the memories of all fallen volunteers, and I will do what I can to help make that happen. I did not know Jeremiah Mack, but from the comments of his friends and family, he sounds like a terrific fellow PCV. Thanks to his mother and sister for organizing this effort, which is a window for us to learn about those we have lost. We need a wider project like this to focus our remembrances, and to explain the meaning of lives dedicated to peace. Every family who has lost a Peace Corps volunteer should be directed to this site, and be able to find a home here. Last year, I had the privilege of leading a service at Arlington National Cemetery for the Peace Corps dead in conjunction with the Peace Corps 40th anniversary. It is the second time we have done this, the first being at the 25th anniversary. Both times we held the service in the 3,000 seat Amphitheater for the Unknown Soldier - a very powerful place, that is now even more so for all of us who would like to honor the memory of fallen PCVS. I urge all to visit it in Washington. For the 25th, speakers included Gordon Radley, who lost his brother Larry (the first fallen PCV), Father Ted Hesburgh, and Bill Moyers -- as well as participants Sargent Shriver and Loret Ruppe, the two longest serving Directors of Peace Corps. For the 40th, Director Gaddi Vasquez, Senator Harris Wofford, Congressman Chris Shays, Teacher of the year Michele Forman, NPCA Board Chair Pat Reilly, and Conference Director Cori Bassett spoke, and I did as well. I urge all to work with the National Peace Corps Association, and its new president, Kevin Quigley, to expand this terrific Memorial Project effort. As of June, 2002, the number of Peace Corps fallen while in service was 254. 165,000 Peace Corps volunteers had then served in 135 countries over a 40 year period. In closing, I would like to leave for you a poem written for the the Peace Corps dead, and delivered at the Amphitheater of the Unknowns at the service in 2002. I wrote it and read it, it is signed with the name I write with, my family's irish-scot clan name. It is written as though all the Peace Corps fallen were speaking to us with one voice. For the Peace Corps Fallen by Donald Maclean We who left you Before our time May return if you reach back And carry a world With us Within you. Let our monmument 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 * * * * * Thank you again for this effort. I look forward to helping its expansion, and in that endeavor, to give the life of Jeremiah Mack and his fellow fallen volunteers the meaning of memory preserved and persistently maintained. These lost volunteers are our lost heart, it is up to us to find them again, and remember. All the Best. Don Wilson Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Sierra Leone, West Africa, 1979-83 Date: 7/8/2003 I met Jeremy Rolfs when he was in kindergarten. I knew then that he would impact the world. He was bright, talented, and had that look in his eyes - you know the one I mean. It's the look that tells you that he has a secret that can change the world and he will just explode if he can't share it with you. And so, Jeremy exploded onto the world and left a legacy of joy and triumph - along with one of silliness and maybe a little stubbornness. Tenacity might be a better word than stubborn, but it doesn't matter. It just matters that my life was touched by his and I feel greatly honored by that. To his mother, father and sister, I give my thanks. You shared him with me and I can never repay the gift. Date: 7/1/2003 So glad to see Jeremy Rolfs remembered. One of his profs. Bob Spires Date: 6/20/2003 Chelsea and Donna, I just finished reading about your Jeremiah and looking at those amazing photos of him. I had heard so much about him from the Bergerons and I know he was one of those people who seems to be some sort of an angel to those who know him. I am so sorry for your great loss. I think your website and your ideas are inspiring... thank you for sharing with us. Andrea Ruma (across-the-street from the Bergerons...Norwood, MA) Date: 5/25/2003 Last Wednesday I was honored to again present the Jeremiah Mack award at Jeremiah's high school alma mater, Boston College High School. When I moved to Boston in 2001 I just happened to move within blocks of the school. Donna's invitation to present the award to one of the school's graduating rugby players is such a privilege. I was not one of Jeremiah's close friends in Peace Corps, but he mentored me as I came in as the first female mason volunteer. When I present the award to the recipient at BC High, I tell them how Jeremiah supported me. When no one else was around, he would say he knew there was a lot of pressure on me. He would encourage me that I could do it, and, especially, not to be afraid to ask questions. With everyone around, he would always make us all laugh. And if I was frustrated with something in the situation (like men not taking me seriously at a construction site), he would exaggerate the situation to ridiculousness, to make me laugh and lighten up too. The two young men I have seen receive this award have both been very moved. Appropriately, the recipient is chosen by his teammates and/or coaches as the senior who is "a man for others". Jeremiah always made people smile, even outside Zinder, in my village, where he couldn't speak the language. Even the day he died I remember laughing through tears as I remembered his antics. Thanks to Donna and Chelsea for creating this site. May it bring peace, even joy through tears, to many who loved pcvs who died so very honorably, serving their country, serving the world. Date: 5/12/2003 It is hard to believe that six years have gone by already since we lost Jeremiah. On his birthday and this day I try to do something special to honor him. A couple of years ago I prayed at the Vatican on his birthday. In 1998 I planted a maple tree at my house in Atlanta. I moved that tree to where I live now in South Carolina and it is thriving. Today I had cake for breakfast and spent the afternoon playing with my dog Bongo who thought Jeremiah was one of the best humans of all time. Each day I try to make my students laugh, remembering how much Jeremiah enjoyed making kids giggle. I miss you, buddy, but know you remain in our hearts forever. Date: 5/5/2003 This is a great project! I was a PCV in Morocco, '79 -81. Now I am anticipating my daughter going to Tanzania in June for relief work. I can now imagine some of the pain for parents who sent their children to do good work, not to see them again. You have my support. Trip Mackintosh Denver, Colorado tmackintosh@hollandhart.com Date: 5/4/2003 I am sure Jeremiah's good works on earth and our memory of him still inspires many of of his Peace Corps friends and others who knew him. His short life was not wasted. There are many who live long lives but contribute little to make the world a better place. Jeremiah in his short time on earth, made a contribution. Though we miss him and still grieve for him, we are consoled by the knowledge that the world is a better place for his being here. His legacy lives on...Uncle Mike, Norwood, Mass. Date: 5/1/2003 Chelsea and Donna, what an amazing tribute. Jeremiah’s grandiose presence will always be too great to slip away. And this just helps reinforce that memory. Still, we hear his voice, his laugh, his accent and of course see his fantastic smile. We laugh about his unique sense of humor and smile when we think of the tenderness that he showed so effortlessly. He visits us in our dreams and we swear our son wears his smile sometimes. Thank you, he is one who will not be forgotten. Thanks for this wonderful tribute and for the opportunity to honor all FPCV's. Adrienne Karecki and Todd Lofgren '95 - '97 Date: 4/30/2003 Peace Corps is one of the rare “phenomenon” that brings together some of the most courageous, adventure seeking, fun loving, and to round it off, generous individuals this country has to offer. Jeremiah “Moussa” Mack was not an exception. It is pretty safe to say that anyone who ventures to spend two years in one of the most desolate, hot and dusty areas of the earth has to be adventurous. Jeremiah’s choice of work in the Peace Corps was trying to battle the destruction of desertification through building houses made solely of mud. He had an amazing personality that could rally people around him, motivate people to work, get involved in trying to change things and throughout the enduring process-had people in stitches, making the work seem all the more enjoyable. Jeremiah paid me a visit in my village and I remember some students practicing for a play and coming over to show us. Within minutes he was encouraging them, giving them suggestions and from then on I was never to hear the end of how great “Moussa” was. My experience in Niger made me realise it is not the tangible gifts in life we appreciate most. I saw Jeremiah and his interactions with children, how he lit up their faces, made them laugh. I can only imagine how many people Jeremiah touched with his child like spirit while he walked this earth. I know the gift of knowing him has given me so much and I have missed many times being able to share some of those experiences I had in Niger with such a wonderful person, laughing at the absolutely crazy things you see and do and most of all loving it all with him. It is wonderful that you, Chelsea and Donna, have put this together as a way for us to share our memories. Thank you.... Margie Rehm Date: 4/4/2003 Chelsea; Thank you, your mother talks so lovingly about both her children and because of your efforts I have been able to see a bit of Jeremiah. To see the pride and love you both had for Jeremiah and to feel your great loss. Really the loss is all of ours because Jeremiah was a young man who gave to everyone he touched. His capacity to reach out and give to so many people is surely missed. Take care of yourself and your Mom (she is a special lady.) L. Dingwell Brockton, MA Date: 4/1/2003 Fallen, waging peace to secure the peace. All life has risks; these risked it in a good cause. Dwight Rousu, RPCV Date: 3/29/2003 Donna and Chelsea, It was shocking for me to realize how little has been done in the past to memorialize the men and women who gave their lives in an effort to make this world a better place by participating in the Peace Corps. What a beautiful and wonderful task you two have undertaken with this website. Jeremiah was a kind and funny "big cousin" and I miss him. We all do. So much. Thank you so much for doing this. No doubt you will continue to touch many, many lives through the work you are doing here. God Bless. Michelle B. Date: 3/29/2003 I just had a chance to "pop" on for a minute. I am so moved by the thoughts and the pictures. Jeremiah continues to touch my heart. Donna and Chelsea....what a wonderful tribute to Jeremiah and to the love you both had for him and each other....Ellie Date: 3/27/2003 Knowing Jeremiah was one of the joys of my life. I preceded him in the Peace Corps (Fiji: Group XXX) and helped him apply to his posting in Niger. From speaking with his group-mates, I know he was a model volunteer, devoted, hard-working and sincere. I'm sure he touched all he knew in that poor and distant land with his compassion and open heart. He was fun to be with and I'll always miss the chance to have watched him grow up. Though I have a wonderful stepdaughter, I have no male heir. I would have been very proud to have Jeremiah as my son. Mark C. Bergeron, Norwood, Massachusetts Copyright © 2003 by Fallen Peace Corps Volunteers Memorial Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
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