The nation’s commander in chief made a pit stop in Baton Rouge on Tuesday afternoon to honor a University faculty member and rally support for a U.S. Senate candidate. University faculty member Randy Raggio is one of 600 volunteers President Bush has personally commended since the creation of the USA Freedom Corps in March 2002. Raggio, assistant professor of marketing, was presented with the lifetime President’s Volunteer Service Award for his work with Desire Street Academy. The school, a program of Desire Street Ministries, provides middle and high school education for black young men. Raggio achieved the award by completing more than 100 hours of service. “I thank President Bush for this recognition and for his continued commitment to volunteer service,” Raggio said in a University news release. “But this award is not about me. In this area, where so many have given so much to help others, there is no way to single out an individual volunteer as the most deserving of recognition.” In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, Bush encouraged Americans to volunteer their time to community service. Rebecca Neale, White House communications representative, said the USA Freedom Corps selected Raggio to greet Bush because of his “dedication to serving his neighbors in need.” USA Freedom Corps is an office of the White House dedicated to strengthening and expanding volunteer service. “Randy represents the millions of compassionate volunteers in Louisiana and across America who give of their time and talents to make our nation a more hopeful place,” Neale said. Bush commended Raggio and Danny Wuerffel, Desire Street Academy executive director and former Saints player. The president was greeted by State Treasurer and fellow Republican John Kennedy and his family. Bush’s main reason for visiting Baton Rouge was to attend a fundraising event for Kennedy’s senatorial campaign. Bush said Louisiana needs a senator who understands priorities. He said the most important priority is protecting America. He said John Kennedy would do a “fine job.” Bush was also greeted by Rolfe McCollister, CEO of the Baton Rouge Business Report, Walter and Eric Gray, of the Gray Insurance Company, and their spouses. Air Force One arrived at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday. Bush flew into Baton Rouge after concluding a two-day North American Leaders Summit in New Orleans, where he discussed free trade agreements with leaders of Mexico and Canada.
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