2008 JAMES A. VAN FLEET AWARD

PEACE CORPS KOREA VOLUNTEERS

CITATION

Many Americans have dedicated themselves to the cause of U.S.–Korea friendship over the years. Few Americans have done more for this cause than the approximately 2,500 men and women who served as Peace Corps volunteers in Korea from 1966 to 1981. Answering their country’s call, these Americans gave two years of their lives to work in Korea during an era when the idea of Korea as a modern democracy and a world-class economy was only a dream in the minds of visionaries.

The Peace Corps Korea volunteers shared with Koreans from all walks of life their skills and their spirit of sacrifice. Traveling to a foreign land, they were determined to contribute to its development and did so in a way that is still remembered and appreciated on both sides of the Pacific. The volunteers shared their talents and knowledge with newfound friends in Korea, and in doing so they developed a deep appreciation for Korea’s culture and language as well as a strong affection for the Korean people.

Today, many Koreans speak of the profound educational and personal impact the Peace Corps volunteers had on them. And today, those volunteers continue to distinguish themselves in government, academia, and business, carrying with them and spreading to others the deep feelings for Korea that have helped make fast the bonds that link our two peoples.

The Korea Society is pleased to honor the selfless dedication these Americans showed in support of U.S.–Korea relations by bestowing a 2008 James A. Van Fleet Award on the veterans of the Peace Corps Korea program. It is a special honor to have The Honorable Kevin O’Donnell, the first country director of the Peace Corps Korea program, accept the award on behalf of all those who served America–and Korea–so well as Peace Corps Korea volunteers.