President George W. Bush will meet Laura Kay Brett when he arrives at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on Thursday, April 3, 2003. Brett is director of volunteer services at the Camp Lejeune Armed Services YMCA, helping to support military families who may have a loved one serving overseas.

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 who are answering the call to service and will recognize Brett as an example of the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

Brett helps organize volunteers who offer their time and support for families of deployed troops. In addition, Brett assists with the YMCA "Mom to Mom" program, which helps military spouses find childcare assistance, record and send video messages overseas, and obtain medical referrals. She also helps to organize social events for military families and distributes fliers to local hospitals and businesses describing volunteer opportunities available and services offered at the YMCA.

Last week, the USA Freedom Corps launched a new resource for people who want support our troops, their families, and their communities called "On the Homefront." The YMCA is one of several community service organizations using volunteers to help local military families with important needs such as childcare, tutoring, household repairs and spring cleanings.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster an American culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to 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 information on the USA Freedom Corps at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-Corps.

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