FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 10, 2003
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Peace Corps
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202-692-2230
202-692-2201 (fax)
pressoffice@peacecorps.gov
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Peace Corps Volunteers in Botswana Experience a Visit from the President |
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“One of the main reasons I joined the Peace Corps was to experience things,”
said Volunteer Kevin Collins. “But never in a million years did I expect to meet
the President of the United States.” On Wednesday, July 10, twelve Peace Corps
Volunteers in Botswana were given that opportunity. The Volunteers met President
George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and daughter Barbara Bush at a game
reserve about 15 kilometers south of Gaberone.
Earlier in the day, when the President had met with President Mogae of
Botswana, President Mogae recognized the Peace Corps for its work in his
country. The President took full advantage of getting to know some of these
workers up close. President Bush greeted and thanked each of the Peace Corps
Volunteers for their efforts, as he chatted his way around a semi-circle of
eager Volunteers. “The President was warm and friendly and spent time talking
with each of us,” said Volunteer Donna Stanislawski. “The President thanked all
the Volunteers for their support and commitment to helping Botswana fight the
scourge of HIV/AIDS.”
But the talk wasn’t all serious. Peace Corps Volunteer Chris Talley, a 2001
graduate of Yale University, shared some laughs with the President. Talley
reminded the President of his commencement address at their alma mater in which
the President said, ‘You, too, can become the President of the United
States…with a C average.’ “We laughed together in jest over the comment and he
embraced the two of us who were on either side of him,” said Talley. Peace Corps
Volunteer Sally Atland, a graduate of Austin College in Texas, had celebrated
her birthday the day before. The President gave her a belated birthday hug and
kiss on the cheek and wished her a happy birthday.
The Volunteers expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunity to meet the
President. “It was a privilege and an honor,” said Stanislawski. Peace Corps
Volunteer Key James explained, “I was genuinely pleased with the level of
compassion (the President) held for Botswana in helping the country combat
HIV/AIDS.” Others were more euphoric in their appreciation, “It will be an event
I will never forget!” said Peace Corps cashier Gladys Nlondiwa.
Collins summed up the experience by saying, “We all felt incredibly fortunate
to have met the President of the United States. Just a typical day in the life
of a Peace Corps Volunteer, right? In a way, yes, because I have new and amazing
experiences every day. Peace Corps is a great life.”
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