President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Joe Russo when he arrives at Moffett Field in California, on Friday, April 21, 2006.  Russo volunteers more than 700 hours per year with SeniorNet.  To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with more than 490 individuals around the country, like Russo, since March 2002.

Russo has been a volunteer for 12 years with SeniorNet, a national non-profit organization specializing in computer training for older adults.  As the coordinator of the San Jose Willows SeniorNet Learning Center, Russo is responsible for managing volunteers, computer maintenance, and class scheduling.  He has also been an instructor for basic and advanced computer courses, including the Family Tree Maker genealogy curriculum.  

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.

###