WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the first time in history, the Peace Corps is releasing a compilation of volunteer stories, "A Life Inspired: Tales of Peace Corps Service," to the public. The paperback, composed of short stories from volunteers all over the world, will be available in bookstores and libraries across the country on the agency's 45th anniversary, March 1.

"Since the inception of the Peace Corps, more than 182,000 Americans have embraced the cultures of 138 host countries, building bonds of friendship and bridges of understanding. Now, with the public release of this book, their inspirational journeys can be shared with a much wider audience," said Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez.

In the past, books of volunteer stories have only been available at recruitment events. The first such book was "At Home in the World: The Peace Corps Story," published in April 1996. It was reprinted in 1997 as "Peace Corps: The Great Adventure," with updated stories. In 2005, "Peace Corps: The Great Adventure" went through additional reprinting and revisions. This latest book, "A Life Inspired: Tales of Peace Corps Service," is full of brand-new stories.

A Life Inspired includes a tapestry of stories from Director Vasquez as well as Peace Corps volunteers in Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Moldova, Nepal, Panama, Paraguay, Samoa, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uzbekistan and Zambia.

The book can be purchased for $15.95 in bookstores or on the Government Printing Office's Web site at bookstore.gpo.gov. It can also be borrowed from your local library or found at local recruitment events.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 45-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-year high for volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 182,000 volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 138 countries where volunteers have served. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

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