Jack Slattery
President, FOI
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From the Friends of India (FOI) Board we send our best wishes to all of you for
the NEW Year. May we see a more peaceful 2007 after all the violence of wars
in 2006. Perhaps we can each take a few moments to recognize our common humanity
with those suffering and send them our healing thoughts.
On a different topic: Some of us from time to time have expressed concern about the future of FOI as we India RPCVs age.
And since Peace Corps has not been in India for 30 years we do not have younger RPCVs to take our place. The reality of
this concern was further brought home to me after a recent near-death experience. (No, I did not see any bright lights
down a tunnel.) Alice and I sometimes discussed the idea that our children might continue FOI in someway.
Many of our
offspring have professions that give them the opportunity to serve others here in the U.S. and abroad in so many
different ways. Some were or are Peace Corps Volunteers, some served or are serving in the military at this difficult
and dangerous time. Our daughter Lisa, for example, is a human rights attorney working in Sub-Saharan Africa advocating
for the rights of women. I am sure many of you could add to this list of contributions of our offspring and family members.
None of us would consider it bragging if you want to share how your family members might have been influenced by your
Peace Corps experience. If you have some thoughts on how we might do this, please email me
(FOIndiaSlattery@aol.com).
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Also, you might think of giving FOI memberships to relatives for their birthday or other special day. FOI is a modest
organization of ordinary people who made significant and often very surprising individual and group contributions in
India that truly made a difference back then and today. Those of us who did this never saw the world quite the same
again. After our Peace Corps service, many of us found new and other ways to continue helping people here and abroad.
And yes, we were mischievous, did not follow all the rules, had fun and some times were quite ill. Yet we are all
proud to have been part of this, and rightfully so!
In closing: To those who served or are serving in our military and to their families, you all have our highest esteem
for the sacrifices you have made. To those with loved ones still serving we wish all a safe and speedy return.
Namascaram,
Jack Slattery
Email: FOIndiaSlattery@aol.com
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