President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Vester Marable, 16, when he arrives at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, on Wednesday, April 19, 2006. Marable, a junior at Booker T. Washington High School, is a volunteer at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with more than 480 individuals around the country, like Marable, since March 2002.

Marable has been a volunteer at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site for more than three years. Every Saturday he conducts orientation tours for visitors. He also developed the Site’s first Junior Ranger program. In addition, Marable created the Tuskegee Student Betterment Council at Booker T. Washington High School. This organization helps students improve academic performance and encourages community service. He also volunteers with the Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce and the George Washington Carver Arts and Crafts Festival.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas designed to show how America's youth are making a difference.

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.

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