Press Release

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Rick Porter, aged 63, Joins Peace Corps, to Serve in Madagascar February 2023 

(Provo, Utah) - Rick Porter, just recently retired as a Job Coach for Deseret Industries, has been accepted into the Peace Corps and will be departing for Madagascar next month to begin his 27-month service as a community health volunteer. He will be leaving behind his wife, Natalie who will not be joining him but will continue to work and support him during his service. 

Porter, who holds a degree in Instructional Science from Brigham Young University and produced media for most of his career is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He previously served as a missionary to Belgium from 1979-1981. He will be working to improve access to healthcare for rural communities in Madagascar. He will also be working to educate communities on the importance of preventative healthcare measures and disease prevention. 

It is worth noting that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a wide range of opportunities to serve locally and internationally, which may account for fewer members serving in the Peace Corps. However, Porter is excited to combine his faith and his desire to serve in this humanitarian role. 

"I am incredibly excited and honored to have the opportunity to do whatever I can and make a positive impact on the communities in Madagascar," said Porter. "I have been around the block once or twice but still look forward to learning Malagasy, as well as the culture and working with the people to improve their health and well-being. It's certain to be an adventure and I will likely benefit the most. Though realistically, I have a small plaque I am taking that reads, 'Expect Nothing but Appreciate Everything' " He added "I want to thank my wife Natalie for her support and understanding, I am grateful to have her by my side even though she is not physically joining me on this journey." 

Porter's wife, Natalie, says "So many people have asked if our marriage was on the rocks when they hear about this decision. But I assure everyone that our marriage is strong, and this decision was made after much discussion and prayer. We are confident that this is the right path for us, and we are excited to see what the future holds." 

Porter also has a YouTube channel, "Madagascar Adventure", where he will be documenting his journey in Madagascar. Followers can expect to see videos about his experiences, the culture, and the very specifically the people he interacts with. "I think there is a real lack of seeing the stories of the people the Peace Corps serves and I hope to bring my skills in media producing and storytelling to help fill that need", says Porter. The channel can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/@MadAdventure. 

The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government, which sends Americans abroad to work on sustainable development projects in various countries around the world. The program was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and has since sent over 230,000 Americans to serve in 141 countries. 

For more information on the Peace Corps, please visit www.peacecorps.gov.