President George W. Bush will meet Father Mark Reyling when he arrives in St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday, May 14, 2004. Father Reyling is an active volunteer with the Cahokia, Illinois Volunteer Fire Department and the Cahokia Police Department.

The USA Freedom Corps is President Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation by volunteering two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetime. Since January 2002, President Bush has met with more than 280 individuals around the country, like Father Reyling, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

As a volunteer fireman, Father Reyling responds to many fires and emergencies and is on call for the approximately 400 calls received each year by the Cahokia Volunteer Fire Department. He also patrols the community with a police officer a few times a month. In addition to these responsibilities, Father Reyling serves as chaplain for the fire and police departments. In that capacity, he works as a spiritual guide and counselor, and conducts religious services for deceased firefighters, police officers, and their family members.

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 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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