Congressman Garamendi and Mrs. Garamendi Issue Statement on Passing of Sargent Shriver

Congressman Garamendi speaks in honor of Sargent Shriver

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA) and his wife Mrs. Patti Garamendi today issued the following the statement after the passing of Sargent Shriver:

"Patti and I are sad to learn of Sargent Shriver’s passing. Our lives were shaped, inspired, and improved by the extraordinary vision and talent of Sargent Shriver when he built the Peace Corps. We had the awesome experience to join the Peace Corps in its third year and to be assigned to Ethiopia. Were it not for Shriver’s leadership, this iconic and pure American program would never exist.

"Sargent became our close friend as the years went by. With each meeting our love for Sargent grew, as did our respect for his endless enthusiasm and desire to improve the status of all. In the 1990s, Patti worked closely with Sarge to spread the Peace Corps to Eastern Europe, Asia, and South Africa. His enthusiasm once again motivated Americans to join the Peace Corps and serve men, women, and children in every part of the globe.

"America and the world will miss this compassionate and talented man. Patti and I send our prayers and condolences to his family, and we will deeply miss Sargent Shriver."