President George W. Bush will meet Curtis Hardie upon arrival at the Deschutes National Forest, on Thursday, August 21, 2003. Since 1993, Hardie has been an active volunteer within the DeschutesNational Forest helping to maintain trails and recreation areas for the public to enjoy.

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 Hardie, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Over the last ten years, Hardie has volunteered approximately 5,000 hours within the DeschutesNational Forest.  Mr. Hardie helps clear brush, facilitate water drainages, construct trails, repair rock walls, and post signs for trail users. He also helps monitor trails in the winter by traveling through forest areas on cross country skies and snow shoes.  In the past, Hardie has joined other volunteers for overnight projects, spending three or four days in the wilderness assisting with trail maintenance and reconstruction.

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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