President George W. Bush will meet Melvin D. Caradine upon arrival at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area on Friday, August 15, 2003. For nearly ten years, Caradine has served as a recreation area volunteer.

Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Caradine, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Since 1994, Caradine has spent several days a week helping park rangers lead guided hikes and providing information to the public at the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area. Additionally, Caradine staffs information stations at community events to inform visitors about educational programs and park activities. For the past eight years, Caradine has also volunteered with the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers’ Excell Program, teaching math and science classes on Saturdays to elementary and high school students from the Los Angeles area.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world. This summer, the USA Freedom Corps is helping individuals, families, and groups find opportunities to volunteer in their own neighborhoods or on vacations away from home through the new “How I Spent My Summer” initiative. More information on these opportunities is available at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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