Interview with Walter Blass, April 19, 2021

Interview Summary

Walter Blass served as the Peace Corps Country Director in Afghanistan, from 1966 to 1968. Walter was born in Germany prior to WWII, and came to the U.S. as a wartime refugee at age 11. He believes that experience played a part in his motivation to work with Peace Corps and do something for the good of others. Walter attended Swarthmore College, and graduate school at Princeton and Columbia Universities. Prior to Peace Corps, his work included the Foreign Aid program of the International Cooperation Administration. He was referred to Peace Corps for a staff position by another Country Director. His selection included being interviewed by Sargent Shriver. He was initially offered a position in Iran, but declined, and was offered the Director position in Afghanistan. The interview discusses Walter’s recruitment; experiences in Afghanistan; challenges faced by volunteers in country; and interactions with members of Peace Corps and local administrations. Walter and his wife believe that their Peace Corps experience gave them a greater sense of the world, and appreciation for younger volunteers, many of whom he remained in touch with after leaving Peace Corps.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Afghanistan (country of service) Afghanistan 1966-1968 (date of service) Peace Corps Job: Country Director Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Peace Corps (U.S.)—Management Dari (language) Sargent Shriver International Cooperation Administration

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