President George W. Bush will meet Joe Petrock upon arrival in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Sunday, February 15, 2004. Petrock has been an active volunteer in the Daytona Beach community for the past 17 years.

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

Since 1987, Petrock has been an active volunteer in the Daytona Beach community, primarily working with nonprofit organizations that help young people pursue higher education. For the past 17 years, Petrock has volunteered with the Volusia County School District’s Tomorrow’s Leaders program, speaking with students about leadership, the importance of a quality education and career opportunities. He also helps raise funds for the United Negro College Fund, Bethune Cookman College and Daytona Beach Community College. For the past 11 years, Petrock has volunteered as part of the Daytona International Speedway Checker Flag Committee, leading informational tour sessions and answering questions guests may have during Speedway events throughout the year. Most recently, he served as co-chair of the Daytona 500 NASCAR/LPGA Charity Golf Classic, where LPGA tour professionals and NASCAR drivers helped raise funds to benefit the LPGA Foundation, Halifax Medical Center Foundation and Speediatrics, a racing-themed intensive care pediatric unit at the Betty Jane France Center of Excellence for Children and Women.

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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