FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 02, 2004
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Kathleen Mynster
202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize St. Louis Man for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will meet Jeff Tank upon arrival in St. Louis,
Missouri, on Monday, January 5, 2004. Tank has been an active volunteer with Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri for the past two years.
Later this month, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to
engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – will
celebrate its second anniversary. President Bush is recognizing individuals
around the country, like Tank, who are answering the call to volunteer service.
Following September 11, 2001, Tank began to look for ways to give back to his
community. After inquiring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri
about opportunities to become a mentor, Tank was matched with a little brother
in December 2001. As a Big Brother, Tank meets with his Little Brother twice
each month, where they participate in group events organized by Big Brothers Big
Sisters as well as activities for just the two of them such as going to sporting
events, movies and museums. Tank also serves as a member of the board for
Alternatives to Living In Violent Environments (ALIVE), a nonprofit organization
that provides support services and short-term emergency shelter for victims of
domestic violence. During February and March, he will volunteer for his fourth
year with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in St. Louis, where he
prepares basic tax returns for individuals with limited income and senior
citizens.
President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to
foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA
Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to
volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to
protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion
around the world. January 2004 is National Mentoring Month and individuals
interested in mentoring activities can find opportunities in their neighborhoods
through the USA Freedom Corps web site at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by
calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.
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