President George W. Bush will meet U.S. Navy Senior Chief Arden Battle when he arrives in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday, February 13, 2003. Battle, currently assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy, volunteers approximately 20 hours each month helping community organizations.

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 who are answering the call to service and will recognize Battle as an example of the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

Battle, a machinist mate senior chief with the U.S. Navy, currently serves as volunteer coordinator for the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. In this role, Arden coordinates approximately 50 sailors who volunteer at the Lola Culver Elementary School by reading to children, helping with homework and assisting teachers with lesson plans. Battle has also volunteered with several community organizations by collecting children's clothing for the City Rescue Mission, serving as coordinator for Special Olympics and coordinating Christmas collection programs on the naval base for the Salvation Army.

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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