President George W. Bush will meet Jeff Tank upon arrival in St. Louis, Missouri, on Monday, January 5, 2004. Tank has been an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri for the past two years.

Later this month, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – will celebrate its second anniversary. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Tank, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Following September 11, 2001, Tank began to look for ways to give back to his community. After inquiring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri about opportunities to become a mentor, Tank was matched with a little brother in December 2001. As a Big Brother, Tank meets with his Little Brother twice each month, where they participate in group events organized by Big Brothers Big Sisters as well as activities for just the two of them such as going to sporting events, movies and museums. Tank also serves as a member of the board for Alternatives to Living In Violent Environments (ALIVE), a nonprofit organization that provides support services and short-term emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence. During February and March, he will volunteer for his fourth year with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in St. Louis, where he prepares basic tax returns for individuals with limited income and senior citizens.

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. January 2004 is National Mentoring Month and individuals interested in mentoring activities can find opportunities in their neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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