RPCV Congressman Garamendi Hits the Hill

As he made his first remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, the phone in Room 2459 of the Rayburn Office Building was already ringing.  "Congressman Garamendi's office, how can I help you?"

Returned Peace Corps Volunteer John Garamendi was sworn in today as the new representative of California's 10th Congressional District.  In welcoming remarks on behalf of the California congressional delegation, Representative Pete Stark began by noting that both Garamendi and his wife Patti began their lifelong commitment to public service as Peace Corps volunteers in Ethiopia in the late 1960's.

Garamendi extends an interesting legacy of Ethiopia Peace Corps alumni serving in Congress.  Former U.S. Senator Harris Wofford was the first Ethiopia Country Director, and former Congressman Paul Tsongas volunteered in Ethiopia from 1962-64. Wofford says "John Garamendi champions so many causes close to my heart.  I very much wish that Paul Tsongas and I could be there with John to work together and bring about a better and bolder Peace Corps for the 21st century."

(Pictured above: The newest member of Congress, John Garamendi (center), with NPCA President Kevin Quigley and Vice President Anne Baker)