Opinion : Letter to the Editor: The death of AmeriCorps

Dear Editor:

I wondered about the reaction in Vinton since AmeriCorps NCCC was killed last week by DOGE and read what sounded like a cheerful "So long AmeriCorps, it was great knowing you!" from Mayor Bud Maynard. Thousands of team members and staff lost their jobs and community service projects across the country were abandoned. The Vinton campus, which could have been called "the HQ for helping American citizens," will probably decay for years while people argue about finding the money to turn it into something far less meaningful.

Not a word from Maynard on how Trump and Musk took a chainsaw to a respected and altruistic organization with such gleeful and profound ignorance.

My son, a college grad who wanted to spend a year helping others, was among those sent home. His team had to leave a job that benefitted children to drive several states back to IA for a plane ticket. They were disgusted and distraught.

My son came home to a loving family and a place to live, while many volunteers were themselves disadvantaged. What they shared was a desire to improve the lives of Americans and expand their own viewpoints. AmeriCorps responded to natural disasters, taught classes, rejuvenated natural habitats, supported healthcare services and built homes for veterans. They worked their asses off for roughly $100 bucks a week while living together in close quarters. Anyone who thinks these were spoiled kids who took easy, well-paid jobs to coast for awhile do not know what they are talking about.

Thank you Vinton for hosting my son; he said the people were lovely. Thank you AmeriCorps for 32 years of dedicated service to our country. What happened to you is absolutely shameful. I hope all of you who were so cruelly axed don't lose your desire to help because we need you now more than ever.
Heather Monahan