As the world’s very best athletes from more than 90 nations competed in Italy for the Winter Olympics, members of Congress have the opportunity to “go for the gold” in a much different setting, for a much different cause: recognizing the achievements of past and present citizens who served our nation – and continue to serve – as Peace Corps volunteers.
Reps. Betty McCollum (D-MN) and John Rutherford (R-FL) have introduced H.R. 5521, the “Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025,” which would collectively recognize past and present Peace Corps volunteers with the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress. A growing bipartisan list of House members is co-sponsoring this legislation, which comes as the Peace Corps celebrates 65 years of global, national and local service by individuals in every state and congressional district.
I am one of the nearly 250,000 individuals who served my country as a Peace Corps volunteer. I served in Nicaragua (1975–77), working in community development, specifically in tropical health and nutrition. My service provided me with cultural knowledge and a new global perspective to continue my work locally in education and leadership.
When it comes to national service and volunteerism, the Peace Corps has often been described as the “gold standard” in terms of programming, innovation and effectiveness. Passing this legislation will require a strong bipartisan show of support from Congress. It is my hope that Rep. Jeff Hurd will become one of the next co-sponsors of this legislation.
Wanda Ellingson
Durango
