President George W. Bush will meet Suellen Mayberry upon arrival in San Diego, California, on Tuesday, November 4, 2003. Mayberry, an active volunteer with the American Red Cross, helped establish and relocate an emergency shelter for individuals and families forced to evacuate their homes due to recent California wildfires.

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 Mayberry, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Mayberry has been an active volunteer with the American Red Cross since 1992, currently serving as a team leader with the Southern San Diego County Disaster Action Team. Last week, Mayberry volunteered more than 100 hours assisting San Diego residents forced to evacuate their homes due to the recent California wildfires. Mayberry has helped establish and relocate an emergency shelter for more than 550 individuals and families, assisted residents with damage assessment reports and delivered food and water to residents returning to their homes. Mayberry continues to volunteer at the American Red Cross Emergency Operations Center in San Diego, answering phones and fielding requests from shelters and local residents 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. Interested volunteers can find opportunities in their own neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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