President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Tom Cooney when he arrives at the airport in Sarasota, Florida, on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. Cooney is a volunteer at Osceola Middle School in Seminole, Florida. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer, called a USA Freedom Corps Greeter, when he travels throughout the United States. President Bush has met with more than 500 individuals around the country, like Cooney, since March 2002.

Cooney, who has been deaf since infancy, has been a volunteer for 16 years at Osceola Middle School. He teaches American Sign Language to students in the school’s choral classes, as well as to other students statewide. Cooney also talks to students about understanding the deaf culture and shares his experiences about living with a disability. In addition, for 44 years Cooney has volunteered to sign the national anthem at sporting events nationwide, including at the 2001 Super Bowl in Tampa. Cooney is a recipient of the 2006 Governor’s Point of Light Award for Florida.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas designed to show how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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