President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Eloise Monsarrat when he arrives at the airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Monday, November, 20, 2006.  Monsarrat is a volunteer with the Human Animal Bond Program at Tripler Army Medical Center.  To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer, called a USA Freedom Corps Greeter, when he travels throughout the United States.  President Bush has met with more than 550 individuals around the country, like Monsarrat, since March 2002.

Monsarrat is a volunteer with the Human Animal Bond Program at Tripler Army Medical Center.  This pet therapy program, sponsored by the American Red Cross, allows volunteers to bring specially chosen pets to Tripler’s wards, clinics and waiting areas for informal visits.  During the past 16 years, Monsarrat has logged more than 10,000 hours as a pet handler with the Human Animal Bond Program. She also assists with orientation training for new handlers.

Monsarrat’s first dog, Marjie, was awarded Volunteer of the Army for her work at Tripler Army Medical Center.  Her second dog, Qu’I, was given the American Red Cross Animal Friend Hero award posthumously in 2004. Monsarrat currently works alongside another handler with golden retrievers Déjà vu and Karma. Monsarrat was presented the American Red Cross Lifetime Award in 2005. 

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.

###