Interview with David McCord, November 16, 2023

Interview Summary

David McCord, Dominican Republic, 1966-1967, Forestry. David McCord was born in Los Angeles and raised in a small rural community in Oregon. He attended Southern Oregon College and Oregon State University/Corvallis. He graduated with a degree in forestry/natural resources. David saw the Peace Corps as an alternative to Vietnam. He completed Pre-Service Training in Camp Crozier outside of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. David was assigned to the Forestry Office within the Ministry of Agriculture at a regional office is San Jose de Las Matas. He described his living conditions and a description of the town. David had an advisory role in direct seeding, tree planting, and fire control. He created maps from road surveys. David shared his engagement with friends and participation in social activities. David still feels the Peace Corps is a worthwhile experience. He returned to the U.S. and received a master’s degree in urban planning from University of Oregon/Eugene. He also engaged with the American Field Service (AFS) hosting students from Vietnam/Australlia, Argentina, and Thailand.

Interview Keyword

Dominican Republic Forestry Los Angeles Oregon South Oregon College Oregon State University/Corvallis forestry Vietnam application D.C. Sylvania Hotel Ron Billings Tom Pope Puerto Rico Camp Crozier Jorge’s Place Santo Domingo Pre-Service Training San Jose de Las Matas work site Pico Duarte Santiago housing Department of Agriculture Office of Forestry Office Director false accusations schedule advisory role Jarabacoa forestry school friendships social life parents visit Peace Corps value University of Oregon/Eugene Urban Planning American Field Service students culture 3rd Goal

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