WASHINGTON, DC – As part of President Bush’s call for citizens to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman this week recognized George H. Kerestes, a Federal employee at DOE and its predecessor agencies for more than 30 years, for his outstanding dedication to volunteerism.  Mr. Kerestes received the President’s Call to Service Award in recognition of his more than 5,000 hours of lifetime community service to a variety of organizations, mainly in the DC metro area.  The award was presented during National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3, which celebrates America’s hard-working volunteers and encourages all citizens to find ways to give back to their communities.

“I am pleased to have the honor of presenting the President’s highest award for volunteer service to George Kerestes for his impressive record of longstanding service in his local community,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman said.  “Mr. Kerestes’ dedication to serving others is an inspiration to the DOE community, and truly exemplifies the President’s National Call to Service that encourages all Americans get involved in bettering their communities.”

President Bush’s Call to Service Award is given to individuals completing over 4,000 hours of volunteer service over their lifetime and is the highest level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).  The PVSA is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, created by President Bush in January 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions of our Nation’s volunteers and to encourage all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service and civic participation.

Mr. Kerestes volunteers with a number of health organizations, including INOVA Blood Services, National Institutes of Health, the American Red Cross, and the National Marrow Program.  He is also an active volunteer with the National Park Service—mainly at the World War II Memorial—where he offers interpretative programs to visitors and spends time with Veterans.  He has also served meals at local homeless shelter, built homes with Habitat for Humanity, and served as an active member of the U.S. Jaycees.

Mr. Kerestes currently works as a Senior International Relations Specialist in DOE’s Office of Policy and International Affairs.  He is a Charter Employee of DOE, having worked for one of DOE’s predecessor agencies, the Federal Energy Administration, starting in March of 1975.

Since 2003, more than 662,000 individuals, families, and groups have been honored with the PVSA.  As a certifying organization, DOE has been given the authority through an application process to directly grant the awards to its exemplary volunteers.  Learn more about the President’s Call to Service and the Volunteer Service Awards Program.

Media contact(s):
Bethany Shively, (202) 586-4940