President George W. Bush will meet Master Sergeant Gina Carnesecchi following his remarks in Tampa, Florida, on Wednesday, June 16, 2004. Carnesecchi founded Operation Lighthouse, a program at MacDill Air Force Base to encourage troops who are deployed overseas.

The USA Freedom Corps is President Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation by volunteering two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetime. Since January 2002, President Bush has met with hundreds of individuals around the country, like Carnesecchi, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

After returning from deployment to Saudi Arabia in December 2002, Carnesecchi founded Operation Lighthouse, a program to encourage individually deployed troops, reminding them that the light is on and members of their home unit at MacDill are waiting for their return. Through Operation Lighthouse, Carnesecchi sends care packages filled with snacks, toiletries, calendars, and even base newspapers, to help the troops feel connected to life back home. She collects donations for these items, but often pays for the postage out of her own pocket. In addition, she sends birthday e-mails, and arranges to send the troops a personalized letter from the Director of Staff, on behalf of the men and women of the 6^th Air Mobility Wing, thanking them for their sacrifice and dedication to the mission. Carnesecchi continues to expand outreach opportunities, and has recently added letters to the parents and spouses, offering support and comfort during the deployment.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corpsoffice 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 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 information on the USA Freedom Corps at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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