Interview with Joseph Goebel, August 16, 2024

Interview Summary

Joseph Goebel served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic from 1962 to 1964 in the Environmental / Forestry Program. Joe had a keen interest in other countries and cultures from a young age. At age 17 he joined the U.S. Army Reserves. He was inspired by JFK’s call to service, and applied to the Peace Corps. His group, along with two others, began their training at Seattle State University. They then traveled to Arecebo, Puerto Rico, and engaged in Outward Bound training that included survival skills. Joe and two other PCVs were assigned to the Forestry Office in San Jose de las Matas. In addition to his forestry work, Joe utilized his agronomist background to assist local farmers. He made close friendships with local counterparts. As a secondary project, Joe obtained a small grant and hired unemployed youth to make harnesses for mules. He also formed a scout troop. Joe returned to school after Peace Corps, earning a Masters Degree and PhD in Geology and Soil Science. He continued to work in that field in Honduras and other countries through USDA and USAID.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Dominican Republic (country of service) 1962-1964 (date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Environment / Forestry Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Peace Corps (U.S.) – Training (cultural, language, technical) Outward Bound Seattle University (training site) Arecebo, Puerto Rico (training site) Spanish (language) Forestry Service San Jose de las Matas (assignment site) agronomy U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

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