Mission Viejo resident begins Peace Corps service in Ecuador
Madeline Schwarz of Mission Viejo has been accepted into the Peace Corps. Schwarz has left for Ecuador to begin training as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) teacher.
Schwarz is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh with a bachelor’s degree in international relations.
“I was motivated to join the Peace Corps due to my desire to learn more about the world and better understand different cultures. I find that complete immersion in new environments is one of the best ways to learn about how communities operate in other parts of the world,” Schwarz said.
“I hope to become fluent in Spanish and learn some Ecuadorian recipes. I also aim to gain some practical skills that will give me a better sense of what my future career might look like. I am really just excited about having new experiences – from eating new foods to walking around new landscapes. I can’t wait for the adventure of it all.”
TEFL teachers develop communication skills in English for students to access further academic and/or professional opportunities, contributing to Ecuador’s socioeconomic development. They increase teachers’ English teaching skills, strengthen students’ English achievement and improve community members’ support for student learning.
Schwarz joins the 346 California residents currently serving in the Peace Corps. More than 31,243 residents from this state have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.
Peace Corps volunteers serve in host communities for two years after three months of training and receive a living stipend, housing, extensive language and technical training, and financial benefits that can include graduate school fellowships after service.
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online. Visit peacecorps.gov to learn more about Peace Corps volunteer service in 60 countries.
– Submitted by Peace Corps
From Westminster to the heartland, sailor supports U.S. Navy’s “Take Charge and Move Out” mission
Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Pendleton, the story began in Westminster, where skills and values he learned there would be foundational to success in the Navy.
“My coaches taught me the importance of leadership,” Pendleton said. “In the Navy, I use those skills to lead sailors below me and to teach them the things they need to know.”
Pendleton graduated from Marina High School in 2019. He joined the Navy five years ago.
Today, Pendleton serves as an aviation structural mechanic (safety equipment) assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) in Oklahoma City.
He supports the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.
The Navy’s presence on an Air Force base in a landlocked state may seem strange, but the position is strategic, allowing squadrons to quickly deploy around the world in support of the TACAMO mission.
“Serving in the Navy means I am fighting for our country’s freedoms,” Pendleton said.
– Submitted by Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Fullerton mayor honors local hero/legend
In recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung honored Chief Pat McKinley for his remarkable 42-year law enforcement career, which includes roles with the LAPD as a SWAT officer and as chief of police in Fullerton.
After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, McKinley joined the LAPD in 1968 and volunteered as one of just 75 original officers selected to form the newly created SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) unit.
Over 25 years with SWAT, he responded to more than 100 high-risk incidents, including kidnappings, bank robberies and hostage situations involving barricaded suspects.
McKinley spent 29 years with the LAPD, rising to the rank of captain before relocating to Fullerton in 1993 to serve as chief of police.
He retired in May 2009, concluding a career defined by leadership, courage and public service. He now lives at Sea Bluffs Senior Living community in Dana Point.
McKinley shared a few words of advice for anyone considering a career in law enforcement.
“Do it! Come on the job, enjoy it. It’s a wonderful career, and it has many promotional opportunities, and the pay is pretty darn good. Beyond that, there’s many perks such as the public employee retirement system, which is just dynamite.”
The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.