President's Volunteer Service Award

Presidential Recognition

President Bush to Recognize Oregon Senior for Dedication to Volunteer Service

President George W. Bush met Curtis Hardie upon arrival at the Deschutes National Forest, on Thursday, August 21, 2003. Since 1993, Hardie has been an active volunteer within the Deschutes National Forest helping to maintain trails and recreation areas for the public to enjoy.

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 Hardie, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Over the last ten years, Hardie has volunteered approximately 5,000 hours within the Deschutes National Forest. Mr. Hardie helps clear brush, facilitate water drainages, construct trails, repair rock walls, and post signs for trail users. He also helps monitor trails in the winter by traveling through forest areas on cross country skies and snow shoes. In the past, Hardie has joined other volunteers for overnight projects, spending three or four days in the wilderness assisting with trail maintenance and reconstruction.

President Bush to Recognize California Man for Dedication to Volunteer Service

President George W. Bush met Melvin D. Caradine upon arrival his arrival at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area on Friday, August 15, 2003. For nearly ten years, Caradine has served as a recreation area volunteer.

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 Caradine, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Since 1994, Caradine has spent several days a week helping park rangers lead guided hikes and providing information to the public at the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area. Additionally, Caradine staffs information stations at community events to inform visitors about educational programs and park activities. For the past eight years, Caradine has also volunteered with the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers’ Excell Program, teaching math and science classes on Saturdays to elementary and high school students from the Los Angeles area.

President Bush to Recognize San Diego Senior for Dedication to Volunteer Service

President George W. Bush met Robert W. Samuel upon arrival at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA, on Thursday, August 14, 2003. Samuel has been an active volunteer with the San Diego Armed Services YMCA for the past 20 years.

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 Samuel, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Since his retirement in 1983, Samuel has volunteered through the Armed Services YMCA at the Naval Medical Center of San Diego. Volunteering between 15 and 20 hours each week, Samuel spends time visiting with patients, transporting VCR’s and movie videos between rooms, playing cards and other games, and providing comfort and a friendly face to those in need.

President Bush to Recognize Tucson Woman for Dedication to Volunteer Service

President George W. Bush met Deborah Toland upon arrival in Tucson, Arizona, on Monday, August 11, 2003. Toland is an active volunteer with the Citizen Corps Council of Homeland Security for Southern Arizona, helping communities become better prepared to respond to emergency situations.

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 Toland, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

For the past 18 months, Toland has worked with the Citizen Corps to engage Arizona communities in forming and supporting volunteer-based emergency preparedness and response activities. As director of the Citizen Corps’ Neighborhood Watch Program, she works to support emergency response training in the community. Toland also volunteers her time to educate local agencies and non-profit organizations about Citizen Corps programs. As an active volunteer with the Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross, Toland delivered food and supplies during the state’s recent wild fires.