President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Rebekah Rotton, 21, when he arrives at Hunter Army Airfield on Monday, October 30, 2006. Rotton, a senior at Georgia Southern University, is a volunteer with a variety of programs which promote diabetes education and awareness. 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 550 individuals around the country, like Rotton, since March 2002.

Rotton is Southeast Georgia’s spokesperson for the School Walk for Diabetes. This educational program, targeted to students in elementary through high school, teaches youth the importance of diet and exercise in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Rotten also promotes participation inAmerica’s Walk for Diabetes, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. This event is an annual service project for Georgia Southern University in which students participate in fundraising efforts for diabetes education and research. In addition, she is a volunteer activity counselor and dance instructor with Camp Kudzu, asummer camp and weekend program for children and teens with diabetes.

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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