FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 26, 2002
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Kathleen Mynster
202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize Charleston Man for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will meet Steven Riggs when he arrives in
Charleston, South Carolina on Monday. Riggs is a Charleston insurance agent who
volunteers with the South Carolina Military Department. In his State of the
Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least two
years of their lives—the equivalent of 4,000 hours—in service to their
communities, our country and the world. His goal is to give Americans a way to
respond to the evil of terrorism with acts of compassion. President Bush is
recognizing individuals around the country who are answering the call to
service, and will recognize Riggs as an example of the dedication to service he
is hoping to instill in all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.
Riggs' dedication to service reflects his passion for history. In 1989, Riggs
salvaged 300 live oaks damaged by Hurricane Hugo and shipped them to Boston,
Massachusetts for use in the restoration of the U.S.S.Constitution.
Riggs has also volunteered with the South Carolina Military Department for
the past three years and serves as commander of the Bachman Mounted Battery. The
Bachman Mounted Battery re-enacts important events in American history and
performs at the funerals of South Carolinians who die in service to their
country. Members of the Bachman Mounted Battery also visit schools and educate
students on American military history.
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.
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