President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Peter Cea during his visit aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.  Cea is a volunteer with the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer when he travels throughout the United States.  He has met with more than 650 volunteers, like Cea, since March 2002.

For two years the former USS Intrepid has undergone an extensive renovation while berthed in Staten Island.   During this time, Cea has been a volunteer with the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s Aircraft Restoration Department in preparation for the museum's re-opening and return to New York City on November 8, 2008.  He has assisted with repairing and painting aircraft and auxiliary equipment that will be on public display at the museum.  Cea has logged more than 700 volunteer hours and has directly contributed to the refurbishment of nine different aircraft.  In addition, Cea serves as a board member for the Friends of the College of Staten Island where he is instrumental in raising funds for student scholarships. Cea is also a volunteer with Staten Island Special Olympics.

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. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 61 million Americans volunteered in 2006. 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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