WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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.

“Since President Bush announced the creation USA Freedom Corps in his 2002 State of the Union, we have worked tirelessly to promote a culture of service in America.” said Desiree T. Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps. “Ja’Detrus and Teri are terrific examples of volunteers who have made a difference in their communities. They embody America’s greatest strength: neighbor helping neighbor.”

Both Hamilton and Shamlian have been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their dedication to volunteer service.

Ja’Detrus Hamilton, USA Freedom Corps Volunteer
Leakesville, Mississippi

Mr. Hamilton, 16, and his family left their mobile home and found shelter in a local church during Hurricane Katrina. Their home suffered minimal damage, but the experience encouraged him to help others in the Gulf Coast whose lives were devastated by the storm. As a member of Youth Engaged in Service (YES!), a program that helps high school students serve their schools and communities, Mr. Hamilton collected and delivered school supplies and backpacks to affected elementary school students, helped a family begin repairs on their damaged home, and interviewed Gulf Coast residents to document their stories of hope and courage. He continues to lead other youth volunteers in rebuilding and recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast area. Mr. Hamilton is in eleventh grade at Green County High School in Leakesville, Mississippi. Mr. Hamilton is a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.  Youth Engaged in Service is supported by Learn and Serve America.

Teri Shamlian, USA Freedom Corps Volunteer
Houston, Texas

Ms. Shamlian has devoted herself to volunteering full-time as a member of the Harris County Citizen Corps. She has volunteered in a myriad of roles since 2004 and has logged over 750 hours of service. In the two weeks immediately following Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Shamlian devoted 113 hours to relief efforts. She was among the first volunteers to report to the Astrodome in Houston when the request for volunteers went out. As busloads of people arrived, she set up cots, helped people come in, registered their names, helped to reunite separated family members, and provided food and clothing to those in need. She continues to volunteer through Citizen Corps, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, and other organizations. Ms. Shamlian is a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

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.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities and across the globe through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to help Americans answer his Call to Service. Visit www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity and to find more information about volunteer service programs.

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