President George W. Bush will meet Dan Hebert upon arrival in Merrimack, New Hampshire, on Thursday, January 29, 2004.  Hebert has been an active volunteer with the New Hampshire JumpStart State Coalition since 2000.

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 Hebert, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

After working nearly 25 years in the banking industry, Hebert was surprised to learn that many students today were not being taught basic information such as how to balance a checkbook, put money aside for savings and avoid credit card debt.  Looking for ways to apply his knowledge and experience in the banking industry to help students, Hebert began volunteering with JumpStart, a non-profit association dedicated to improving financial literacy among young adults through personal finance education at home and in school.  Since 2000, Hebert has served as president of the New Hampshire JumpStart State Coalition.  In this capacity, he visits with high school students each month to discuss basic personal financial management skills such as banking, creating a budget and managing credit card debt.  He also teaches students what to look for when applying for a credit card, why it is good to pay more than the minimum payment and how to put aside money for savings.  Hebert also speaks regularly to members of community organizations and businesses in New Hampshire about the importance of personal financial literacy among young adults.

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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