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"My call to our fellow Americans is, love a neighbor, mentor a child, go see shut-ins. Tell somebody you love them on a daily basis."
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- President George W. Bush
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Press Photo Archive
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These photos were taken by White House and USA Freedom Corps photographers at events related to the activities of the USA Freedom Corps.  You can view larger versions by clicking on the small pictures below.  If you would like to use one of these pictures, contact information is provided on each individual page, as well as credit and caption information.
 
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Mrs. Laura Bush speaks to the ServiceNation Summit at the Hilton New York Hotel Grand Ballroom in New York City on Sept. 12, 2008. Mrs. Bush cited President Bush's challenge to service and added that "Americans today have more opportunities to volunteer through government-supported national service programs." 

 

President George W. Bush speaks to the media upon his arrival Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Speaking about the impending landfall of Hurricane Ike, the President said, "I want to thank the citizens of Oklahoma for getting ready to help a Texan in need. I urge my fellow Texans to listen carefully to what the authorities are saying in Galveston County or parts of Harris County, up and down the coast. The federal government will not only help with the pre-storm strategy, but once this storm passes we'll be working with state and local authorities to help people recover as quickly as possible."

 

Singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith performs for the President on the South Lawn of the White House during an event highlighting the accomplishments of USA Freedom Corps, the volunteer initiative launched as part of a national Call to Service after the attacks of 9/11 to help more Americans connect with opportunities to serve their neighbors in need. Smith is also vice chairman of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

 

Singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith performs for the President on the South Lawn of the White House during an event highlighting the accomplishments of USA Freedom Corps, the volunteer initiative launched as part of a national Call to Service after the attacks of 9/11 to help more Americans connect with opportunities to serve their neighbors in need. Smith is also vice chairman of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

 

On September 8th, President Bush hosted a White House event highlighting the accomplishments of USA Freedom Corps, the volunteer initiative launched as part of a national Call to Service after the attacks of 9/11 to help more Americans connect with opportunities to serve their neighbors in need. The President honored the work of America's armies of compassion and repeated his call for Americans to devote 4,000 hours – or two years, in service to our country over their lifetimes.

 

Singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith stands with President Bush on the South Lawn of the White House at the conclusion of an event highlighting the accomplishments of USA Freedom Corps, the volunteer initiative launched as part of a national Call to Service after the attacks of 9/11 to help more Americans connect with opportunities to serve their neighbors in need. Smith is also vice chairman of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

 

On September 8th, President Bush hosted a White House event highlighting the accomplishments of USA Freedom Corps, the volunteer initiative launched as part of a national Call to Service after the attacks of 9/11 to help more Americans connect with opportunities to serve their neighbors in need. The President honored the work of America's armies of compassion and repeated his call for Americans to devote 4,000 hours – or two years, in service to our country over their lifetimes.

 

On September 8th, President Bush hosted a White House event highlighting the accomplishments of USA Freedom Corps, the volunteer initiative launched as part of a national Call to Service after the attacks of 9/11 to help more Americans connect with opportunities to serve their neighbors in need. The President honored the work of America's armies of compassion and repeated his call for Americans to devote 4,000 hours – or two years, in service to our country over their lifetimes.

 

On September 8th, President Bush hosted a White House event highlighting the accomplishments of USA Freedom Corps, the volunteer initiative launched as part of a national Call to Service after the attacks of 9/11 to help more Americans connect with opportunities to serve their neighbors in need. The President honored the work of America's armies of compassion and repeated his call for Americans to devote 4,000 hours – or two years, in service to our country over their lifetimes.

 

On September 8th, President Bush hosted a White House event highlighting the accomplishments of USA Freedom Corps, the volunteer initiative launched as part of a national Call to Service after the attacks of 9/11 to help more Americans connect with opportunities to serve their neighbors in need. The President honored the work of America's armies of compassion and repeated his call for Americans to devote 4,000 hours – or two years, in service to our country over their lifetimes.

 

On September 8th, President Bush hosted a White House event highlighting the accomplishments of USA Freedom Corps, the volunteer initiative launched as part of a national Call to Service after the attacks of 9/11 to help more Americans connect with opportunities to serve their neighbors in need. The President honored the work of America's armies of compassion and repeated his call for Americans to devote 4,000 hours – or two years, in service to our country over their lifetimes.

 

President George W. Bush, joined by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Paulison, right, and Deputy Administrator Harvey Johnson, left, participates in a briefing on preparations for Hurricane Gustav, at the FEMA National Response Center, Sunday, August 31, 2008 in Washington, DC.

 

President George W. Bush makes a statement to the press after participating in a briefing on preparations for Hurricane Gustav, at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA), Operations Center, Sunday, August 31, 2008 in Washington, DC.

 

President George W. Bush, joined by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Paulison, left, and Deputy Administrator Harvey Johnson, right, participates in a briefing on preparations for Hurricane Gustav, at the FEMA National Response Center, Sunday, August 31, 2008 in Washington, DC.

 

Marine One with President George W. Bush aboard flies over a flooded University of Iowa softball complex in Iowa City Thursday, June 19, 2008, during his aerial tour of the region.

 

President George W. Bush holds the hand of Cedar Rapids Mayor Kay Halloran during a briefing on the Iowa flooding Thursday, June 19, 2008, at the Lynn County Training and Response Center in Cedar Rapids.

 

President George W. Bush is briefed on the Midwest flooding by Dick Hainje, Regional Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, during a visit Thursday, June 19, 2008, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The President spent the day touring the devastation left in the wake of the flooding Cedar and Iowa rivers.

 

President George W. Bush comforts a family displaced by recent flooding during his visit Thursday, June 19, 2008, to a Red Cross shelter in Iowa City, Iowa.

 

President George W. Bush tours Streb Construction Company in Iowa City, Iowa Thursday, June 19, 2008, as sandbags hold back the flooding Iowa River waters.

 

President George W. Bush pauses to talk during his visit to the flood-ravaged Iowa City, Iowa area Thursday, June 19, 2008. The President told the governor of the state, "I'm sorry we're going through this. Tell people that often times you get dealt a hand you didn't expect to have to play, and the question is not whether you're going to get dealt the hand; the question is how do you play it. And I'm confident the people of Iowa will play it really well."

 

President George W. Bush talks to reporters about the government's response to the Midwest floods Tuesday morning, June 17, 2008. in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, right, was one of the key leaders briefing the President. President Bush said he will travel to Iowa on Thursday to view the damage himself.

 

President George W. Bush gives members of the media an overview of the Midwest flood relief plan Tuesday morning, June 17, 2008 in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. President Bush, briefed by domestic policy advisors on the status of the response, said "we're in constant contact with people on the ground to help make sure that we save lives."

 

Corporation for National and Community Service CEO David Eisner and HHS Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina G. Carbonell sign memorandum of agreement establishing a new initiative to engage more 55+ adults in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations through volunteer service.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano honored U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Haneefah Collins on May 16, 2008 with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during a White House ceremony, recognizing her outstanding service to others in need. Joined by General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mary Jo Myers, member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and wife of General Richard Myers; and actor Stephen Baldwin, Director Lozano thanked the awardees from all branches of the military for their service to causes greater than self.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano honored U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Sona Babani on May 16, 2008 with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during a White House ceremony, recognizing her outstanding service to others in need. Joined by General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mary Jo Myers, member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and wife of General Richard Myers; and actor Stephen Baldwin, Director Lozano thanked the awardees from all branches of the military for their service to causes greater than self.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano honored U.S. Air Force Major Laird Abbott on May 16, 2008 with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during a White House ceremony, recognizing his outstanding service to others in need. Joined by General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mary Jo Myers, member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and wife of General Richard Myers; and actor Stephen Baldwin, Director Lozano thanked the awardees from all branches of the military for their service to causes greater than self.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano honored U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Lionel Bryant on May 16, 2008 with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during a White House ceremony, recognizing his outstanding service to others in need. Joined by General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mary Jo Myers, member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and wife of General Richard Myers; and actor Stephen Baldwin, Director Lozano thanked the awardees from all branches of the military for their service to causes greater than self.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano honored Air National Guard Master Sergeant Tammy Caban on May 16, 2008 with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during a White House ceremony, recognizing his outstanding service to others in need. Joined by General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mary Jo Myers, member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and wife of General Richard Myers; and actor Stephen Baldwin, Director Lozano thanked the awardees from all branches of the military for their service to causes greater than self.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano honored U.S. Air Force Reserve Senior Master Sergeant Rene Rubiella on May 16, 2008 with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during a White House ceremony, recognizing his outstanding service to others in need. Joined by General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mary Jo Myers, member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and wife of General Richard Myers; and actor Stephen Baldwin, Director Lozano thanked the awardees from all branches of the military for their service to causes greater than self.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano honored seven active-duty members of America’s Armed Forces on May 16, 2008 with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during a White House ceremony, recognizing their outstanding service to others in need. Joined by General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mary Jo Myers, member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and wife of General Richard Myers; and actor Stephen Baldwin, Director Lozano thanked the awardees from all branches of the military for their service to causes greater than self.

 

President Bush presents the President's Volunteer Service Award to Coast Guard spouse Ramona Vazquez from Baltimore, Maryland, before the White House celebration of Military Spouse Day on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Vazquez is the President of the Greater Baltimore Area Coast Guard Spouses Association. She is the creator and webmaster of the Coast Guard Spouses Association website, an online resource for new families transitioning into the Baltimore area. Vazquez is also the founder of Nate’s Open Door Baby Pantry, which provides diapers, formula, clothing, toys, and furniture at no cost to military members of all ranks and services and civilians. The program was named in honor of DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal, who was killed in action in 2004 while serving a second tour in Iraq. Nate and his wife were expecting their first child at the time of his death. In addition, Vazquez has adopted two soldiers and their platoons through Soldier’s Angels, a nationwide program that enlists volunteers to aid and assist deployed soldiers all over the world through care packages and letters of encouragement.

 

President Bush presents the President's Volunteer Service Award to Air Force spouse Bob Davison from Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, before the White House celebration of Military Spouse Day on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Davison's wife, Major Lisa Davison, has served in the Air Force since 1996. At his wife’s current duty station, Davison started the combined Mississippi and Alabama Chapter of Operation Homefront, through which he has raised more than $350,000 in donations, including more than one million phone card minutes for distribution to service members. Davison secured funding and donations to provide catered meals and 2,000 backpacks filled with toiletries, blankets, and clothes to injured service members and their families who were transitioning through the base or onto frontline hospitals. Davison also volunteers with R.I.D.E.S – Ready to Improve Development, Esteem, Strength, and Spirit, which provides therapeutic horseback riding for special-needs children. While at various other duty stations, Davison has also helped to collect 1,000 toys and raised $10,000 to support Fisher House and established an Airmen’s Food Pantry to provide short-term food aid to military families facing financial difficulties.

 

President Bush presents the President's Volunteer Service Award to Army Reserve spouse Dawnle Scheetz from Sharon, Pennsylvania, before the White House celebration of Military Spouse Day on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. In 2006, Scheetz's husband, Major Larry Scheetz, was deployed to Iraq for a year with the 942nd Quartermaster Detachment from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. During this time she created Operation School House to provide school supplies, clothing, and toys for Iraqi children. Over an eight-month span, Scheetz collected five tons of supplies, which were packaged and shipped to Iraq and Afghanistan and distributed by the troops as gifts from American children. In addition, she is a volunteer with the Mercer County Juvenile Community Court, a diversionary program composed of volunteers who determine appropriate consequences, including community service, tutoring, and substance abuse monitoring, for low-level first-time youth offenders.

 

President Bush presents the President's Volunteer Service Award to Navy spouse Ellen Patton from Naval Base Point Loma, California, before the White House celebration of Military Spouse Day on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. During her 26 years as a military spouse, Patton has moved 20 times to 13 duty stations from Hawaii to Virginia. She is a volunteer quilt maker for the Quilts of Valor Foundation, which provides quilts to wounded and injured service members and veterans from the Global War on Terror throughout the country and abroad. In addition, Ellen volunteers with West Point’s Plebe Network as an online mentor for parents of cadets, and she helps prepare the winter shelter for homeless veterans with the Veteran’s Village of San Diego.

 

President Bush presents the President's Volunteer Service Award to Marine spouse Kaprece James from Twentynine Palms, California, before the White House celebration of Military Spouse Day on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. James has been married to Second Lieutenant Rodney James for two years, who is currently deployed to Iraq with Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. James serves as a volunteer Station Chairman for the American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces. In this role, she developed the first year-round Youth Leadership Program to help teenagers enhance their job skills and professional development. The program also offers classes in first aid, disaster preparedness, and volunteer service opportunities for youth ages 12 to 18. As the Key Volunteer Coordinator for her husband’s unit, James developed the first battalion newsletter to provide information and encouragement to 250 families of deployed personnel.

 

President Bush presents the President's Volunteer Service Award to Army spouse Colleen Saffron from Fort Hood, Texas, before the White House celebration of Military Spouse Day on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Saffron's husband, Staff Sergeant Terry Saffron, was severely injured in Iraq in May 2004 when an improvised explosive device was detonated, shattering his lower right jaw and injuring his right arm, resulting in loss of all muscle tissue. In March 2007, Saffron collaborated with a Navy and Air Force spouse to create Operation Life Transformed. This non-profit charitable foundation helps educate and train military spouses and caregivers of wounded troops, which allows them to work from home while caring for their loved one. To date, Operation Life Transformed has paid for 30 spouses and caregivers to enter online training programs. Saffron, who is legally deaf, also volunteers with Texas Hearing and Service Dogs, an organization that trains dogs, free of charge, to assist people living with deafness or mobility-related issues. Saffron and her hearing dog, Gretchen, visit schools to educate children about how service dogs can assist the disabled.

 

President George W. Bush greets guests at the conclusion of the Military Spouse Day celebration Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at the White House. Begun in 1984, the day was established to acknowledge the profound impact military spouses have on service members and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social and community endeavors.

 

The cameras are turned to President George W. Bush as he sits with Ellen Patton, left, and Colleen Saffron, two of the six recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award, during Military Spouse Day ceremonies Tuesday, May 6, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House.

 

Country recording artist Phil Vassar sings the national anthem Tuesday, May 6, 2008, during Military Spouse Day celebration on the South Lawn of the White House.

 

Guests sit on the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday, May 6, 2008, as President George W. Bush delivers remarks in celebration of Military Spouse Day, recognizing the impact spouses have on service members and honoring their volunteer service in educational, social and community endeavors.

 

President George W. Bush stands for the national anthem with recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award during Military Spouse Day ceremonies Tuesday, May 6, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House.

 

President George W. Bush delivers remarks during Military Spouse Day Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at the White House. Begun in 1984, the day was established to acknowledge the profound impact military spouses have on service members and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social and community endeavors.

 

On Tuesday, April 29, 2008, the White House celebrated National Volunteer Week in the East Room. President Bush welcomed the attendees, saying, "I am pleased to welcome volunteers from around the United States who have given of their time to help those who need help, and we're sure glad you're here. Those of you today who perform acts of kindness do so out of love, and you do so out of a desire not to be recognized -- but anyway, you're going to be recognized. We have the opportunity today to thank you, and the opportunity today to celebrate the difference that volunteers have made all across America."

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director, USA Freedom Corps Henry Lozano stops for a picture with AmeriCorps City Year members at a White House event celebrating National Volunteer Week on April 29, 2008.

 

Singer Michael W. Smith, Actor Stephen Baldwin, Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter, and Corporation for National and Community Service CEO David Eisner meet before a White House event celebrating National Volunteer Week on April 29, 2008. Smith and Baldwin are members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

 

On Tuesday, April 29, 2008, the White House celebrated National Volunteer Week in the East Room. President Bush welcomed the attendees, saying, "I am pleased to welcome volunteers from around the United States who have given of their time to help those who need help, and we're sure glad you're here. Those of you today who perform acts of kindness do so out of love, and you do so out of a desire not to be recognized -- but anyway, you're going to be recognized. We have the opportunity today to thank you, and the opportunity today to celebrate the difference that volunteers have made all across America."

 

On Tuesday, April 29, 2008, the White House celebrated National Volunteer Week in the East Room. President Bush welcomed the attendees, saying, "I am pleased to welcome volunteers from around the United States who have given of their time to help those who need help, and we're sure glad you're here. Those of you today who perform acts of kindness do so out of love, and you do so out of a desire not to be recognized -- but anyway, you're going to be recognized. We have the opportunity today to thank you, and the opportunity today to celebrate the difference that volunteers have made all across America."

 

On Tuesday, April 29, 2008, the White House celebrated National Volunteer Week in the East Room. President Bush welcomed the attendees, saying, "I am pleased to welcome volunteers from around the United States who have given of their time to help those who need help, and we're sure glad you're here. Those of you today who perform acts of kindness do so out of love, and you do so out of a desire not to be recognized -- but anyway, you're going to be recognized. We have the opportunity today to thank you, and the opportunity today to celebrate the difference that volunteers have made all across America."

 

Actor Stephen Baldwin stands with youth from the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington who were honored for their exemplary community service project “Capitol Hill Takeover” with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Baldwin joined singer Michael W. Smith and other members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation along with White House officials and nonprofit leaders at a Boys & Girls Club in Southeast Washington to highlight the importance of youth service and recognizing youth volunteers. Youth members of the BGCGW FBR Keystone Club were presented with the President's Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service project "Capitol Hill Takeover."

 

Members of Torch Club of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington recite the club’s code of conduct. Actor Stephen Baldwin, singer Michael W. Smith, and other members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation joined White House officials and nonprofit leaders at a Boys & Girls Club in Southeast Washington to highlight the importance of youth service and recognizing youth volunteers. Youth members of the BGCGW FBR Keystone Club were presented with the President's Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service project "Capitol Hill Takeover."

 

David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, shares the findings of a recent Corporation study that found that youth who volunteer are more likely to succeed in school and avoid risky behaviors; but that there is a disturbing “class gap” in teen volunteer rates with youth from low-income backgrounds volunteering at a rate of 43 percent, compared to 59 percent for other youth. Actor Stephen Baldwin, singer Michael W. Smith, and other members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation joined White House officials and nonprofit leaders at a Boys & Girls Club in Southeast Washington to highlight the importance of youth service and recognizing youth volunteers. Youth members of the BGCGW FBR Keystone Club were presented with the President's Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service project "Capitol Hill Takeover."

 

Jean Case, Chair of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, highlights importance of volunteer service and the benefits to volunteers and the communities they serve in kicking off the National Volunteer Week event. Actor Stephen Baldwin, singer Michael W. Smith, and other members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation joined White House officials and nonprofit leaders at a Boys & Girls Club in Southeast Washington to highlight the importance of youth service and recognizing youth volunteers. Youth members of the BGCGW FBR Keystone Club were presented with the President's Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service project "Capitol Hill Takeover."

 

On April 28, 2008, Actor Stephen Baldwin, singer Michael W. Smith, and other members of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation joined White House officials and nonprofit leaders at a Boys & Girls Club in Southeast Washington to highlight the importance of youth service and recognizing youth volunteers. Youth members of the BGCGW FBR Keystone Club were presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service project “Capitol Hill Takeover.”

 

Roxanne Spillett, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, discusses the impact of her organization at a National Volunteer Week event in Washington, DC. On April 28, 2008, Actor Stephen Baldwin, singer Michael W. Smith, and other members of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation joined White House officials and nonprofit leaders at a Boys & Girls Club in Southeast Washington to highlight the importance of youth service and recognizing youth volunteers. Youth members of the BGCGW FBR Keystone Club were presented with the President's Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service project "Capitol Hill Takeover."

 

Singer Michael W. Smith discusses the importance of volunteering at a National Volunteer Week event in Washington, DC. On April 28, 2008, Smith joined actor Stephen Baldwin and other members of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation along with White House officials and nonprofit leaders at a Boys & Girls Club in Southeast Washington to highlight the importance of youth service and recognizing youth volunteers. Youth members of the BGCGW FBR Keystone Club were presented with the President's Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service project "Capitol Hill Takeover."

 

Actor Stephen Baldwin addresses the crowd at a National Volunteer Week event in Washington, DC. On April 28, 2008, Baldwin joined singer Michael W. Smith and other members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation along with White House officials and nonprofit leaders at a Boys & Girls Club in Southeast Washington to highlight the importance of youth service and recognizing youth volunteers. Youth members of the BGCGW FBR Keystone Club were presented with the President's Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service project "Capitol Hill Takeover."

 

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett recently presented Marshal Case with the Presidential Call to Service Award for his service to America’s public lands and volunteerism. Mr. Case is the President of the American Chestnut Foundation, and has given over 4,000 hours of volunteer service during his lifetime.

 

White House Council on Environmental Quality Chairman Jim Connaughton and Executive Director of Take Pride in America® Katie Loovis recognize Tammson Joshua with the President's Volunteer Service Award on March 24, 2008 at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Last year, during National Volunteer Week, Tammson volunteered along with Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne in a Capital River Relief cleanup of the Anacostia River. Tammson also volunteered with the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walk, and continues to serve with his local Cub Scout troop and church community. Tammson has logged more than fifty hours of volunteer service over the last year.

 

The White House welcomed Take Pride in America volunteers as special guests at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, and a senior White House official honored one outstanding Take Pride in America volunteer with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award ceremony took place this morning, during the annual White House Easter Egg roll. The award was presented to Tammson Joshua by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chairman Jim Connaughton.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano joined members of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to launch a campaign urging America’s corporate sector to expand the level and impact of skilled volunteering to bolster America’s nonprofit sector. Today’s Summit on Corporate Volunteerism convened key players including chair of the President’s Council Jean Case and more than 150 top corporate, government and nonprofit leaders to explore a redefinition of volunteerism through strategic contributions of “pro bono” services.

 

President Bush marked the Martin Luther King Jr. King holiday by volunteering and calling on Americans to honor his legacy by showing compassion on the holiday and throughout the year.

 

President Bush marked the Martin Luther King Jr. King holiday by volunteering and calling on Americans to honor his legacy by showing compassion on the holiday and throughout the year.

 

Mrs. Laura Bush reaches out for the hand of a resident of the Little Sisters of the Poor during a visit Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, with President George W. Bush to the Washington, D.C. facility that provides nursing and assisted living services to elderly people of lesser means.

 

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush visit the "book nook" at the Little Sisters of the Poor Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, in Washington, D.C. With them are, from left: Archbishop Donald Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington, Mother Benedict de la Passion, Superior and President of Little Sisters of the Poor, and Mary Ann Lucey, volunteer librarian.

 

President George W. Bush shares a moment with a staff member at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, during his visit with Mrs. Laura Bush to the facility that provides nursing and assisted-living services to elderly people of lesser means.

 

President George W. Bush and Sister Therese Noel join the festivities as they listen to 75-year-old resident Joe Dignazio of West Virginia, play "The Eyes of Texas" during a visit Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, to the Washington, D.C. facility. The President told Mr. Dignazio, "You are really good! Keep playing!"

 

President George W. Bush pauses with residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, in Washington, D.C. The Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor was founded in France in 1839, and today, Little Sisters care for the aged poor in 31 countries around the world.

 

President George W. Bush speaks to a resident at the Little Sisters of the Poor of Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, during a visit with Mrs. Laura Bush to the facility that provides nursing and assisted-living services to elderly people of lesser means.

 

President George W. Bush draws smiles from the audience of volunteers, staff and residents at the Little Sisters of the Poor Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, during a visit with Mrs. Laura Bush to the Washington, D.C. facility. Enjoying the moment with them are Mother Benedict de la Passion, Superior and President of Little Sisters of the Poor, and Archbishop Donald Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Henry Lozano and Elizabeth Seale, the Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, hand out books to children at a Make a Difference Day event in Washington, DC. Lozano and Seale joined hundreds of volunteers serving at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington, where the volunteers organized, cleaned, and catalogued books.

 

Volunteers gather at a Make a Difference Day event in Washington, DC. Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Henry Lozano and Elizabeth Seale, the Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, joined hundreds of volunteers serving at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington. The volunteers organized, cleaned, and catalogued books.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Henry Lozano addresses the crowd at a Make a Difference Day event in Washington, DC. Lozano and Elizabeth Seale, the Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, joined hundreds of volunteers serving at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington. The volunteers organized, cleaned, and catalogued books.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Henry Lozano addresses the crowd at a Make a Difference Day event in Washington, DC. Lozano and Elizabeth Seale, the Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, joined hundreds of volunteers serving at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington. The volunteers organized, cleaned, and catalogued books.

 

Angeline Mutima, Service-Learning Emerging Leader at Youth Service America, told Board members how the Learn & Serve Challenge was an opportunity to spotlight how service-learning was a powerful and effective method to engage young people in tackling community problems.

 

Henry C. Lozano was named Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps on September 11, 2007. As Director of USA Freedom Corps, Mr. Lozano is charged with implementing President Bush’s vision for volunteerism and service in America. Echoing the President’s Call to Service, which launched the initiative in his 2002 State of the Union, Mr. Lozano is working to promote and expand opportunities for Americans looking to service causes greater than themselves.

 

Michelle Nunn, co-founder and CEO of the Hands On Network, announces organization's merger with the Points of Light Foundation.

 

Kathy Wills Wright, Acting Director of USA Freedom Corps, delivers remarks at the Building Bridges Coalition Public Launch on July 15, 2007 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She informed others about volunteering internationally and honored several individuals who had volunteered overseas.

 

Jeffrey Post is presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award by USA Freedom Corps Acting Director Kathy Wills Wright. Jeffrey is an active member in his community. Along with his wife, Melanie, he has taken two trips as a Global Volunteer; one to Poland and the other to Ireland. In Poland, in spent two weeks teaching English to adults and said he felt it was his opportunity to give back. His trip to Ireland was a bit different. He and Melanie worked to revive the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation through general maintenance and renovation. Although it was hard work, Jeff said it was a very rewarding experience. Back here on our side of the pond, Jeff and Melanie are very active participants in their local Habitat for Humanity and just recently saw a home through to completion. Similarly, he has volunteered as a general “Mr. Fix-It” to those in his hometown who need a little extra assistance to complete small household projects.

 

Salina Bakshi receives the President’s Volunteer Service Award from USA Freedom Corps Acting Director Kathy Wills Wright for serving more than 4,000 hours in her community and around the world. Salina is a junior at Columbia University. She became involved in People to People International in 1999, and after traveling with the ambassador program and attending the Global Youth Forum, she co-founded and was co-president of the Greater Princeton Student Chapter of People to People International. She spear-headed many successful projects during her term, including raising more than $6000 for an organization that clears minefields and promotes landmine awareness as well as organized several drives that yielded 5000 pairs of shoes and more than 3000 bars of soap. She has organized cultural events for elementary students and planned volunteer activities for Japanese exchange students. But the work she says she has enjoyed most is all of her health-based service. She spent a summer in Ghana to provide health education outreach and workshops; she serves as a volunteer for Project HEALTH, where she works at a pediatric AIDS clinic in Harlem and she is involved with Global Justice, a group that works with health and human rights.

 

USA Freedom Corps Acting Director Kathy Wills Wright presents Jay Goldman with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for volunteering more than 4,000 hours over the course of his lifetime. Jay has been serving others since the young age of 16. He has been involved in almost every aspect of volunteerism from speaking on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to walking in the New York AIDS walk ten times. He has shaved his head five times for the St. Baldricks Foundation and has been a Team Leader for the March of Dimes for 10 years. He served as volunteer Emergency Medical Technician in the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps for more than five years and he still found time to work with the Special Olympics. In 2006, he volunteered for Cross-Cultural Solutions and spent two weeks in Brazil. On top of all of this, Jay recently launched the Youth Empowerment Company in an attempt to “educate, inspire, and empower today's youth to become the leaders of tomorrow”. Jay says he “trusts that belief, passion, and dedication of one person can move mountains and change landscapes.”

 

On June 12, 2007, the Task Force on New Americans held a press conference at the U.S. Department of Treasury in Washington, DC to introduce four new inter-agency initiatives to help immigrants assimilate into American civic culture. Kathy Wills Wright, Deputy Director, USA Freedom Corps, delivers remarks to the audience.

 

President Bush welcomed West Virginia AmeriCorps member Alivia Sturgill to the Oval Office this morning as part of a nationwide recognition week for the AmeriCorps national service program as it reaches a historic milestone of 500,000 members.

 

President George W. Bush congratulates military spouse Shannon Maxwell of Jacksonville, N.C., as Maxwell is presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award Friday, May 11, 2007, in the East Room of the White House during a celebration of Military Spouse Day. On April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing Military Spouse Day. This observance was established to acknowledge the impact military spouses have on the readiness and well-being of service members, and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social, and community endeavors. In May 1999, Congress passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. During this month, the United States observes Memorial Day, Victory in Europe Day, Armed Forces Week, and Military Spouse Day, which is held annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

 

On April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing Military Spouse Day. This observance was established to acknowledge the impact military spouses have on the readiness and well-being of service members, and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social, and community endeavors. In May 1999, Congress passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. During this month, the United States observes Memorial Day, Victory in Europe Day, Armed Forces Week, and Military Spouse Day, which is held annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

 

President George W. Bush congratulates military spouse Michael Winton of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as Winton is presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award Friday, May 11, 2007, in the East Room of the White House during a celebration of Military Spouse Day. On April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing Military Spouse Day. This observance was established to acknowledge the impact military spouses have on the readiness and well-being of service members, and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social, and community endeavors. In May 1999, Congress passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. During this month, the United States observes Memorial Day, Victory in Europe Day, Armed Forces Week, and Military Spouse Day, which is held annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

 

President George W. Bush joins military spouse Denise Rampolla of Cheyenne, Wyo., on stage in the East Room of the White House, to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award Friday, May 11, 2007, during a commemoration of Military Spouse Day. On April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing Military Spouse Day. This observance was established to acknowledge the impact military spouses have on the readiness and well-being of service members, and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social, and community endeavors. In May 1999, Congress passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. During this month, the United States observes Memorial Day, Victory in Europe Day, Armed Forces Week, and Military Spouse Day, which is held annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

 

President George W. Bush congratulates military spouse Linda Port of Langley Air Force Base, Va., as she is presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award Friday, May 11, 2007, in the East Room of the White House during a celebration of Military Spouse Day. On April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing Military Spouse Day. This observance was established to acknowledge the impact military spouses have on the readiness and well-being of service members, and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social, and community endeavors. In May 1999, Congress passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. During this month, the United States observes Memorial Day, Victory in Europe Day, Armed Forces Week, and Military Spouse Day, which is held annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

 

President George W. Bush joins military spouse Cindy Bjerke of Spanaway, Wash., on stage in the East Room of the White House, to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award Friday, May 11, 2007, during a commemoration of Military Spouse Day. On April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing Military Spouse Day. This observance was established to acknowledge the impact military spouses have on the readiness and well-being of service members, and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social, and community endeavors. In May 1999, Congress passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. During this month, the United States observes Memorial Day, Victory in Europe Day, Armed Forces Week, and Military Spouse Day, which is held annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

 

President George W. Bush presents the President's Volunteer Service Award to military spouse Michele Langford of Alameda, Calif., on Friday, May 11, 2007, in the East Room of the White House during a celebration of Military Spouse Day. On April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing Military Spouse Day. This observance was established to acknowledge the impact military spouses have on the readiness and well-being of service members, and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social, and community endeavors. In May 1999, Congress passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. During this month, the United States observes Memorial Day, Victory in Europe Day, Armed Forces Week, and Military Spouse Day, which is held annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

 

President George W. Bush welcomes Linda Uehara of Mililani, Hawaii, to the stage in the East Room of the White House, to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award Thursday, May 10, 2007, in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. On October 23, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 102-450, designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush has celebrated this occasion every year since 2001, when he signed the proclamation for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

 

On October 23, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 102-450, designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush has celebrated this occasion every year since 2001, when he signed the proclamation for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This year, the President celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by delivering remarks in the East Room of The White House and presenting six individuals with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which is awarded by the USA Freedom Corps and is the highest level of commendation given to individuals who have volunteered 4,000 hours or more over their lifetimes.

 

President George W. Bush welcomes Jonathan Wu of Fremont, Calif., to the stage in the East Room of the White House, where he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award Thursday, May 10, 2007, in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. On October 23, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 102-450, designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush has celebrated this occasion every year since 2001, when he signed the proclamation for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

 

President George W. Bush speaks with award recipient Adeel Khan of Springfield, Va., student body president at Virginia Tech, on stage in the East Room of the White House, where Khan received the President’s Volunteer Service Award Thursday, May 10, 2007, in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. On October 23, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 102-450, designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush has celebrated this occasion every year since 2001, when he signed the proclamation for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

 

President George W. Bush congratulates Kay Hiramine of Colorado Springs, Colo., as he presents Hiramine with the President’s Volunteer Service Award Thursday, May 10, 2007, in the East Room of the White House, in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. On October 23, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 102-450, designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush has celebrated this occasion every year since 2001, when he signed the proclamation for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

 

President George W. Bush congratulates Anna DeSanctis of Houston, Texas, after presenting her with the President’s Volunteer Service Award Thursday, May 10, 2007, in the East Room of the White House, celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. On October 23, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 102-450, designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush has celebrated this occasion every year since 2001, when he signed the proclamation for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

 

President George W. Bush congratulates Angela An of Washington, D.C., on presenting her the President’s Volunteer Service Award Thursday, May 10, 2007, in the East Room of the White House, in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. On October 23, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 102-450, designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush has celebrated this occasion every year since 2001, when he signed the proclamation for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

 

President George W. Bush views the damage done last week's deadly tornado during a stop at the John Deere dealership in Greensburg, Kansas Wednesday, May 9, 2007. At least 11 people died and more than 90 percent of the town was destroyed in the wake of the storm that struck Friday night.

 

President George W. Bush makes a statement Wednesday, May 9, 2007, during his tour of Greensburg, Kansas, left devastated by a tornado last week. Said the President, "I am struck by the strength of the character of the people who live here in the Plains -- people who refuse to be -- who refuse to have their spirit affect by this storm; as a matter of fact, who are willing to do what it takes to rebuild in a better way."

 

On May 4, 2007, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson honored Robert Benner with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in Boone, North Carolina. Benner planned and built 76 miles of North Carolina’s Mountain-To-Sea Trail.

 

Employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) observed National Volunteer Week - April 15-21 - by preparing and distributing food for the needy, receiving instruction on pro bono legal work and engaging in many other kinds of volunteer activities. In addition, James Hester, an environmental policy specialist with USAID, received President George W. Bush's highest award for a lifetime of volunteer service during the agency's annual awards ceremony April 16.

 

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson today honored the North Area Environmental Council with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of the group’s more than 30 years of volunteer work in addressing environmental issues in the North Hills area of Allegheny County, Pa. Bill Moul, president of the North Area Environmental Council, accepted the award on behalf of the all-volunteer organization, whose work has been instrumental in improving the Pine Creek watershed.

 

As part of National Volunteer Week, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne presented Dave Johnson, a resident of Bethesda, Maryland, with the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award. Johnson has been a volunteer at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park for 24 years.

 

Secretary Kempthorne joins Take Pride in America, DOI employees, and Living Lands and Waters in the Capital River Relief cleanup. He and the other volunteers helped pick up trash along the shore of the Potomac River . Last year, Capital River Relief volunteers collected 70 tons of garbage over a 30 mile span of the Potomac River.

 

MCC employee, John Polk, recieves President’s Volunteer Service Award from MCC Deputy CEO Rodney Bent. Mr. Polk was awarded the bronze award for volunteering more than 100 hours as an English as a second language teacher at a church.

 

MCC employee, Karen DeLaBarre Chase, recieves President’s Volunteer Service Award from MCC Deputy CEO Rodney Bent. Ms. Chase was presented with a silver award for volunteering over 250 hours with the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, a local church and a school.

 

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Nicholson traveled to Baltimore on Monday to present the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award to Clifford Stoffel, a veteran who contributed more than 4,000 hours of service in the VA Maryland Health Care System as a volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans transportation network at the Glen Burnie, Md., VA Outpatient Clinic. Nicholson also gave awards to other volunteers who have served at the Baltimore VA Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center and regional outpatient clinics.

 

U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, right, with Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., and Jay Olsen with his wife, Tawny, and Shad, one of their nine children, after Administrator Johnson presented Mr. Olsen with the President's Volunteer Service Award on April 17 in Salt Lake City. Olsen, of Ephraim, Utah, has been an active volunteer and leader in watershed protection in Utah. "Today we honor Jay Olsen for answering President Bush's call to serve a cause greater than himself," said Administrator Johnson. "Dedicated volunteers like Jay are inspiring others to join them in delivering America a brighter, healthier future."

 

The 2007 Easter Egg Roll was held on April 9, 2007 on the South Lawn of the White House. In addition to First Lady Laura Bush, special guest readers included NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne and actor Stephen Baldwin - both members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. Shrek, Bugs Bunny, Charlie Brown, Clifford the Big Red Dog, the Official White House Easter Bunnies and many other strolling characters also entertained children.

 

USA Freedom Corps Associate Director Katie Loovis delivers remarks about volunteer service and civic engagement to the nearly 400 youth and adult delegates at the National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC, Monday, March 26, 2007.

 

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson honored Robert E. Fairbank, Jr. with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on March 21, 2007 at the National Water Infrastructure Conference in Atlanta. Fairbank has been an active volunteer and leader in Mississippi and throughout the southeast as President of the Wolf River Conservation Society, where he helped preserve more than 2,500 acres of river bank along 24 miles on both sides of the Wolf River.

 

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson honored Jay Gilliam of Rockbridge County, Va., with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in Mount Vernon, Va., on March 19, 2007. Gilliam has been an active volunteer and leader in Virginia water monitoring for more than 15 years, working with Virginia Save Our Streams and the Foundation for Virginia’s Natural Resources.

 

President George W. Bush talks with the media after walking through the tornado damage at Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Ala., Saturday, March 3, 2007. "And today I have walked through devastation that's hard to describe," said the President. "Our thoughts, of course, go out to the students who perished. We thank God for the hundreds who lived."

 

President George W. Bush walks through tornado damage at Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Ala., Saturday, March 3, 2007. The President visited people affected by storms in Americus, Ga., and Enterprise, Ala.

 

On February 26, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen L. Johnson honored environmental activist Dorothy Green, a leader in California water policy, with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Administrator Johnson gave the award before speaking at the Faster Freight - Cleaner Air Conference in Long Beach, Calif.

 

President George W. Bush visits with children at YMCA Anthony Bowen in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007.

 

President George W. Bush visits YMCA Anthony Bowen in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007. 

 

President George W. Bush, joined by Mrs. Laura Bush, talks with reporters during a briefing on volunteerism in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, seen with Jean Case, chair of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, and Bob Goodwin, president and CEO of Points of the Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network.

 

President George W. Bush greets volunteers big and small during Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Cardozo Senior High School in Washington, D.C., Monday, Jan. 15, 2007. "One of the things that Mrs. King wanted was for MLK Day to be a day of service. It is not a day off, but it's a day on," said the President. "And so I'm here at Cardozo High School to thank the hundreds of people who have showed up to serve the country by volunteering."

 

President George W. Bush lends a hand and his best brush strokes at Cardozo Senior High School in Washington, D.C., as volunteers spend Martin Luther King, Jr. Day painting murals of historical figures and local landmarks like the front of "Ben’s Chili Bowl" Monday, Jan. 15, 2007.

 

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings presents the President's Volunteer Service Award to Winona Varnon for her outstanding service helping others. On January 11, 2007, Secretary Spellings visited M. Hall Stanton Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to mark Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by commending students, teachers, and administrators for their success in narrowing the achievement gap. During a school assembly, Secretary Spellings joined Paul Vallas, President and CEO of the School District of Philadelphia, in recognizing M. Hall Stanton Elementary for outstanding improvement over the past few years.

 

Jack Hawkins, Director of the VfP Initiative at USAID with Archie Wainright (center) who received the President’s Call To Service Award from USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree Sayle (right) on December 5th.

 

President George W. Bush greets Martin Luther King III and his sisters, Yolanda Denise King and Bernice Albertine King, Monday, Nov. 13, 2006, following President Bush’s speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

 

On October 27, 2006, Austin Marks, who returned to his native New Orleans to help the city rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, became the 500,000th person to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award when President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation Chair Jean Case bestowed the milestone award upon him during the Association of Small Foundations national conference in New Orleans, LA.

 

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation welcomed three new members, who were sworn in by White House Council Harriet E. Miers: actress Janine Turner and Kelly Perdew, who was the winner on the second season of The Apprentice, and Daniel C. Wuerffel, a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL football player who now is executive director of the Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans.

 

Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps delivers remarks to the public meeting of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation held in Washington, DC on October 12th, 2006. The 25-member President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was given a charge by President Bush to promote an ethic of service and to recognize the millions of Americans who are giving back to their communities through generous acts of service. To date, more than 16,500 organizations are part of the Council’s network, and together they have honored nearly 500,000 of America’s volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

 

On behalf of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, Council member Charles Turlinski recognizes Lockheed Martin as an exemplary Leadership Organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program. Lockheed Martin is one of the 16,500 organizations that are certified to present the awards. The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

 

On behalf of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, Council member Hope Taft recognizes the Department of Veterans Affairs as an exemplary Leadership Organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program. The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the 16,500 organizations that are certified to present the awards. The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

 

On behalf of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, Council member Cokie Roberts recognizes the Girls Scouts of the USA as an exemplary Leadership Organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program. The Girls Scouts of the USA are one of the 16,500 organizations that are certified to present the awards. The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

 

On October 12, 2006, President's Council on Service and Civic Participation Chair Jean Case presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Adrienne Piazza at a President's Council event in Washington, DC. Piazza has been a National Student Partnerships volunteer for the last six years. She volunteered with National Student Partnerships while attending Georgetown University; during that time she assumed NSP's highest student leadership role as a Local Director and was selected to be the student representative to NSP's Board of Directors. Since her graduation from Georgetown in 2004, she has continued serving with National Student Partnerships; as a graduate student at George Washington University she serves as the chair of their Alumni service committee and is organizing a nationwide NSP day of service to intersect with Make a Difference Day.

 

On October 11, 2006, President's Council on Service and Civic Participation member Kelly Perdew presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Calvin Hawkins at a President's Council event in Washington, DC. Hawkins is a volunteer member of the Prince George's County Citizen Corps Council and serves as the Council's "Chief of Community Affairs and Education." Calvin also coordinates CERT training for the Department of Emergency Management of Prince Georges County.

 

On October 11, 2006, President's Council on Service and Civic Participation member Janine Turner presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Gary Chapell at a President's Council event in Washington, DC. Chapell is a youth volunteer with KID POWER DC and specializes in working with senior citizens. He is always the first to ask how the seniors are doing and to offer help in anyway he can. He also helps lead projects and hand out food and supplies. He provides excellent entertainment for the seniors, but most of all, he truly connects with them. His compassion and friendliness help ensure that the entire KID POWER service project runs smoothly. The level of true friendships created between student and senior could not be possible with out his help.

 

Desiree T. Sayle, Director of USA Freedom Corps, addresses recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award from Community Build Day Reception and Award Ceremony in the Indian Treaty Room on Wednesday, September 20, 2006.

 

Desiree T. Sayle, Director of USA Freedom Corps, stands with recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at the White House. Award recipients volunteered in the fifth annual Community Build Day, which was sponsored by 46 companies and coordinated by The Financial Services Roundtable. Awardees helped mobilize more than 5,000 people in volunteer service in all 50 states for the 2006 Community Build Day.

 

Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps addressed the National Conference on Citizenship on Monday, September 18, 2006 in Washington, DC.

 

Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps joins Secretary Kempthorne to honor the 2006 Take Pride in America National Award Winners on Friday, September 15, 2006 in Washington, DC.

 

Volunteers with the United Service Organization (USO) Metro were honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award last Friday during a ceremony in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

 

Jack Hawkins, Director, Office of Volunteers for Prosperity at the US Agency for International Development, addresses the audience at the Third Annual International Roundtable on Service and Volunteering at the Microsoft Corporate Headquarters in Redmond, Washington on June 20th. “The focus of this year’s event highlights the importance of better collaboration among disaster response leadership in government, the private sector and NGO communities,” said Director Hawkins. “The goal we all share is to leave this event with a better sense of how we can best work together utilizing all available resources.”

 

Desiree T. Sayle, Director of USA Freedom Corps, delivers remarks during the Combined Federal Campaign's National Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 9, 2006 in Washington, DC. She thanked federal employees for their generosity in the 2006 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), and highlighted the new USA Freedom Corps partnership with CFC to promote the President's Call to Service and foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility throughout the federal government.

 

Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation waves to the crowd before the Neighborhood Excellence 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, June 4, 2006. Kahne joined other NASCAR drivers throughout the race week to shine a spotlight on volunteer service through community service projects, charity walks, and other public awareness activities.

 

Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation discusses the importance of volunteer service with the media before the Neighborhood Excellence 400 race on Sunday, June 4, 2006. Kahne joined other NASCAR drivers throughout the race week to shine a spotlight on volunteer service through community service projects, charity walks, and other public awareness activities.

 

Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation discusses race strategy with his crew prior to the Neighborhood Excellence 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, June 4, 2006. Kahne joined other NASCAR drivers throughout the race week to shine a spotlight on volunteer service through community service projects, charity walks, and other public awareness activities.

 

Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation prepares for the Neighborhood Excellence 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, June 4, 2006. Kahne joined other NASCAR drivers throughout the race week to shine a spotlight on volunteer service through community service projects, charity walks, and other public awareness activities.

 

Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation competes in his #9 car at the Neighborhood Excellence 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, June 4, 2006. Kahne joined other NASCAR drivers throughout the race week to shine a spotlight on volunteer service through community service projects, charity walks, and other public awareness activities.

 

President George W. Bush talks with Citizen Corps volunteer before appearing at the United States Chamber of Commerce to deliver remarks on Thursday, June 1, 2006.

 

On May 12, 2006, President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to five outstanding individuals during a ceremony marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the East Room of the White House.

 

On May 12, 2006, President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to five outstanding individuals during a ceremony marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the East Room of the White House. For two years, Ravi has been helping students prepare for the SAT by teaching math at the Chinmaya Mission of Central Florida and to public high school students who cannot afford to enroll in a private SAT review course.

 

On May 12, 2006, President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to five outstanding individuals during a ceremony marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the East Room of the White House. For six years, Virginia Ganzon-Sturwold, Ed.D., has tutored third and fourth grade students at Francis Scott Key Elementary School in San Francisco through Experience Corps, a non-profit organization supporting senior citizens who are interested in volunteering in the community.

 

On May 12, 2006, President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to five outstanding individuals during a ceremony marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the East Room of the White House. Durai Pandithurai immigrated to the United States from India in 1974. The Salvation Army in New York City provided him with clothes, support, and a job as a bell ringer in the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. Durai now works as an executive for The Salvation Army and has never forgotten the kindness shown to him when he first arrived in this country.

 

On May 12, 2006, President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to five outstanding individuals during a ceremony marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the East Room of the White House. Sister Theresa Pham helped organize the relief efforts of the Vietnamese Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

 

On May 12, 2006, President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to five outstanding individuals during a ceremony marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the East Room of the White House. Dotty Eng is a volunteer with Gold Star Wives of America, which is comprised of women whose spouses died while on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or from a service-related disability.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree T. Sayle delivers remarks at the 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Washington, DC. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the awards constitute the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering.

 

On May 8, 2006, USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree T. Sayle joined Prudential Chairman Art Ryan in congratulating award winner Hillary Hughes at the 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Washington, DC. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the awards constitute the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering. Over the past 11 years, the program has honored more than 70,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

 

On May 8, 2006, USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree T. Sayle joined Prudential Chairman Art Ryan in congratulating award winner Ajay Mangal at the 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Washington, DC. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the awards constitute the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering. Over the past 11 years, the program has honored more than 70,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

 

On May 8, 2006, USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree T. Sayle joined Prudential Chairman Art Ryan in congratulating award winner Michelle Loke at the 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Washington, DC. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the awards constitute the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering. Over the past 11 years, the program has honored more than 70,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

 

On May 8, 2006, USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree T. Sayle joined Prudential Chairman Art Ryan in congratulating award winner Evan Alicuben at the 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Washington, DC. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the awards constitute the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering. Over the past 11 years, the program has honored more than 70,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

 

On May 8, 2006, USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree T. Sayle joined Prudential Chairman Art Ryan in congratulating award winner Ellie Ambrose at the 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Washington, DC. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the awards constitute the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering. Over the past 11 years, the program has honored more than 70,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

 

President George W. Bush hammers nails with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin on a home constructed by volunteers in the Upper 9th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, Thursday, April 27, 2006.

 

President George W. Bush walks with Hands On Network Disaster Response Coordinator Erika Putinsky during a tour of their base camp in Biloxi, Mississippi, Thursday, April 27, 2006.

 

President George W. Bush holds the offspring of a stray dog during a tour of the animal rescue area of the Hands On Network base camp in Biloxi, Mississippi, Thursday, April 27, 2006. Pictured with the President is Disaster Response Coordinator Erika Putinsky.

 

President George W. Bush meets with volunteers from Hands On Network at their base camp in Biloxi, Mississippi, Thursday, April 27, 2006.

 

President George W. Bush helps volunteers from Operation Rebuilding Hands with the construction of a home in New Orleans, Louisiana, Thursday, April 27, 2006. Also pictured are Congressman Bill Jefferson, left, and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

 

President George W. Bush shares a light moment with homeowner Ethel Williams during a visit to her hurricane damaged home in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, Thursday, April 27, 2006.

 

President George W. Bush greets homeowner Ethel Williams during a visit to her hurricane damaged home in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, Thursday, April 27, 2006.

 

Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff participated in an event on April 25th, 2006 sponsored by the DC Citizen Corps Council and Serve DC with kindergarten students from three public elementary schools in Washington, DC, their parents and teachers. Secretary Chertoff joined volunteers and local officials to assemble emergency preparedness kits and to highlight the importance of family and community emergency preparedness and help the group launch the new "Commander Ready" Preparedness Campaign for children living in the District of Columbia.

 

Secretary of Health and Human Services Leavitt acknowledged an outstanding volunteer with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, delivered remarks, and helped seniors sign up at a Medicare Prescription Drug Enrollment Event at the Glenview Community Center & Park in Memphis, Tennessee. During an award presentation held on April 24th, 2006 in Memphis, Secretary Leavitt recognized Mrs. Berryhill’s more than 5,300 volunteer hours, both nationally and internationally, to raise awareness through health education. NCPS, working through churches and religious institutions, empowers women to take control of their health and the health of their families.

 

In support of National Volunteer Week, USA Freedom Corps hosted a White House Volunteer Fair which provided staffers with ideas for volunteer opportunities in the local DC/Virginia area. White House Chief of Staff, Joshua B. Bolten participated in the volunteer fair, thanking staffers for answering the Call to Service. Twenty local non-profit organizations participated, representing volunteer opportunities serving the disabled, elderly, homeless, hungry, refugees, animals, and youth; serving those with HIV/AIDS, other health issues, and law needs; serving on issues related to arts & culture, emergency preparedness, the environment, literacy, and supporting our troops; and international volunteer service opportunities.

 

In support of National Volunteer Week, USA Freedom Corps hosted a White House Volunteer Fair which provided staffers with ideas for volunteer opportunities in the local DC/Virginia area. White House Chief of Staff, Joshua B. Bolten participated in the volunteer fair, thanking staffers for answering the Call to Service. Twenty local non-profit organizations participated, representing volunteer opportunities serving the disabled, elderly, homeless, hungry, refugees, animals, and youth; serving those with HIV/AIDS, other health issues, and law needs; serving on issues related to arts & culture, emergency preparedness, the environment, literacy, and supporting our troops; and international volunteer service opportunities.

 

In support of National Volunteer Week, USA Freedom Corps hosted a White House Volunteer Fair which provided staffers with ideas for volunteer opportunities in the local DC/Virginia area. Miss Beazley, one of the President and Mrs. Bush's Scottish Terriers, stopped by to lend support and thank staffers for answering the Call to Service. Twenty local non-profit organizations participated, representing volunteer opportunities serving the disabled, elderly, homeless, hungry, refugees, animals, and youth; serving those with HIV/AIDS, other health issues, and law needs; serving on issues related to arts & culture, emergency preparedness, the environment, literacy, and supporting our troops; and international volunteer service opportunities.

 

In support of National Volunteer Week, USA Freedom Corps hosted a White House Volunteer Fair which provided staffers with ideas for volunteer opportunities in the local DC/Virginia area. White House Chief of Staff, Joshua B. Bolten participated in the volunteer fair, thanking staffers for answering the Call to Service. Twenty local non-profit organizations participated, representing volunteer opportunities serving the disabled, elderly, homeless, hungry, refugees, animals, and youth; serving those with HIV/AIDS, other health issues, and law needs; serving on issues related to arts & culture, emergency preparedness, the environment, literacy, and supporting our troops; and international volunteer service opportunities.

 

In support of National Volunteer Week, USA Freedom Corps hosted a White House Volunteer Fair which provided staffers with ideas for volunteer opportunities in the local DC/Virginia area. White House Chief of Staff, Joshua B. Bolten participated in the volunteer fair, thanking staffers for answering the Call to Service. Twenty local non-profit organizations participated, representing volunteer opportunities serving the disabled, elderly, homeless, hungry, refugees, animals, and youth; serving those with HIV/AIDS, other health issues, and law needs; serving on issues related to arts & culture, emergency preparedness, the environment, literacy, and supporting our troops; and international volunteer service opportunities.

 

Secretary Spellings tutors with Horton's Kids at the Department during National Volunteer Week. Secretary Spellings is joined by other U.S. Department of Education employees who volunteer their time to tutor on a weekly basis with Horton's Kids and Everybody Wins.

 

USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree Sayle participated in the kick-off celebration for National & Global Youth Service Day at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center on Friday, April 21. At the event, Director Sayle recognized Derrell Simpson with the President's Volunteer Service Award. Volunteering more than 80-100 hours per month, Derrell was appointed in 2003 to be a District of Columbia Commissioner for National and Community Service, making him the youngest city official in D.C. history. Pictured (L-R) are Director Sayle; Derrell Simpson; Elizabeth Seale, Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service; and James Cooper of Serve DC.

 

Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to nine year old Morgan Rioux of Cub Scout Pack 20, Toms River,at the 2006 White House Easter Egg Roll on April 17, 2006. Deciding to help others this holiday season, Rioux organized a hat and glove drive for children in Afghanistan and Iraq and enlisted his fellow scouts and classmates to help. Within the first week, the collection bin at Walnut Street Elementary School contained more than 100 new hats and gloves.

 

Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Angelina (age 11), Gabriel (age 9) and Sophie Winbush (age 6) at the 2006 White House Easter Egg Roll on April 17, 2006. The sisters have been volunteering to help a Somali family through the Pittsburgh Refugee Center for almost a year now. The family, which fled Somalia in the early 1990's, lived in a refugee camp in Kenya for over a decade until finally arriving in the United States about one and a half years ago. The sisters have visited the family almost weekly, helping take the family shopping - which not only includes the usual grocery store shopping, but visiting Halal butchers where they, an Islamic family, can purchase meat, and scouring the markets for green bananas, a staple of their diet. We have also taken them to museums, the zoo, playgrounds, doctor and hospital visits, and the oldest daughter attends all an day musical theater with Angelina at a nearby church weekly.

 

Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Joe Melson, a 12 year old 7th grader attending Thurgood Marshall Extended Elementary School, at the 2006 White House Easter Egg Roll on April 17, 2006. Receiving the Gold Level of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from Director Sayle, Melson participates in the Young Heroes program and is held in high regard by his peers, characterized by his team leader as considerate, a team player, intellectually curious, and socially conscience. Outside of Young Heroes, Melson takes part in the Ward 7 Higher Achievement Program, is an avid poet, and every year takes part of the Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless.

 

Under Secretary Karen Hughes addresses 400 religious and US government leaders at International Conference on Faith and Service, March 22, 2006, in Washington, DC.

 

On March 20th, Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, delivered remarks at the New York City kickoff event for the 21st Annual Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was also in attendance at Times Square’s Military Triangle to unveil the new anti-litter campaign – STOMP OUT LITTER – and encourage city residents to get involved. The kickoff included a performance from the cast of STOMP, the percussion sensation that has become a worldwide phenomenon.

 

On March 2, 2006, Keep America Beautiful kicked off their signature event, the Great American Cleanup in Biloxi, MS. As part of the opening ceremony, Chairman Don Powell, Federal Coordinator of the Office of Gulf Coast Rebuilding, presented the President's Volunteer Service Award to an outstanding youth volunteer from Mississippi. Cee Cantrell, the honoree, attends Mercy Cross High School in Biloxi, MS where he serves as president of several student organizations including the Student Council, the March of Dimes Chain Reaction Council and the Key Club. Cantrell is also involved with Christian Athletes and the Red Cross. In these roles, he has organized many food drives and toy collections, prepared food baskets, visited abused children, and hurricane cleanups.

 

President George W. Bush is joined by Joan Thomas of Smyrna, Ga., left, and Erica Turner, who was mentored by Thomas, after Thomas received the President's Volunteer Service Award at a White House celebration of African American History Month on February 22, 2006.

 

On February 22nd, President George W. Bush recognized Katie and Karl’Nequa Ball with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during the 80th celebration of African American History Month at the White House.

 

On February 22nd, President George W. Bush recognized Steve Ellis with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during the 80th celebration of African American History Month at the White House.

 

On February 22nd, President George W. Bush recognized Dr. Carl Anderson with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during the 80th celebration of African American History Month at the White House.

 

On February 14th, 2006, President George W. Bush officially welcomed new members of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to the White House. During the Roosevelt Room meeting, the President talked about his vision of a culture of service and compassion in America, and he challenged Council members to be “ambassadors” for volunteer service.

 

USA Freedom Corps is proud to announce that two outstanding volunteers joined Mrs. Laura Bush in the First Lady’s Box during the 2006 State of the Union. The volunteers, Ja’Detrus Hamilton, of Leakesville, MS and Theresa “Teri” Shamlian of Houston, TX were invited to join Mrs. Bush because of their outstanding volunteer efforts assisting those affected by the hurricanes along the Gulf Coast. Mr. Hamilton is pictured above next to Mrs. Bush.

 

USA Freedom Corps is proud to announce that two outstanding volunteers joined Mrs. Laura Bush in the First Lady’s Box during the 2006 State of the Union. The volunteers, Ja’Detrus Hamilton, of Leakesville, MS and Theresa “Teri” Shamlian of Houston, TX were invited to join Mrs. Bush because of their outstanding volunteer efforts assisting those affected by the hurricanes along the Gulf Coast. Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Shamlian met with Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director, USA Freedom Corps, prior to the State of the Union.

 

President George W. Bush prepares to sign a Presidential Proclamation, Monday, Jan. 30, 2006 in the Oval Office, in honor of the fourth anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps. Joining President Bush, from left to right, are Kathy Wills, deputy director of USA Freedom Corps; Desiree Sayle, director of USA Freedom Corps; Liz DiGregorio, acting director Office of Community Preparedness DHS; Gaddi Vasquez, director of Peace Corps and David Eisner, CEO the Corporation for National and Community Service.

 

Mrs. Laura Bush and students at Cardoza Senior High School pose for pictures Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Bush was on hand to join the Youth Services Opportunities Project in assembling sandwiches for Martha's Table's mobile soup kitchen.

 

Student participants in the Youth Service Opportunities Project of Washington, D.C.'s Cardozo Senior High School joined Mrs. Laura Bush and her staff, Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, in assembling sandwiches for Martha's Table's mobile soup kitchen.

 

President George W. Bush helps U.S. Marines sort through a stack of toys Monday, Dec. 19, 2005 at the "Toys for Tots" collection center at the Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

 

Mrs. Laura Bush helps carry a large stuffed animal to a toy distribution vehicle, Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, at the "Toys for Tots" collection center at the Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C., where she joined President George W. Bush in thanking the U.S. Marines for their charitable efforts.

 

President George W. Bush helps guide a donated bicycle to a toy distribition vehicle, Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, at the "Toys for Tots" collection center at the Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

 

President George W. Bush meets with U.S. Marines working Monday, Dec. 19, 2005 at the "Toys for Tots" collection center at the Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

 

On December 9, Claude Allen, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, spoke at the National Disability Inclusion and National Service Conference. At the conclusion of his remarks, Allen honored outstanding volunteer Emmanuel Jenkins with the President's Volunteer Service Award.

 

Learn and Serve America 15th Anniversary Symposium and Celebration Awards - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy addresses the audience after receiving the Congressional Founder’s Award from Learn and Serve America.

 

On November 30, 2005, First Lady Laura Bush joined a group of local high school students at a service-learning project to announce a new federal study that finds 55 percent of American teenagers volunteered last year – nearly double the rate of adults.

 

First Lady Laura Bush today joined a group of local high school students at a service-learning project to announce a new federal study that finds 55 percent of American teenagers volunteered last year – nearly double the rate of adults.

 

From cleaning parks and collecting food to painting murals and helping hurricane survivors move back into their homes, millions of volunteers from around the country took part in the 15th Annual “Make a Difference Day” on October 22, 2005. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that engages millions of Americans in service projects. Volunteers from Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America took part and led a variety of community service projects across the country. In Washington D.C., members of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps kicked off their year of service by joining community volunteers in a massive clean up of Anacostia’s Watts Branch Park. Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle addressed the volunteers and participated with her staff in the service project as well.

 

From cleaning parks and collecting food to painting murals and helping hurricane survivors move back into their homes, millions of volunteers from around the country took part in the 15th Annual “Make a Difference Day” on October 22, 2005. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that engages millions of Americans in service projects. Volunteers from Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America took part and led a variety of community service projects across the country. In Washington D.C., members of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps kicked off their year of service by joining community volunteers in a massive clean up of Anacostia’s Watts Branch Park. Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle addressed the volunteers and participated with her staff in the service project as well.

 

From cleaning parks and collecting food to painting murals and helping hurricane survivors move back into their homes, millions of volunteers from around the country took part in the 15th Annual “Make a Difference Day” on October 22, 2005. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that engages millions of Americans in service projects. Volunteers from Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America took part and led a variety of community service projects across the country. In Washington D.C., members of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps kicked off their year of service by joining community volunteers in a massive clean up of Anacostia’s Watts Branch Park. Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle addressed the volunteers and participated with her staff in the service project as well.

 

Secretary Alphonso Jackson, Department of Housing and Urban Development. On Friday, October 14, 2005 USA Freedom Corps brought together non-profit and national service leaders for a White House briefing on hurricane recovery and reconstruction. Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, was joined by Secretary Andy Card of the White House, Secretary Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Alphonso Jackson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a productive time of sharing information and discussing ways these organizations can empower volunteers and the Armies of Compassion in the vital work ahead.

 

Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps. On Friday, October 14, 2005, USA Freedom Corps brought together non-profit and national service leaders for a White House briefing on hurricane recovery and reconstruction. Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, was joined by Secretary Andy Card of the White House, Secretary Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Alphonso Jackson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a productive time of sharing information and discussing ways these organizations can empower volunteers and the Armies of Compassion in the vital work ahead.

 

Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps. On Friday, October 14, 2005 USA Freedom Corps brought together non-profit and national service leaders for a White House briefing on hurricane recovery and reconstruction. Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, was joined by Secretary Andy Card of the White House, Secretary Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Alphonso Jackson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a productive time of sharing information and discussing ways these organizations can empower volunteers and the Armies of Compassion in the vital work ahead.

 

Secretary Michael Chertoff, Department of Homeland Security. On Friday, October 14, 2005 USA Freedom Corps brought together non-profit and national service leaders for a White House briefing on hurricane recovery and reconstruction. Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, was joined by Secretary Andy Card of the White House, Secretary Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Alphonso Jackson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a productive time of sharing information and discussing ways these organizations can empower volunteers and the Armies of Compassion in the vital work ahead.

 

Secretary Andy Card, Chief of Staff, White House. On Friday, October 14, 2005 USA Freedom Corps brought together non-profit and national service leaders for a White House briefing on hurricane recovery and reconstruction. Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, was joined by Secretary Andy Card of the White House, Secretary Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Alphonso Jackson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a productive time of sharing information and discussing ways these organizations can empower volunteers and the Armies of Compassion in the vital work ahead.

 

David Eisner, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service. On Friday, October 14, 2005 USA Freedom Corps brought together non-profit and national service leaders for a White House briefing on hurricane recovery and reconstruction. Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps, was joined by Secretary Andy Card of the White House, Secretary Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Alphonso Jackson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a productive time of sharing information and discussing ways these organizations can empower volunteers and the Armies of Compassion in the vital work ahead.

 

President Bush posed with a group of Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members in New Orleans on October 11 before heading to nearby Covington, La., to participate with them in a build for families left homeless by hurricane Katrina.

 

NBC "Today Show" host Matt Lauer talks with President George W. Bush and Laura Bush Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005, on the construction site of a Habitat for Humanity home in Covington, La., a hurricane-devastated town just north of New Orleans where the nonprofit is building houses for those displaced by Katrina.

 

During a visit to the Gulf Coast region on Tuesday, President Bush stopped by the Delisle Elementary School in Pass Christian, Miss. – also known as ‘The Pass’ – where a team from the AmeriCorps St. Louis program (pictured above) worked throughout the weekend to help the school get ready to receive its first students since Hurricane Katrina hit.

 

Laura Bush helps push a support wall into place, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005, while visiting a Habitat for Humanity building site in Covington, La., where homes are being built for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

 

President George W. Bush dons a hard hat as he joins volunteers at a Habitat for Humanity building site Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005, in Covington, La.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Maria Hines of Albuquerque, New Mexico in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on October 7, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, was also attended by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to John Diaz of Crowley, Colorado in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on October 7, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, was also attended by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Eleuterio “Junior” Salazar of Bradenton, Florida in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on October 7, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, was also attended by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Marie Arcos, of Houston, Texas in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on October 7, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, was also attended by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Dr. Elmer Carreno of Silver Spring, Maryland in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on October 7, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, was also attended by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Manuel Fonseca of Nashville, Tennessee in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on October 7, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, was also attended by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

 

On Sunday, June 26th, President Bush participated in the White House Tee Ball Initiative on the South Lawn. Launched in 2001 by the President and Mrs. Bush, the initiative was started to promote interest in baseball and a spirit of teamwork and service for America's youth. Featured at the event was Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area Little Brother Aaron Delaney Lucas, who sang the National Anthem. Aaron is pictured here with his Big Brother, Ensign Hassan Brown (USN) at the White House - clearly Aaron was having a great time!

 

The 2005 USA Freedom Corps Summer Interns, Alexa Andrews, Mike Stakias, and Esther Larson organized fifty White House interns to paint and prepare apartments for The Turning Point Center, a transitional housing facility of the Salvation Army D.C. Thanks to the largest turnout of any intern service project, five homeless families will gain the life, professional, and personal skills to get back on their feet.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the USA Freedom Corps Desiree Sayle presents Amanda Lynn with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Director Sayle delivered the keynote address at the 2005 Congressional Award Gold Medal Ceremony, where 164 of the 242 award recipients were in attendance.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Joann Yoon in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 26, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, was also attended by President Yudhoyono of Indonesia.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Junior Seau in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 26, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, was also attended by President Yudhoyono of Indonesia.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Kathleen Nguyen in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 26, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, was also attended by President Yudhoyono of Indonesia.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to eight outstanding individuals in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 26, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, was also attended by President Yudhoyono of Indonesia.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Daniel Theodore Ling Kent in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 26, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, was also attended by President Yudhoyono of Indonesia.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Dayalan Sanders and Diyana Sanders in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 26, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, was also attended by President Yudhoyono of Indonesia.

 

President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Ranee and Peter Selufsky in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 26, 2005. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, was also attended by President Yudhoyono of Indonesia.

 

Volunteer Florida hosts first-ever Florida AmeriCorps and National Service Conference May 20 and 21, with keynote speakers including Katie Loovis, Associate Director of Public Liaison for USA Freedom Corps, and national service experts from across the nation.

 

Mentors and mentees from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, Eastern Branch are joined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt and his wife Jacalyn at the 2005 Easter Egg Roll at the White House. Mrs. Laura Bush, through the White House Office of USA Freedom Corps, invited more than 500 mentors/mentee pairs to the South Lawn of the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll on Monday, March 28, 2005 to Celebrate Mentoring. More than 30 youth mentoring programs from the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania took part in the event.

 

Mentors and mentees from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, Silver Spring Branch participate in the 2005 Easter Egg Roll at the White House. Mrs. Laura Bush, through the White House Office of USA Freedom Corps, invited more than 500 mentors/mentee pairs to the South Lawn of the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll on Monday, March 28, 2005 to Celebrate Mentoring. More than 30 youth mentoring programs from the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania took part in the event.

 

Pictured (L-R): Lt. Gen. John Conaway, USAF (ret.) Chairman National Guard Youth Foundation, Former Chief, National Guard Bureau; John Salley, Co-Host of the "Best Damn Sports Show", Fox-TV and Former NBA Player; Senator Craig Thomas (R-Wyoming); Kelly Perdew, Winner of "The Apprentice"; Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle. Director Sayle delivered remarks on the importance of volunteering and was joined by John Salley and Kelly Perdew in highlighting the NGYCP.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle presented the President's Volunteer Service Award to Joshua Peters of Brooklyn, New York. Peters regularly mentors younger children through the Genesis Homes programs, including the U.S. Department of Justice’s Weed and Seed program. He also works with community improvement projects that are “greening-up” local neighborhoods, such as working with the parks department to create a local success garden.

 

Former Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton film a public service announcement encouraging the American people to make cash donations to the tsunami relief effort through www.usafreedomcorps.gov in the White House Library Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005. The public service announcement is expected to be released in the coming days.

 

President George W. Bush announces a nationwide charitable fundraising effort to be led by former President George H.W. Bush, left, and former President Bill Clinton to aid victims of last week's earthquake and tsunamis in South Asia in the Roosevelt Room, Monday, January 3, 2005.

 

President George W. Bush and Laura Bush visit Operation USO CarePackage at Fort Belvior, Va., Friday, Dec. 10, 2004. "This is one way of saying, America appreciates your service to freedom and peace and our security," said the President in his remarks about the program that has delivered more than 480,000 care packages.

 

Fire Corps member Jeff Thorp was presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during the Fire Corps launch event at the White House on Thursday, December 9, 2004. Thorp volunteers as a bookkeeper with the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Fairfax County, Virginia, and has dedicated more than 170 hours of service in the last year. Pictured: Chief R. David Paulison, United States Fire Administrator, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (left); Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps; Jeff Thorp; Chief Michael Masciola, Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Fairfax County, Virginia (right).

 

Fire Corps, a new program to support fire departments by encouraging citizen advocates to serve in non-emergency roles, was launched at an event at the White House on Thursday, December 9, 2004. Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps was joined at the launch by Matt Mayer, Chief of Staff, Office of State and Local Government Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (seated left), and Chief R. David Paulison, United States Fire Administrator, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (seated right). Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph W. Hagin (not pictured) also participated in the event.

 

On Wednesday, December 8, 2004, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle spoke at an event where www.usafreedomcorpskids.gov was launched. The new website is designed to show elementary and middle school students how they can start making a difference by volunteering.

 

On Wednesday, December 8, 2004, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Rod Paige, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle, and Corporation for National and Community Service CEO David Eisner launched www.usafreedomcorpskids.gov, a new website designed to show elementary and middle school students how they can start making a difference by volunteering.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle (middle), and Executive Director of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation Kari Dunn (left) present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Shauna Fleming on Wednesday, November 17, 2004. Fleming is founder of A Million Thanks.org, which to date has sent more than one million thank you notes to members of the U.S. military.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle presents the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Alexandria Canada-Marcus at the Learn and Serve America Grantee Training Conference in Bethesda, Maryland, on Monday, November 8, 2004. Canada-Marcus, 16, participates in a Learn & Serve America class at Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C. Through the class, she began volunteering at Community Harvest, a local nonprofit organization that works to combat hunger. Learn and Serve America, a program under the direction of the Corporation for National and Community Service, supports service-learning programs in schools and community organizations that each year help nearly two million students meet community needs while improving their academic skills and learning the habits of good citizenship. Learn and Serve America grants are used to create new programs or replicate existing programs, as well as to provide training and development to staff, faculty, and volunteers.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle (left) addressed “Make A Difference Day” volunteers at The Frederick Douglass House in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, October 23, 2004. Sayle presented the President’s Call to Service Award to Patricia Clay, an outstanding volunteer from the Anacostia area of Washington, D.C. Clay volunteers to help revitalize her community through Main Street Anacostia, an organization which fosters economic development. She also organizes toys for tots drives, mentors children at a local school, and participates in AIDS and breast cancer fund raising walks every year.

 

Associate Director of Public Liaison at USA Freedom Corps Katie Loovis joined members of the Corporation for National and Community Service to recognize and honor the good work of AmeriCorps*VISTA member Taylonda Copeland at the Eneida M. Hartner Elementary School in Miami, Florida, on Monday, October 18, 2004. Copeland was presented the President's Volunteer Service Award for her commitment to serving at-risk youth.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle volunteers with a student on a service project at Watkins Elementary School in Southeast Washington, D.C. on Thursday, September 30, 2004.

 

U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton (left), USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree Sayle, and Take Pride in America Executive Director Marti Allbright (right) appear with Derrick Crandall, president, American Recreation Council, recipient of the Take Pride in America Spirit Award.

 

Lynne Cheney, author, scholar, and wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, celebrated National Constitution Day with 200 elementary school students from Fairfax County Public Schools at Gunston Hall Plantation, the historic home of George Mason.

 

51 Miss America contestants were presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their dedication to service at a White House reception, Friday, September 3, 2004. Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle (center front) was also joined by Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap, who received the Award earlier this year.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle welcomed The National Corn Growers Association chairman Fred Yoder to the White House office of USA Freedom Corps Monday, August 2, 2004, to mark his association’s participation with Volunteers for Prosperity. Also present, Jack Hawkins (left), director of the Office of Volunteers for Prosperity at USAID.

 

Service to others is a fitting commemoration to the life of President Ronald Reagan; former President George Bush told the thousands gathered for the closing session of the National Conference on Community Volunteering and National Service today.

 

Service to others is a fitting commemoration to the life of President Ronald Reagan; former President George Bush told the thousands gathered for the closing session of the National Conference on Community Volunteering and National Service today.

 

Actor Sean Astin's commitment to volunteering and civic engagement was the focus of his remarks when he addressed the opening session of the National Conference on Community Volunteering and National Service on Sunday, June 6, 2004 at the Kansas City Convention Center. Astin is a member of the President's Council on Service & Civic Participation.

 

Actor Sean Astin's commitment to volunteering and civic engagement was the focus of his remarks when he addressed the opening session of the National Conference on Community Volunteering and National Service on Sunday, June 6, 2004 at the Kansas City Convention Center. Astin is a member of the President's Council on Service & Civic Participation.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the USA Freedom Corps Desiree Sayle addressed the National Conference on Community Volunteering and National Service on Sunday, June 6, 2004 at the Kansas City Convention Center. Sayle introduced a video greeting by President George W. Bush.

 

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the USA Freedom Corps Desiree Sayle addressed the National Conference on Community Volunteering and National Service on Sunday, June 6, 2004 at the Kansas City Convention Center. Sayle introduced a video greeting by President George W. Bush.

 

Actor Sean Astin's commitment to volunteering and civic engagement was the focus of his remarks when he addressed the opening session of the National Conference on Community Volunteering and National Service on Sunday, June 6, 2004 at the Kansas City Convention Center. Astin is a member of the President's Council on Service & Civic Participation.

 

President George W. Bush talks with AmeriCorps volunteers at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples, Fla., Friday, April 22, 2004. "Here at Rookery Bay, you see how important wetlands are to protecting 150 species of birds, and many threatened and endangered animals," said the President in his remarks.

 

On April 23, 2004, President Bush spoke about his volunteer service initiative at a coastal reserve outside of Naples, Fla. Prior to the speech, the President served with 10 members of AmeriCorps*NCCC removing invasive plants from the reserve.

 

White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card joined with Department of Commerce Secretary Don Evans, Home Depot CEO and member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation Robert Nardelli, Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap and other members of President George W. Bush's Administration today for a playground build in southeast Washington, D.C., in celebration of National Volunteer Week. The Administration staffers, their friends, and family members were joined by members of the community, AmeriCorps members, and representatives of KaBOOM!, The Home Depot, and the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation as they helped build a playground for the Children of Mine Center in Anacostia, VA.

 

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation met on March 2, 2004 in Washington, DC.

 

Bob Goodwin, President of the Points of Light Foundation, speaks before the public meeting of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation as Council member Clotilde Dedecker listens.

 

Council member Bill Novelli, CEO of AARP; with Barbara Taylor, Executive Director of the President’s Council.

 

Council members Cokie Roberts, political commentator for ABC News and senior news analyst for National Public Radio; and Clotilde Dedecker, President of the National Women's Hall of Fame, Executive Director of the Erie County (NY) Commission on the Status of Women and President Emeritus of the Association of Junior Leagues International.

 

Council member Dr. Pedro Garcia, Director of Schools, Metropolitan Nashville (TN) Public Schools.

 

Council members Bill Novelli, CEO of AARP, and Rebecca Rimel, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

 

Council member Robert Nardelli, Chairman, President, and CEO of The Home Depot; with Darrell Green, Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

 

Council member Hope Taft, First Lady of Ohio. As Ohio's First Lady she has focused extensively on encouraging and recognizing volunteer service and, in 2001, she partnered with Habitat to build 25 homes around the state of Ohio that has been entitled Circle of Hope.

 

Council member Michelle Nunn, President & CEO of City Cares, speaking before the President’s Council about the Youth Passport program.

 

Darrell Green, Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, conducts Council business as David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, looks on.

 

Darrell Green, Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, talks about the importance of volunteering. As part of the 2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, he joined local volunteers preparing and delivering disaster preparedness kits to residents of Brookland Manor, Washington, DC.

 

Darrell Green, Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, talks to youth about the importance of volunteering. As part of the 2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, he joined local volunteers preparing and delivering disaster preparedness kits to residents of Brookland Manor, Washington, DC.

 

Darrell Green, Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, and Washington, DC Mayor Anthony Williams deliver a disaster preparedness kit to a resident of Brookland Manor, Washington, DC. The project was part of a national mobilization of volunteers for the 2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

 

Darrell Green, Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, and Washington, DC Mayor Anthony Williams deliver disaster preparedness kits to residents of Brookland Manor, Washington, DC. The project was part of a national mobilization of volunteers for the 2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

 

Darrell Green, Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, greets Washington, DC Mayor Anthony Williams. They joined local volunteers preparing and delivering disaster preparedness kits to residents of Brookland Manor, Washington, DC. The project was part of a national mobilization of volunteers for the 2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

 

Darrell Green, Chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, joined local volunteers preparing and delivering disaster preparedness kits to residents of Brookland Manor, Washington, DC. The project was part of a national mobilization of volunteers for the 2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

 

After signing a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Month, President George W. Bush shakes hands with Monique Blais, 7, the young artist who designed the Stop the Violence postage stamp in the East Room Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003.

 

President George W. Bush signs the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2004 at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003. "The Homeland Security bill I will sign today commits $31 billion to securing our nation, over $14 billion more than pre-September 11th levels. The bill increases funding for the key responsibilities at the Department of Homeland Security and supports important new initiatives across the Department," said the President in his remarks.

 

President George W. Bush addresses employees at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003.

 

John Bridgeland, assistant to the president and director, USA Freedom Corps, offers a presentation during the briefing of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

 

Honorary Co-Chair, Sen. John Glenn, greets Council Chair Darrell Green.

 

Ohioans at the briefing of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation included Council member Hope Taft, left, first lady of Ohio, and Sen. John Glenn, honorary co-chair of the Council.

 

President's Council Chair Darrell Green, foreground, and Jim Manning, acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, listen to a presentation.

 

Listening attentively during the briefing of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation are Council members Michelle Nunn, left, president of CityCares and executive director of Hands on Atlanta, two organizations that field AmeriCorps programs, and Cokie Roberts, political commentator for ABC News.

 

Members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation include Maryland residents Amber Coffman of Glen Burnie, left, a student at Pepperdine University, and retired Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripkin.

 

Ian Rowe, left, director of strategy and performance with USA Freedom Corps, discusses service with actor Sean Astin, a member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

 

Darrell Green, chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, left, confers with Barbara Taylor, executive director of the Council, during the Council's first briefing session, in Washington, D.C.

 

John Bridgeland, assistant to the president and director, USA Freedom Corps left, presents Bob Nardelli, chairman, president, and CEO of The Home Depot with a President's Volunteer Service Award following a swearing in ceremony for Nardelli and other members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. Presenting the award with Bridgeland is former Washington Redskin Darrell Green, Council chair.

 

President George W. Bush signs an Executive Order implementing his Volunteers for Prosperity initiative in the Oval Office Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003. Pictured with the President are, from left: Deputy Secretary of Commerce Samuel W. Bodman; Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Claude A. Allen; Administrator, Agency for International Development, Andrew Natsios; Under Secretary of State Alan Larson; and Director, USA Freedom Corps, John Bridgeland.

 

President George W. Bush delivers remarks at the rededication ceremony of the National Archives Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2003. During the ceremony, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights were unveiled. "In the course of two centuries, the ideals of our founding documents have defined America's purposes in the world," said the President. "Since July 4th, 1776, to this very day, Americans have seen freedom's power to overcome tyranny, to inspire hope even in times of great trial, to turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace."

 

Holding up a book about his Faith-Based Initiatives, President George W. Bush talks with urban leaders in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building Wednesday, July 16, 2003. Standing behind the President are, from left, Rev. Bishop John Juston Ricard of Fla., Rev. Eugene F. Rivers III of Mass., and Tony Evans of Texas.

 

The President poses with Peace Corps volunteers at Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Gaborone, Bostwana.

 

On the first anniversary of President George W. Bush's USA Freedom Corps initiative, the President visits the Jelleff Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington in the District of Columbia Thursday, Jan. 30. "Once again, I'm asking our fellow citizens to serve your community and to serve your country by finding a program that will make a difference in somebody's lives. It doesn't matter how big or small the program may sound. What matters is your love and your energy and your participation," said the President in his remarks.

 

President George W. Bush and Laura Bush help volunteers pack food during their visit to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Dec. 19. "More Americans need to volunteer. There are ways to do so. The USAFreedomCorps.gov on the web page is the place to look," said the President in his remarks. "You can call 1-877-USA-CORPS and find out ways that you can help. If you are interested in being a part of feeding those who hunger, this is a great place to come to."

 

President George W. Bush celebrates the 6-month anniversary of USA Freedom Corps by unveiling a new public service announcement in the East Room July 30. "The USA Freedom Corps is matching potential volunteers with local charities," said the President. "We're promoting service to prepare for crises at home, to strengthen our communities, to help people in need, and to extend American compassion throughout the world."

 

President George W. Bush visits with art students at the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Amercians Headquarters Summer Enrichment Camp in Houston, Texas, Friday, June 14. Also pictured at left, is Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

 

Addressing the media, President George W. Bush meets with corporate leaders in the Roosevelt Room June 13. "You know, there's been a lot of talk about corporate responsibility here in America, and there needs to be," said the President. "People who run their businesses need to do so in a way that treats their employees with respect, and treats the communities in which they live with respect, as well.

 

President George W. Bush talks with students at the South End Community Center in Bridgeport, Conn., Tuesday, April, 9, 2002. Americorps volunteers come to the community center to mentor students. "We need to encourage programs to expand, to give people an outlet, a chance to participate," said the President during his remarks at the city's Klein Auditorium where he oulined how people could join the ranks of thousands who are already serving in one America's Freedom Corps groups.

 

Visiting Martin Luther King's President alma mater, George W. Bush speaks to students, faculty and guests during a visit to Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Ga. Jan 31, 2002. "One way you can help is to find a child who needs somebody older in their life who can put their arm around them and say, "I love you," "There's hope for you," "What can I do to help you succeed in America?'"

 

During his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called upon every American to get involved in strengthening America's communities and sharing America's compassion around the world. He called on each of us to commit at least two years of our lives—the equivalent of 4,000 hours—to the service of others. He included all Americans because everyone can do something, and he created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans to answer his call.

 

President George W. Bush talks with local police, fire, health and government officials during a roundtable meeting at the Center for Community Safety at Winston-Salem State University, Wednesday, Jan 30, 2002.

 

President George W. Bush greets local law enforcement officers after remarks on Citizen Preparedness at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C. Wednesday, Jan 30, 2002.

 

After helping build a house for Habitat for Humanity, President Bush meets some of his Waco neighbors.

 

President Bush and Secretary for Housing and Urban Development Martinez, far right, talk with new friends during a break from their house-building efforts at the Waco, Texas, location of Habitat for Humanity's "World Leaders Build" construction drive August 8, 2001.

 

President George W. Bush works on a Habitat For Humanity house in Tampa, Fl., Tuesday, June 5.

 

President George W. Bush takes a working tour of The Adirondack Park near Wilmington, NY, Monday, April 22. "We had a great time in the Park, and I want to thank you all very much for giving me the opportunity to hammer and stack, place gravel -- (laughter) -- in a beautiful part of the world. This is quite a sight for a fellow from Texas," said the President in his remarks about Earth Day at Whiteface Mountain Lodge. "We have a duty in our country to make sure our land is preserved, our air is clean, our water is pure, our parks are accessible and open and well- preserved."

 
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