Interview with Jim Radloff, April 21, 2021

Interview Summary

Jim Radloff was raised in Wausau, Wisconsin. He engaged with a range of individuals as a drug store clerk, soda jerk, and rock/polka band musician. He received a degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Radloff was invited to the Dominican Republic within ten days of applying for the Peace Corps. He was assigned to an urban community development project. He first went to Camp Crozier for two weeks of Outward Bound physical challenges. Pre-service classroom training began at Los Angeles State College, covering Spanish, Dominican history, and some urban building techniques. Part of his training package encouraged him to bring two year’s-worth of necessities. Jim and his volunteer partner built their own house in Barrio La Zurza. He also brought potable water to the community. Radloff conducted a census to discover other local needs, including education and health. Radloff also recounted what it was like to witness a violent revolution.

Interview Keyword

Dominican Republic (Country of service) Clerk Musician Application Pre-service training Camp Crozier Arecibo (Puerto Rico) Outward-Bound Public Taxi Guachupita (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) La Zurza (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) Barrio School Pick Shovel Francisco Moscoso Puello Hospital Paul Douglas Club Progresista de la Zurza Community association Road block Rebels Embajador Hotel Sequestered Tad Szulc NYT reporter U.S. invasion U.S. tanks Evacuation Third Goal Dominican Revolution Healthcare Gigs (Employment)

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Wisconsin Volunteers Peace Corps (U.S.)--Dominican Republic Students Spanish Language and culture Travel Dominican Republic Communication Health Boy Scouts Poverty Culture Colonization United States Safety Ambassadors School buildings Community centers Building Construction Water Sanitation Dental care Population Census Politicians Radio Military assistance PTSD (Psychiatry) Wasau (Wis.) Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) Dominicans Puerto Rico History Training Los Angeles State College University of Wisconsin--Madison

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.