OIA PRESS RELEASE

Insular Youth Recognized For Volunteer Service

Acting DAS Nik Pula receives Taamson Joshua at OIA.   [Photo credit: R. Beffrey/OIA]

Washington, D.C. (March 26, 2008) - Today Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs Nikolao I. Pula welcomed Taamson Joshua originally of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), to the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA). Taamson is currently a fourth-grader in Waynewood Elementary School in the West Potomac region of Fairfax County, Virginia. In greeting Taamson, Mr. Pula congratulated him for being recognized by The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) for logging in more than fifty hours of volunteer service in his community over the last year. On Monday, March 24, 2008, at a ceremony on the South Lawn of The White House, CEQ Chairman Jim Connaughton presented Taamson Joshua with the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Mr. Connaughton with Taamson who is accompanied by his mother Tanya, siblings Judah and Maliha and cousin Cheryl. [USA Freedom Corps photo by M. T. Harmon]

Among other projects in which he participated, Taamson Joshua joined Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Pula last year on a Capital River Relief clean-up of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. When asked by DAS Pula what he learned from that experience, Taamson responded, “The Potomac is dirty, and our group filled several boats with trash, but I had fun.” Taamson Joshua continues to volunteer with his local Cub Scout troop, family, church and school communities.

After receiving the special Presidential Volunteer Service pin, Taamson enjoyed the White House Egg Roll activities with his family on the South Lawn of the White House. Taamson is the oldest of four children; his father, Mike Joshua, currently serves in the Virginia Army National Guard in the Middle East.

Take Pride in America Press Release.

White House Council on Environmental Quality Chairman Jim Connaughton presenting Taamson Joshua with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. [USA Freedom Corps photo by M. T. Harmon]