Profiles in Service

What began as a bold experiment in grassroots service produced future ambassadors whose courage would guide U.S. diplomacy through seven decades of war, peace, and social change.

They tracked looted antiquities during the war in Iraq and re-established diplomacy in Kabul after 9/11. As hostages in Iran, they maintained diplomatic discipline to bridge a volatile cultural divide during 444 days of tedium and torture. While some led combat troops against Vietcong sanctuaries during the Vietnam War, others brought infrastructure to villages in the midst of raging firefights.

Throughout these missions of peace and moments of war reside deeply personal moments, like finding the courage to integrate a southern high school after Brown vs. the Board of Education or taking comfort in African village beliefs to mourn terrific loss. From hurricane cleanup in Central America and economic development in South Korea to negotiations with Balkan warlords and strongmen across Africa, these individuals inserted American ideals and pragmatism into difficult moments to bring progress and change around the world.

Drawing on oral histories from The Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, fresh interviews, and other sources, the profiles link Peace Corps service with diplomatic achievements to highlighting how the volunteer experience shaped individual careers—and modern American diplomacy.

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