Note If You Haven't Seen It From Acting PC/D Carrie Hessler-Radelet (Samoa 1981-83)

Below is a message that Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Acting Peace Corps Director asked us to pass along in response to the petition “Honor RPCV Ambassador Chris Stevens”
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Thank you all for your outpouring of support and concern for honoring U.S. Ambassador and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) Chris Stevens.  You have reminded me of how close a family we are at the Peace Corps.  We have informed the Stevens family that hundreds of you (more than 888!) share their loss and are interested in honoring Ambassador Stevens — and they were very touched.

The tragic death of Ambassador Stevens was a tremendous loss for our nation, and a loss that was keenly felt within the Peace Corps community.  After extending our condolences to the Stevens family, we contacted them to begin a conversation on the most appropriate manner to honor the life and memory of Ambassador Stevens.  There are a number of ideas on the table, and that conversation is ongoing.  However, we have committed to placing a photo and/or plaque of Chris Stevens in History Hall in the lobby of the Peace Corps headquarters, dedicated with a ceremony open to RPCVs and the Stevens family.  With the family, we are considering other ways to honor and remember Ambassador Stevens as well.  I will keep you informed as our plans become more clear, including dates for a dedication in History Hall.

Sadly, over our 51 year history, a number of RPCVs have died while in service to our country.  I ask that you continue to remember Ambassador Stevens and all RPCVs and Peace Corps Volunteers who gave their lives in service to the cause of peace.

Thank you again.

Warm regards,

Carrie

Carrie Hessler-Radelet
Acting Director
Peace Corps
RPCV Western Samoa 1981-83