President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Connie Bergmann when he arrives in Belleville, Illinois, on Wednesday, January 5, 2005. Bergmann is an active volunteer with the American Red Cross, serving as the Chairperson of Volunteers and the Disaster Action Team (DAT) at the St. Louis Area Chapter Metro East Service Center.

President Bush has called on all Americans to volunteer two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes, and hecreated USA Freedom Corps to help foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. Since March 2002, President Bush has met with more than 390 individuals around the country, like Bergmann, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

For the past two years, Bergmannhas been a full time volunteer with the American Red Cross. As a DAT team leader, Bergmann responds to house fires, automobile accidents, and other local disasters, working the canteen for firefighters and helping to ensure victims have food, clothing, and shelter. Once a month, Bergmann works a week-long rotation as Supervisor on Call and mobilizes the DAT volunteers during emergencies. In August 2004, Bergmann was awarded the American Red Cross Disaster Services Award. Bergmann also trains American Red Cross volunteers, conducts safety classes at local schools, and performs administrative duties at the American Red Cross Service Center. In addition, Bergmann is a nursery supervisor at Faith Family Church in Shiloh, Illinois.

The President's Volunteer Service Award, an initiative of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, are presented to people of all ages who have demonstrated their dedication to volunteer service. More information about the Award is available at www.presidentialserviceawards.gov .

Through 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 at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS

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