FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 13, 2004
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Erik Hotmire 202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize St. Louis Area Priest for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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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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