President George W. Bush will meet Bill Knight when he arrives in Bangor, Maine, on Thursday, September 23, 2004. Knight, 82, organizes the Maine Troop Greeters to welcome military personnel when they arrive at Bangor International Airport from overseas deployments.

President Bush has called on all Americans to volunteer two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes, and hecreated USA Freedom Corpsto help foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. Since March 2002, President Bush has met with more than 300 individuals around the country, like Knight, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Knight, a veteran with more than 32 years of military service, began volunteering as an airport greeter during Desert Storm. Every day, between one and a dozen military flights arrive at the airport to clear customs, change crews, or refuel. Knight coordinates volunteer greeters to provide a warm welcome and snacks to the military personnel when they arrive at the terminal. They also make cell phones available so the troops can make complimentary calls to their families. In addition, Knight is an active volunteer with Good Will Industries, the American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, and the American Diabetes Association.

Through 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 at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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