servicenation

Anyone who loves service loves the Peace Corps, because it's one of the most storied and effective service programs America has ever devised. President Obama knows that it is one of the most effective tools America has to build bonds of trust and understanding with other nations, and during his campaign promised to double the size of the Peace Corps by 2011, which just happens to be the Peace Corps' 50th anniversary.

When it comes to supporting funding for service on Capitol Hill it's important that our community stay engaged and continue to let our legislators know that we think full funding for the expansion of national service and volunteer service opportunities is critical to help address problems and provide meaningful work experience in a time of enormous economic challenges.

No one who has not been through it can presume to know what it takes for a grievously wounded veteran to pull his or her life back together. And sometimes the paths they travel are unusual, and inspiring. For Ronnie Simpson, a Marine who almost lost his life to an RPG in Fallujah, Iraq in 2004, adventure and personal challenge seem to be the best way to regain a sense of balance and meaning in life.

Chile's earthquake, in terms of raw numbers, was not as devastating as the earthquake which struck Haiti in January. But for thousands of Chileans who lost family members or homes, it was as devastating as any earthquake can be. International organizations are once again scrambling to try and help Chile cope with the destruction.