President George W. Bush will meet Eric Vaz when he arrives in Miami, Florida, on Sunday, October 31, 2004. Vaz, 41, is the volunteer chairman of disaster services for the American Red Cross of Greater Miami & The Keys.

President Bush has called on all Americans to volunteer two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes, and he created USA Freedom Corps to help foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. Since March 2002, President Bush has met with more than 350 individuals around the country, like Vaz, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Vaz is responsible for planning and preparation for all natural and man-made disasters in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Vaz has worked in relief efforts for every major disaster in his community since 1993. Vaz is part of the American Red Cross Disaster Services Human Resources team and can be sent to respond to any emergency situation nationwide. He is Community Emergency Response Team certified and is trained to respond to nuclear, biological, and chemical terrorism. Vaz also oversees volunteer training and instructs Red Cross classes in shelter operation and simulation.

Through 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 at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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