WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says serving the country is the job of all citizens, not just those who volunteer for the military.

Joined by first lady Michelle Obama, the president appeared Thursday at Fort McNair to promote community service. The project this day: loading 15,000 backpacks with books, healthy snacks and toys for children of the men and women of the armed forces.

Obama said that “serving our country is not just something that we should expect our members of our armed forces to do. That’s something that we should expect all of us as citizens to do.”

He said people can find a project of their choice at www.serve.gov.

The first couple then joined members of Congress and volunteers from nonprofit organizations to pack some bags.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-N.C.) will participate in two events in North Carolina on Monday.

On Monday morning, Senator Hagan will be in Raleigh at NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues Forum. This year’s theme is “Changing Landscapes: Building the Good Growth State?” Senator Hagan will introduce her colleague, U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, who will speak to the importance of repairing our nation’s infrastructure.

On Monday afternoon, Senator Hagan is scheduled to attend the “Congressional Community Conversation” at the Tony Rand Student Center at Fayetteville Technical Community College.  The general public is invited to attend this free, informal event that will feature several local Congressmen, as well as Senator Hagan, talking about Congress’ recent activity and important issues to the Fayetteville community. 

As the Senate is currently considering the Economic Recovery Package, it is possible that Senator Hagan will have to return to Washington before both events on Monday. Further information will follow from her office if this is the case. 

MONDAY
What: Senator Hagan speaks at the Institute for Emerging Issues Forum
Where: Raleigh Convention Center, 500 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh
When: 8:00 a.m., Monday, February 9

What: Senator Hagan speaks at the “Congressional Community Conversation”
Where: Tony Rand Student Center, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville
When: 4:30 p.m., Monday, February 9