2025 Peace Prize
We were thrilled to honor Vets to Vets United with the 2025 NC Peace Prize on March 1 at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. Dr. Terry Morris, DVM (founder and executive director), and Dan Portaro (board member and Vietnam veteran) shared inspirational stories of Vets to Vets United’s impact on our community. They generously fielded questions from an engaged groups of about 30 RPCVs and guests. We loved meeting and learning from the veterans and rescue dogs who joined us on this special day.
Vets to Vets United staff and veterans along with NCPCA members
NCPCA President Jennifer Chow presents Peace Prize to Dr. Terry Morris, DVM, PhD
President’s Corner
NCPCA members (aka YOU) made it possible for us to honor Vets to Vets United. What did it mean to honor them? Sure, it’s great to receive a $2000 check, a beautiful custom vase, and some media attention. But perhaps more importantly, Dr. Terry told us that our recognition was a wonderful gift in itself. It validated their work, uplifted them, and made them feel SEEN.
Many of us in this Peace Corps community of global service feel deeply how important it is to see and uplift each other. At the Peace Prize ceremony, we talked about the connection we share with the Vets to Vets community: our patriotism, commitment to service, and belief in helping people help themselves. While our missions may be different, we’ve lived among strangers in strange places, and brought our experiences and global viewpoints back to America. Let’s remember to celebrate what we share with others in our community, and to recognize each other when we can. ~ Jennifer Chow
AdvocacyCarla Brown-Ndiaye, Vice President of the National Peace Corps Association, joined us at the Peace Prize Ceremony with updates on how the Stand Up for Service initiative aims to “unite and activate our community in support and recognition of Peace Corps’ mission, emphasizing its value, both domestically and abroad.”
Our advocacy lead, Dani Choi, also shared steps we are taking locally to advocate for the Peace Corps during the NPCA’s 2025 National Days of Advocacy (ongoing through April). Peace Corps is still operating, and all programs are open, so the focus is now on sustaining funding through FY2026.
If you would like to get more involved in advocacy efforts, please email Dani at [email protected].
Recent Events
The NCPCA supported North Carolina Central University’s Peace Corps event on February 27. Several NCCU RPCVs joined the celebration to share their unique story and perspectives and to encourage the next generation of Peace Corps volunteers. Special thanks to James Ham, RPCV, Peace Corps staff and Director of International Affairs at NCCU.
Photo below: a gathering of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) RPCV staff, including Reginald and Celeste Hodges, with faculty, alumni, and Stephanie Alt Lamm, NCPCA board member.
Below: Some happy NCPCA hikers hit the trail at Lake Crabtree County Park earlier this month. Thank you, Amy Blackwell, RPCV/South Africa, for organizing and leading! Our next hike will be on June 14 at Eno River State Park. Pictured left to right: Jim Hauser, RPCV/Chile, Amy Blackwell, RPCV/South Africa, Ruth Heuer, RPCV/Philippines, and Sam Scott, RPCV/Uganda (with wife Vivien and son Ezra).
Update from Susan Sunay
Many of you know Susan Sunay, a very active NCPCA member who worked on communications and many other tasks. She is back in the field, serving as a volunteer in Botswana. She recently shared this note (and some cool photos) with us.
Greetings from Botswana!
Life in the Peace Corps is full of ups and downs, as you know. Lately, these have become more extreme with the many executive orders and actions being taken by President Trump. This means some things have changed or are on hold (including training and small grants available for projects). But we persevere and do the best we can under the circumstances.
My site is in Kazungula, in the far north where Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia all meet (photo of the unique curved bridge over the Zambezi river is below). The population is about 10,000 and has a small-town feel. I mainly work with the clinic, and am helping streamline operations in the children’s “Under 5” clinic. Over 800 children come in each month for vaccinations and food rations.
I have also been working with an NGO that helps people living with HIV. We have organized support groups for women and teens. I have also been working with the district gender committee, helping organize events to support more equity for women.
Upcoming Events
Stay in the loop on NCPCA happenings via the website event calendar, the Instagram page, and the Facebook group.
Thursday, March 27 and April 24, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Raleigh Happy Hour
We’re meeting at our favorite spot, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe & Brewery (505 W. Jones St., Raleigh). Up to three hours of free parking in the deck behind the restaurant. (See their website for details.) Contact: Glenn Sappie, RPCV/Paraguay, [email protected], to RSVP.
Thursday, April 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Durham Happy Hour
We’ll gather at Lakewood Social (1920 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham), an indoor/outdoor communal restaurant focused on small bites, sandwiches, and shareables. Enjoy a good selection of draft beers, or perhaps wine or cocktails. There’s plenty of free private parking at the venue plus spill-over parking in the shopping center. Come join area RPCVs for a few hours of relaxation and story sharing! Contact Wil Halford, RPCV/Kenya, [email protected] to RSVP.
Sunday, May 18, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., Book Club
Our next read will be Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II, by Vicki Constantine Croke. Winner of a “Goodreads Choice Award,” this story chronicles Billy William’s adventures as an elephant trainer and healer in 1920s Burma, and the later work by his “war elephants” behind Japanese enemy lines during World War II. For all the meeting details, and to RSVP, join the Google Group or contact Peggy S ([email protected]) or Ruth Heuer ([email protected]).
About a dozen local RPCVs gathered at Lakewood Social for Happy Hour last month. Thanks Wil Hallford, RPCV/Kenya, for organizing the Durham HH each month!
Not a member yet?
Join (or renew) your NCPCA membership for $15! Your dues help support the annual NCPCA Peace Prize, grants to volunteers in the field, and social events like the Fall picnic. Paid memberships are also a good “barometer” for the Steering Committee to assess NCPCA’s value to our community. If this organization is something you support, please consider contributing. Simply scan this QR code, or visit our membership page.