Saw our son off to the Peace Corps today...

[pacifichrono]

After 18 months of red tape, interviews, prereqs, classes, background checks, immunizations, etc., our 22 year-old son, Michael, departed today for the Peace Corps.

He graduated from UC-San Diego last summer with a degree in Sociology and International Relations. He's not sure about a career yet, but thinking about maybe something in the State Department after the Peace Corps.

After a couple days in NYC, he and about 20 other PC volunteers will be flying to Namibia, Africa for several weeks of intensive training before beginning their two-year assignments out in the country's hinterlands (most probably).

It was tough to see him go, but we hope to maybe see him before the end of the year, either in Europe or Africa.

FYI: I did equip him with a Leatherman Wave and a Nitecore MT25!

[poppydog]

You must be very proud Tom, and with good reason of course. I'm sure it will be a very useful and fulfilling experience for him, and something you can both look back on in future years. Thanks for sharing this with us

[SCM64]

That's pretty awesome. While a lot of his peers are bitching about things and playing video games, he's striking out in the world and trying to do good. I know I didn't have that kind of fortitude at that age.

I'm sure it might have you and mom a little worried, but that's a young man I am sure you are very proud of and with good reason. Congrats to you both and best wishes to your son. I hope you keep us updated on his adventures.

Maybe there is a bit of hope for the future after all.

[hoppyjr]

Congratulations, it's great to see young people do good.

[matt.wu]

Very good, Tom. Best of luck to your son!

[River Rat]

Hope your son has a good time in the peace corps did not know that was a two year commitment. Good to see younger people still voulenter for stuff. I did the Calif Conservation Corps when I was his age but only a one year commitment then I volunteered for a longer commitment the US Navy.

[blkgsl]

Very cool Tom. I'm sure he'll have a great time, best time to do it is when young!


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[dukerules]

Congrats to your son. Amazing self-sacrifice. I wish him the best over the next couple of years!

[JBZ]

Congrats! What a great opportunity for your son.

I have a cousin who just started working for the State Department's foreign service this year - he's stationed in Nigeria. He's really enjoying it so far.

[1954Selmer]

Another proud moment for your family. Congratulation and great photograph!

[mattcantwin]

Great way to make a positive contribution to the world, Congratulations!

[Expat]

You did something right there my friend. Life's short and kids are either running toward money or "checking out". Those two years will change his whole life for the better.

[demer03]

Good on him. The experience of a lifetime.

[aikiman44]

You must be very proud that your son is making a real contribution.

[Pasquale]

Definitely a proud moment. We wish him the best.

[Grahamcombat]

What a great opportunity.

[jimyritz]

I'm sure you are very proud...What an awesome experience, something he will remember for the rest of his life..

[moishlashen]

Cool, good luck to him and congrats. My Dad did same thing in early 60's with my Mom right after he got out of USMC. Same place too.

[cdnwatchguy]

I am sure he will have a great adventure. Congratulations.

[GGD]

Congrats Tom.... I bet he'll have a great experience and do you proud.

Stay safe Mike

[FlyPenFly]

Good man, wish I did something worthwhile like this when I was 22.

[koda240]

That's pretty awesome. Imagining the adventures ahead is pretty incredible. Safe travels to your boy.

[hazmatman]

A proud papa moment for sure! And what will be a memorable life experience for your son! Best wishes for a good journey & a rich, full time on the continent!

[toxicavenger]

awesome Tom, hope he doesn't play with some local "tang" while he is there, i heard that stuff is the "bomb"

[falcon4311]

Very cool, you obviously raised a great kid. You look pretty proud in the pic.