Hampton Roads Doctors Welcomed to White House in Recognition of National Volunteer Week

NORFOLK, VA (05/07/2008)(readMedia)-- Physicians for Peace volunteers and Hampton Roads residents Dr. Ogo Emejuru and Dr. Juan Montero were recently welcomed to the White House, where President Bush addressed a group of volunteers from around the nation in honor of National Volunteer Week. Dr. Emejuru has led many PFP missions to his home country of Nigeria, while Dr. Montero has led PFP's efforts in his home country of the Philippines, establishing ongoing programs for amputees and those suffering from vision problems.

As President Bush noted in his remarks, given in the East Room of the White House, "I am pleased to welcome volunteers from around the United States who have given of their time to help those who need help, and we're sure glad you're here. Those of you today who perform acts of kindness do so out of love, and you do so out of a desire not to be recognized -- but anyway, you're going to be recognized. We have the opportunity today to thank you, and the opportunity today to celebrate the difference that volunteers have made all across America." (President Bush's complete remarks are available on the White House web site, www.whitehouse.gov.)

Dr. Montero noted that "It is indeed a distinct privilege to represent Physicians for Peace at the White House during National Volunteer Week. Events like this just strengthen my resolve to do more for humanity in whatever capacity."

Dr. Emejuru added that "Getting an invitation to the White House for any reason is probably one event that adds a feather to the cap of one's career. To be honored as one of PFP's worldwde legion of volunteers makes it even more special and adds a brilliant feather I'll wear proudly for a long time."

“Volunteers are the very lifeblood of our organization,” noted Physicians for Peace President and CEO, Brig. Gen. Ron Sconyers, (USAF, Ret.). “These professionals give selflessly of their time and their talent to help those in need in some of the most desperate conditions in the world. That the President has recognized the invaluable contributions of our volunteers is a real testimony to their work as America’s medical diplomats in the developing world.”

ABOUT PHYSICIANS FOR PEACE

Physicians for Peace is an international private voluntary organization that mobilizes health care educators to assist developing nations with unmet medical needs and scarce resources. Through effective, hands-on medical education and training, clinical care and donated medical supplies, Physicians for Peace creates long-term, sustainable, replicable, and evidence-based projects to help partner nations build medical capability and capacity to help themselves. Volunteers for the 501©(3) nonprofit organization have conducted medical missions in more than 50 countries. More information is available at www.physiciansforpeace.org.

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