FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, November 5, 2009

Former Peace Corps Volunteer John Garamendi Sworn in as United States Congressman

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 5, 2009 Today, former Peace Corps volunteer John Garamendi was sworn in as the Congressman from Californias 10th Congressional District. Congressman Garamendi joins Senator Christopher Dodd (Dominican Republic, 1966-68) and Representatives Tom Petri (Somalia, 1966-67), Sam Farr (Colombia, 1964-66), Mike Honda (El Salvador, 1965-67), and Steve Driehaus (Senegal, 1988-90) as currently-serving Members of Congress who are returned Peace Corps volunteers.

Rep. Garamendi and his wife Patricia served together as Peace Corps volunteers in Ethiopia from 1966 to 1968. Rep. Garamendi previously served as Lieutenant Governor of California; California Insurance Commissioner; Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior; and in both the California State Assembly and Senate. From 1993 to 1998, Ms. Garamendi served as the Associate Director of Peace Corps and in Peace Corps Office of Private Sector Support.

As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with over 7,600 volunteers serving in 75 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.

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