President George W. Bush will meet U.S. Coast Guard Academy third class cadet Greg Ponzi upon arrival in New London, Connecticut, on Wednesday, May 21, 2003. Ponzi volunteers in the New London area and helps fellow cadets find volunteer opportunities.

Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country like Ponzi who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Since enrolling at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2001, Ponzi has served as the community service representative for the Catholic Club, organizing activities and linking cadets with volunteer service projects in the New London area. As a result of Ponzi’s efforts, cadets are helping several community organizations including the Katie Blair House, the Bacon Hinkley Retirement Home, the Care Net Pregnancy Center and the New London Soup Kitchen. In addition to volunteering his own time with these organizations, Ponzi helps to arrange transportation for other cadets volunteering in the community. During his last spring break, Ponzi volunteered to build homes with Habitat for Humanity.

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. Interested volunteers can find opportunities in their own neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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