TLS, two pages, 8 x 10.5, Peace Corps letterhead, July 7, 1970. Letter to William A. Toomey of Laguna Beach. In full: “Thank you for attending the initial meetings of the new Peace Corps National Advisory Council. It was a great personal pleasure to meet you and work with you for the first time. Joe Blatchford and I want to compliment the group on the abounding interest and absorption exhibited. We feel it was a very successful gathering and that we were able to really examine a lot of the facets in two days’ time. As a Council, I believe we are off to an extremely good start in pinpointing the really important problems facing the agency. The minutes of the meeting are now being edited and will be sent to you shortly. I have suggested that they be prepared in as brief form as possible, with section identification provided so that a full transcript of any portion in which you have particular interest can be immediately available to you.
As you will recall, we agreed that appointment of an Executive Committee of the Council would facilitate our operations. I have asked the following members to serve in this capacity: Mrs. Ahmanson, Los Angeles; Mark Evans, Washington; William Liedtke, Houston; and Erich Segal, New Haven. This committee will meet in Washington soon to discuss imminent matters. Specifically we will be considering how often the Council should meet, plans for regional meetings, and evaluation trips overseas. If you have comments, agenda items, or if you are anticipating a trip out of the country this summer and could give time to visiting a Peace Corps country, please get in touch with Betty Williams, who will serve as our staff coordinator at Peace Corps/Washington. I am sorry to report that Bill Cosby has resigned from the Council due to pressures of a greatly increased filming schedule. Thank you again. I am looking forward to seeing you again in the near future.” In fine condition, with a light crease to the upper right corner of the second page and a light strip of toning to the bottom of the first page.
Though Armstrong’s most notable achievement was the historic moon landing in 1969, it was certainly not his only one. This letter highlights a rarely discussed humanitarian endeavor of the man on earth: his active involvement in the US Peace Corps. Stepping into the position of Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the organization just one year after the moon landing, Armstrong spent a great deal of time visiting underprivileged nations, seeking out ways to strengthen America’s relationship with the rest of the world. Joining the likes of famed comedian Bill Cosby (who Armstrong notes had to unfortunately resign due to his filming schedule), he hoped to use his newfound celebrity to bring attention to the worthy cause. This letter to Olympic gold medalist Bill Toomey, who led a sports division of the Peace Corps, shows Armstrong’s dedication to the cause. A rare letter giving voice to an under-appreciated venture in the legend’s life. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.
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