President George W. Bush will meet Robert S. Bright when he arrives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Monday, March 15, 2004. Bright, founder and president of Talson Solutions, has been an active volunteer with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia for more than 10 years.

Earlier this year, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – celebrated its second anniversary. Since January 2002, President Bush has met with more than 260 individuals around the country, like Bright, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Since 1993, Bright has volunteered with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization that provides home rehabilitation to low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly, the disabled, and families with children. Over the years, Bright has served as a house captain during “National Rebuilding Day,” where he oversees hands-on repairs performed at designated building sites, organizes all of the materials for the event, and coordinates volunteers. Bright is also a board member of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and lends his business expertise to help with planning and strategic direction for the organization. While attending college from 1978 to 1982, Bright volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and later served as a mentor to a Philadelphia high school student through Say Yes to Education, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and after-school programs for economically-disadvantaged students.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster an American culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to 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 information on the USA Freedom Corps at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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