President George W. Bush will meet Francis M. Ramsey upon arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday, September 9, 2003. Ramsey volunteers seven days a week as part of Global Lifeguards.

Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Ramsey, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Ramsey is an active volunteer with Global Lifeguards, a nonprofit organization that informs the public about ocean conditions, marine life, and hazards within local communities with the help of civilian volunteers. Seven days a week, Ramsey reports on ocean and weather conditions along Galt Ocean Mile Beach by posting information on the Global Lifeguards web site that describes the ocean surface, wave conditions, rip currents and water visibility. Ramsey also helps alert the public to marine life sightings, such as sharks or jellyfish, as well as possible environmental hazards within the oceanfront community.

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.

###