President George W. Bush will meet Steven Riggs when he arrives in Charleston, South Carolina on Monday. Riggs is a Charleston insurance agent who volunteers with the South Carolina Military Department. In his State of the Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least two years of their lives—the equivalent of 4,000 hours—in service to their communities, our country and the world. His goal is to give Americans a way to respond to the evil of terrorism with acts of compassion. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country who are answering the call to service, and will recognize Riggs as an example of the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

Riggs' dedication to service reflects his passion for history. In 1989, Riggs salvaged 300 live oaks damaged by Hurricane Hugo and shipped them to Boston, Massachusetts for use in the restoration of the U.S.S.Constitution.

Riggs has also volunteered with the South Carolina Military Department for the past three years and serves as commander of the Bachman Mounted Battery. The Bachman Mounted Battery re-enacts important events in American history and performs at the funerals of South Carolinians who die in service to their country. Members of the Bachman Mounted Battery also visit schools and educate students on American military history.

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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