President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to David Jewison, 27, when he arrives at the airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday, August 22, 2006.  Jewison is a volunteer with the University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps.  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 Jewison, since March 2002.

Jewison is a volunteer with the University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).  Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, health professionals from the University of Minnesota MRC deployed to the Gulf Coast to provide medical care to displaced families in a relief effort called Minnesota Lifeline.  Jewison, a fourth-year medical student from the University of Minnesota, spent nearly three weeks assisting physicians with healthcare services in Lafayette, Louisiana, and the surrounding communities. MRC volunteers treated patients with needs ranging from hypertension and prenatal care to minor surgery and vaccinations.  Jewison also conducted clinics to update volunteers on proper techniques for administering vaccinations.

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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