President George W. Bush will meet Marguerite Nobles during his trip to Ft. Polk, Louisiana, on Tuesday, February 17, 2004. Since moving to Ft. Polk in 2000, Nobles has been an active volunteer in her community.

Last month, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – celebrated its second anniversary. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Nobles, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

For more than three years, Nobles has volunteered with the Army Community Service program, helping to ensure a smooth transition for soldiers and their families when they arrive at Ft. Polk for the first time and during times of deployment. As part of this program, Nobles also teaches English as a second language to military family members twice each week. Nobles currently serves as co-leader of the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment Family Readiness Group. In this capacity, Nobles volunteers as a point of contact for families of deployed troops during times of mobilization and helps link individuals and families with local community services. Nobles has also helped host numerous events and activities for military families as well as help send hundreds of care packages to deployed troops overseas. She also finds time to make and deliver meals to families with newborn babies living in her community. From 2000 to 2003, Nobles served as mayor of Maple Terrace, a housing division located at Ft. Polk.

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. Interested volunteers can find opportunities in their own neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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