FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 09, 2006
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Press Office Phone: 202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize Louisville Man for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Bob Manning when he arrives in Louisville, Kentucky, on Wednesday, January 11, 2006. Manning is a volunteer with USA Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping service members and their families deployed throughout the United States and worldwide. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with more than 450 individuals around the country, like Manning, since March 2002.
USA Cares was established in 2003 to help support military families and assist them in resolving resource-related issues. Manning has been a volunteer with the organization since its inception. USA Cares maintains an all-volunteer staffed call center in which military families can request information, support, and financial assistance. Manning is a fundraiser for USA Cares and also assists with special programs and events including thedelivery of nearly 1,000 lap blankets to patients atWalter Reed Army Medical Center in July 2005.Manning was instrumental in organizing“Operation Slugger,” which resulted in the collection of more than 13 tons of gently-used athletic equipment for deployed troops. The equipment will be distributed to service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan later this month.
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. Studies show that approximately 6 million more Americans are volunteering today than in 2001. Go to www.usafreedomcorps.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.usafreedomcorpskids.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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