Honoring Americans Who Make a Difference by Volunteering every day, millions of Americans volunteer, using their time,
Talents, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others.
By mentoring a child, caring for an elderly neighbor, teaching someone to read, or bringing food and clothes to those who
need them, Americans are helping to foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility for generations to come.
It is through these acts of kindness and decency that we are able to demonstrate the true character and compassion of our
country.
Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service to others. It encourages a sustained commitment to civic
participation and inspires others to make volunteering a central part of their lives. The President’s Volunteer Service
Award is a Presidential recognition program for Americans of all ages, who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer
service. The program recognizes individuals, groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of
hours served over a 12-month period.
America has a long and proud tradition of volunteer service. Now more than ever, volunteers are renewing their commitment
to helping others and making new connections that bring us closer together as families, as neighbors, as communities, and
as a Nation.
In his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush issued a challenge to all Americans to make time to help
their neighbors, communities, and Nation through service. He called on each person to dedicate at least 4,000 hours –
or two years – to service over the course of their lives. He created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans answer
his call to service and help foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility.
In 2003, President Bush created the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to find ways to recognize
the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our Nation. Chaired by two-time Superbowl Champion Darrell Green, with
former U.S. senators Robert Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council comprises leaders in government, media,
entertainment, business, nonprofit, and volunteer service organizations, as well as community volunteers.
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation created the President’s Volunteer Service Award
program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage
in volunteer service. This type of recognition is also designed to set a standard for every American – to encourage
a sustained commitment to helping others and a lifelong habit of service.
What Do Recipients Receive?
Award recipients receive:
• An official President’s Volunteer Service Award pin
• A personalized certificate of achievement
• A note of congratulations from the President of the United States
• A letter from the President’s Council on Service and Civic
Participation
Recipients are eligible to receive the award once every 12 months.
To earn an award, Young Marines must keep a record of volunteer activities and hours served. This Record of Service will
be kept as a diary or calendar within the unit.
Col. Wesley Fox Young Marines must submit their records to the Commanding Officer that will review and verify
their records and order and distribute the award.
To be recognized, service activities should meet national or community needs. And be done as a Col. Wesley Fox Young Marine
and approve by the Commanding Officer.
Activities should be unpaid and may not include court-ordered community service.
