Nebraska Reflections on the Peace Corps

“I continue to gain more from my Peace Corps experiences than I’ll ever be able to give or repay. Being a Peace Corps volunteer has become an integral part of my identity; my outlook on everything in life is from the lens of a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. I continue to feel in awe of the personal value of Peace Corps service, the vast potential of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer community, and the responsibility we have to carry out the third goal as Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.” Emily C. McKeone Zambia 2012 – 2014 Omaha, NE 68104 “While I was in Liberia on my second tour with the Peace Corps, I was asked to be the commencement speaker at the graduation of the student nurses from the Tubman School of Nursing at John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center. It was an honor and I felt very humble and proud as I stood on that podium and talked about the accomplishments of the students and the contributions they would be making in the future… One day, years later (after war and strife in Liberia), I received a phone call in the US from one of the students who I had taught while at Tubman, and she told me about her life, the impact I had on her career, and all that she had accomplished in spite of the hardships of having been forced to leave Liberia, then returning, and beginning again. In ten short minutes, I understood what my 'bigger' role had been as a teacher, mentor, and friend while fulfilling my role as a Peace Corps Volunteer.” Dr. Sharon R. Redding Chad 1969-1971; Liberia 1971-1973 Omaha, NE 68130 “(My proudest Peace Corps moment was helping to start) The 'Tractor Cooperative' and being able to maintain contact with the villagers in the 45 years since my departure from Basarakodu. My best friend, Bheemappa, died four years ago, and I’m helping his grandchildren attend university.” Ronald E. Psota India 1986-1971 Omaha, NE 68131