FORMER FIRST LADY Barbara Bush will present the keynote address at the 35th annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention in Indianapolis IN.
Mrs Bush is known for her commitment to a wide range of social issues, especially the promotion of literacy. On Thursday, February 25, she will address the more than 1,000 NTEA members expected to attend the President's Breakfast & Annual Meeting.
Bush builds her story from the campaign trail, four years in the White House during George Bush' presidency, years spent while he was a Texas congressman, chief of the US liaison office in China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and vice- president to Ronald Reagan. She also points out that one of her most important roles in life has been that of a mother and grandmother to her family.
Author of the books "C. Fred's Story" and "Millie's Book", the proceeds of which go to literacy programs, Mrs Bush also has written "Barbara Bush: A Memoir". Additionally, she has appeared on the national radio program "Mrs Bush Storytime" to emphasize the importance of reading aloud to children.
Bush is involved with many literacy groups, including Laubauch Literacy Volunteers, of which she is an honorary sponsor, the National Advisory Council of Literacy Volunteers of America Inc, the Advisory Council of Reading is Fundamental, and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. She has served as an honorary board member of the Business Council for Effective Literacy, and was honorary chairperson of the National Advisory of Literacy Volunteers of America Inc; United Way's National Committee on Literacy; and Education and Friends of Libraries, USA.
She also has served as honorary chairman of the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse, and worked with the National Committee for Adoption, the National SAFE KIDS campaign, the Farm Safety for Just Kids program, and the Hispanic Family of the Year Foundation.
Mrs Bush grew up in Rye, New York, attended Smith College, and married George Bush in 1945.
The Bushes have six children and lost a daughter, Robin, to leukemia when she was almost four years old. "Because of Robin, George and I love every living human more," says Mrs. Bush.