President George W. Bush will meet Kathy Hawkins when he arrives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday, September 3, 2004. Hawkins is an active volunteer with the Wisconsin State Veterans Home in King, Wisconsin.

President Bush has called on all Americans to volunteer two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes, and hecreated USA Freedom Corpsto help foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. Since March 2002, President Bush has met with more than 300 individuals around the country, like Hawkins, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

For the past 20 years, Hawkins has volunteered with the veteran’s home, helping organize recreational activities for the veterans and their families each month. For 13 years, Hawkins has also volunteered with Stand Down Incorporated for homeless veterans. This program helps veterans become enrolled in services such as medical and dental clinics, housing services, and Veterans Administration benefits and counseling. Hawkins, a cancer survivor, also works with the Saint Francis Hospice and Cancer Care Center making robes and afghans for patients. She also makes hats, scarves, and mittens for children at the Penfield Children's Center, a non-profit organization to help infants and young children with disabilities through education, therapy services, and family programs.

Through 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 at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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