President George W. Bush will meet Matthew Epstein when he arrives in Medford, Oregon on Thursday, August 22, 2002. Epstein volunteers with the Oregon State University extension service to educate local community groups about forest health and management. He also volunteers at an elementary school and operates a food bank.

In his State of the Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least two years of their lives—the equivalent of 4,000 hours—in service to their communities, our country and the world. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country who are answering the call to service, and will recognize Epstein as an example of the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

Through a program sponsored by the Oregon State University extension service, Epstein educates community groups about forest management in an effort to reduce fire hazards, improve forest health, and enhance wildlife habitats.

Epstein volunteers once a week as a SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) tutor at a local elementary school. He and his wife Donna also run ACCESS Food Pantry, an organization that distributes surplus food collected from local farmers and grocery stores to people in need.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster an American 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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