WHEREAS, The Peace Corps was established in 1961 through the leadership of President John F. Kennedy to: "Help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women"; "help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of peoples served"; and "help promote a better understanding of other peoples"; and
     WHEREAS, The Peace Corps is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011; and
     WHEREAS, Since 1961, approximately 200,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps volunteers in 139 host countries in what some call "the toughest job you'll ever love"; and
     WHEREAS, Today, over 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers nationwide continue to work with local governments, communities, schools, and businesses in 77 countries to address changing needs in education, health, business, community development, and information technology; and
     WHEREAS, During the Peace Corps' half-century of service, 8,400 tough-minded and dedicated volunteers from the state of Washington have assisted countries around the world; and
     WHEREAS, Currently seven percent of Peace Corps volunteers are over age 50, contributing their invaluable, unique life experiences and professional expertise; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State ranks 3rd among all states in the number of Peace Corps volunteers; and
     WHEREAS, Today 372 Washingtonians currently serve in the Peace Corps; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State's colleges and universities represent a notable source of Peace Corps volunteers; and
     WHEREAS, Returned volunteers bring back a deeper understanding of the world's populations, continue to serve our country in a variety of ways, and represent a valuable domestic return on America's investment;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate offers our congratulations to the Peace Corps as it turns 50; recognizes its outstanding accomplishments; and conveys our deep appreciation to all present and former Peace Corps volunteers who continue to promote peace and friendship at home and around the world; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate is pleased to recognize six individuals currently associated with the Senate for their contributions as Peace Corps volunteers: Senator Paull Shin, who trained Peace Corps volunteers beginning in 1961 and later served in Borneo Malaysia; Elyse Bell, daughter of Senator King's Legislative Assistant, Laura Bell, who is currently volunteering in Benin, until 2012; John Woolley, Deputy Legislative Auditor, former volunteer in Sierra Leon, 1977-1980; Devon Jenkins, son of Senator Kohl-Welles, former volunteer in Niger, 2004-2005; and Ann Zukoski and Mark Bartlett, sister-in-law and brother-in-law of Senate Counsel Keith Buchholz, volunteers in the Central African Republic, 1989-1991; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to: The National Peace Corps Headquarters, Washington, D.C.; the Peace Corps Northwest Regional Office, Seattle; the National Peace Corps Association; the Seattle Peace Corps Association; the Olympia Area Returned Peace Corps Volunteers; the Inland Peace Corps Association; the Bellingham Peace Corps Association; and Senator Paull Shin, Elyse Bell, Laura Bell, Senator Curtis King, John Woolley, Ann Zukoski, Mark Bartlett, Devon Jenkins, and Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles.