President George W. Bush will meet Malikah Rashied when he arrives in Stockton, California on Friday, August 23, 2002. Rashied works with the California Conservation Corps assisting with fire prevention and community clean-up projects.

In his State of the Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least two years of their lives—the equivalent of 4,000 hours—in service to their communities, our country and the world. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country who are answering the call to service, and will recognize Rashied as an example of the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

Working with the California Conservation Corps, Rashied has assisted the fire crew with fire prevention efforts, developed volunteer projects, and helped to restore a local theatre. In addition, Rashied volunteers at an animal shelter and a local homeless shelter.

The California Conservation Corps provides Californians between the ages of 18-23 the opportunity to work on projects to protect and enhance California's environment, resources and communities. More than 90,000 young men and women have participated in the California Conservation Corps since it was created.

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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