What you read here is NOT the petition that would ultimately be submitted to the White House. It is simply a draft, and a work in progress at that. If this idea was ever written into law, it would require much more detail than what you will read here.

The title used to read "Equivalence to Veterans Status for Peace Corps Volunteers", but that has caused confusion and consternation in some circles. Some RPCVs like the spirit of the idea, but not the comparison to military veterans, who they believe are asked to ultimately sacrifice more than Peace Corps volunteers ever would. I disagree with that sentiment, as many stateside and administrative roles do not require exposure to combat, but I understand and have changed the petition to reflect that concern.

In the context of this petition, "veteran" should be defined more generally as: (n) a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation, office, or the like (i.e.- fireman, policeman, athletes, etc.)

Some have asked to have the word veteran omitted completely. I refuse to do that for one simple reason: the Veterans Administration, not the Department of Defense, would be the logical choice to administer benefits. The acronym RPCV has been used for a very long time, but it is not exclusive to those who have completed their 2-year Peace Corps commitment. RPCV, can be used by anyone who has ever served in Peace Corps, even though they may have not complete their service. The term "Peace Corps Veteran", that I put forth in this petition, would generally indicate that someone has successfully completed their 2-year tour. As with the military, there could be other Peace Corps Veteran designations for people who had to leave for medical reasons, evacuations, etc. Those who choose to leave early would receive an equivalent to an administrative discharge and would not be eligible for benefits.

Here is the draft of the petition, as it has been presented previously:

I believe Peace Corps Volunteers that successfully complete 2-years of service abroad should receive an equivalent status as honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. military. We should hold those who spread American goodwill and promote peace, in as high a regard as those who so valiantly protect us via military service. Benefits (education, home loans, vocational rehab, life insurance, etc.) would incentivize more to consider Peace Corps service. Having served in both the U.S. Navy Reserves (1992 -2000: CM3 in the Seabees) and the U.S. Peace Corps (2001-2003: Agriculture Volunteer, Moldova), I proudly submit this petition to enhance our country's ability to promote peace and understanding abroad.

Peace Corps Veteran designation, and full benefits, would be retroactive to anyone who has successfully completed service since the beginning of Peace Corps.

Additional benefits not previously mentioned, but brought up by petition signers, could be: an extended or lifetime non-compete for government jobs, loan forgiveness, VA work study, etc.

A benefit to Peace Corps would be higher retention and improved quantity and quality of volunteers. Many good, qualified potential volunteers, have passed on Peace Corps service because they simply could not take the financial hit. I do not understand why making volunteers who serve our country in the name of peace should have to become financial martyrs. Many people, myself included, joined the military for benefits. Besides serving our country, it provided income and stability. On many levels, it was simply a job. Peace Corps purports that service equates to "the toughest job you'll ever love". I would argue that using the word "job" may be a stretch. If there were some benefits post-service, that claim would actually make sense. Regardless, make no mistake...I love Peace Corps. It's an awesome institution, one of which America should be very, very proud.

As a vet, I already have benefits. I simply believe this is the right way to honor the sacrifice of so many of my fellow volunteers. Thank you all so much for your service to our country!

We're going to need at least 100,000 signatures to get a petition in from the President. If we can get to 10,000, I will start writing congressmen. To make this effort go anywhere near viral, we will need for as many RPCVs and their family and friends, to share this via Facebook, Twitter and e-mail, coupled with testimonials telling their stories. You may receive reminders from MoveOn.org to do so, and I apologize now for that. I will send out updates, when and if, we get closer to the goal.

NOTE: If you sign this petition, and have a change of heart, please contact MoveOn.org and provide your name and the name of the petition and ask that you be removed. They will gladly assist!