President George W. Bush will meet Kimberly Lucia upon arrival in Greenwich, Connecticut, on Thursday, January 29, 2004.  As an active member of AmeriCorps*VISTA, Lucia volunteers with the American Red Cross National Preparedness and Response Corps.

This month, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – is celebrating its second anniversary.  President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Lucia, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Following college graduation, Lucia began looking for ways to help others in her community.

In October 2001, she joined AmeriCorps NCCC, a 10-month, full-time residential program where she participated in volunteer projects relating to public safety, public health and disaster relief.  In September 2003, Lucia renewed her commitment to service by becoming an AmeriCorps*VISTA member and currently serves as a volunteer with the American Red Cross National Preparedness and Response Corps. She is trained to respond to local and national disasters such as fires and hurricanes.  She also conducts disaster preparedness sessions in schools and assists members of the community in preparing for a disaster. During the past few months, Lucia volunteered as part of Basic A Training (BAT), an after-school program for third, fourth and fifth grade students, where she speaks about basic first aid skills, when to call 911, fire safety and what to do if there is an emergency at home.   She has also taught basic safety techniques to first grade students in her community, stressing important safety tips such as wearing a bicycle helmet and swimming only when there is an adult present.  Following Hurricane Isabel in September 2003, Lucia volunteered for two weeks in Baltimore, Maryland, providing support and referral services to families affected by the storm, reporting structural damage within the community and serving food to those in need.

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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