WASHINGTON, D.C. – “Today, on the fifth anniversary of the death of Peace Corps volunteer Kate Puzey, we honor her legacy and reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger, more effective Peace Corps. A compassionate and motivated volunteer, Kate was committed to helping others and embodied everything a Peace Corps volunteer should be. Her spirit of charity, selflessness and kindness lives on.

“Kate’s passing cemented a fundamental culture shift at the Peace Corps, including concrete reforms to help ensure we are doing everything we can to keep volunteers healthy and safe, and that when tragedies do occur, families receive responsive and compassionate support from the highest levels of the Peace Corps.

“Each and every day, Kate’s memory inspires us as we forge a 21^st century Peace Corps that bridges our founding ideals with the realities of modern times. We have embarked on the most extensive reform this agency has ever seen, and it began with improving the quality of support we provide to our volunteers. We aren’t done yet, and it will take time, but are making important progress. We’re changing the Peace Corps for the better, and we’re committed to doing it right.”