FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Kathleen Mynster
202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize Navy Sailor for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will meet U.S. Navy Senior Chief Arden Battle when
he arrives in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday, February 13, 2003. Battle,
currently assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy, volunteers approximately 20 hours
each month helping community organizations.
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 Battle as an
example of the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans
through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.
Battle, a machinist mate senior chief with the U.S. Navy, currently serves as
volunteer coordinator for the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. In this
role, Arden coordinates approximately 50 sailors who volunteer at the Lola
Culver Elementary School by reading to children, helping with homework and
assisting teachers with lesson plans. Battle has also volunteered with several
community organizations by collecting children's clothing for the City Rescue
Mission, serving as coordinator for Special Olympics and coordinating Christmas
collection programs on the naval base for the Salvation Army.
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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