President George W. Bush will meet Robert W. Samuel upon arrival at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA, on Thursday, August 14, 2003. Samuel has been an active volunteer with the San Diego Armed Services YMCA for the past 20 years.

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, like Samuel, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Since his retirement in 1983, Samuel has volunteered through the Armed Services YMCA at the Naval Medical Center of San Diego. Volunteering between 15 and 20 hours each week, Samuel spends time visiting with patients, transporting VCR’s and movie videos between rooms, playing cards and other games, and providing comfort and a friendly face to those in need.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world. This summer, the USA Freedom Corps is helping individuals, families, and groups find opportunities to volunteer in their own neighborhoods or on vacations away from home through the new “How I Spent My Summer” initiative. More information on these opportunities is available at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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