At stops in Wisconsin on Wednesday, President George W. Bush met two volunteers who represent the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans.  In La Crosse, he will meet Dorothy Wetterlin, a nurse and grandmother of seven who has distinguished herself through volunteer work in area schools, in her church, and in several other programs.

In his State of the Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least two years—the equivalent of 4,000 hours—in service to their communities, our country and the world. President Bush is recognizing men and women from around the country, like Wetterlin and Krohn, who are answering the call to service as part of his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

Wetterlin is a former nurse and health educator who works with several volunteer organizations to help children and adults. She has helped elementary school students complete their homework through the Study Buddies after-school program. Wetterlin has also taught healthy living skills to first and second graders through the Beginning Alcohol and Other Additions Basic Education Studies program. Using puppet shows, she teaches students about self-esteem and peer pressure.

In addition to her service with young people, Wetterlin helps widowed and single women over 60 cope with aging issues through a study program at her church. She also raises funds for several organizations, including two programs that work with victims of domestic violence, and counsels victims of abuse through the Night On Volunteer Advocate program.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster an American 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.

###