Note: This is an exemplar post for an assignment following a study of Nicholas Gage’s “The Teacher Who Changed My Life.”
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The US Peace Corps began in 1961. It serves as a means for US citizens to volunteer service to their country. Some of the latest ways Peace Corps volunteers serve others includes fighting HIV/AIDS in 26 countries, fighting hunger, encouraging environmental protection, and promoting technological access throughout the world. You can expect hearing of Peace Corps volunteers helping erect windmills. It isn’t surprising to hear of them teaching local farmers proven new methods. What you don’t expect are Peace Corps volunteers dying.
In Nicholas Gage’s “The Teacher Who Changed My Life,” Gage mentions one of his most recognized collegiate work samples, an article he wrote about a close friend who was the first to die — according to Gage — while serving in the Peace Corps. Gage’s friend died in the Philippines. But, I’m curious. How many others have died as a Peace Corps volunteer? Surely the number isn’t that great.
At the Fallen Peace Corps Volunteers Memorial Project (FPVMP), the number is given, and it’s higher than you might think. Out of more than 200,000 who’ve served, 302 people have died while serving in the Peace Corps. The project’s website gives information about many of these fallen civilians.
One person who died in Peace Corps service was Paul Bond. Bond had successfully completed a mission building infrastructure in Ecuador. He died in a crash in 1966 when his flight from Lima to Cuzco crashed into a mountain in bad weather.
Rose Anne Crimmins is another volunteer who died abroad. She served in the Peace Corps in India from 1965-1967. She died of carbon monoxide poisoning while in a hotel room in Iran.
According to FPVMP, the most recent Peace Corps death is that of Dianne Veiller. Veiller, who, according to Peace Corps volunteer Alexa, died of complications from a surgery. Veiller had worked for years in Uganda helping farmers with economic opportunities and food security.
Nicholas Gage’s text gives readers an impression of his genuine appreciation of all those who influenced him as he acclimated to American culture, language, education, and opportunity. He especially notes the lasting influence of his sacrificial mother, welcoming father, encouraging teacher Ms. Hurd, and good, altruistic Peace Corps friend.
Have you ever lost someone who was an inspiration to you? How does that person’s influence continue to transform you into a better person? Feel free to comment below.