ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) — Nearly half a century ago, an Ashland couple’s lives were changed forever when they discovered their passion for volunteerism in the Peace Corps — which celebrates its anniversary Tuesday.
Phil and Polly Arnold, both 68, told the Medford Mail-Tribune they had seen little of the world before marrying in college 47 years ago. He was majoring in history, she in home economics.
After graduating, they found their calling in humanitarianism.
They spent 1964-65 teaching in Nepal and then returned for three more years through 1969 when Phil joined the agency as a supervisor. The Arnolds became lifelong friends with fellow volunteers and forged ties with several Nepalese.
President Kennedy created the Peace Corps in 1961 to promote peace through volunteerism. Since then 5,652 Oregonians have volunteered, with 246 currently serving.
