George Bush to present Norris with award

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, March 24 (UPI) -- Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush is set to present the McLane Leadership in Business Award to film and TV star Chuck Norris

Norris is to be recognized for his achievements as a martial arts legend, entrepreneur and humanitarian at an event Tuesday in the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center at the George Bush Presidential Library Center in Texas.

The McLane Award is co-sponsored by the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation and the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and serves to recognize the role of prominent individuals for their contributions in business and public service, the center said.

A best-selling author, syndicated columnist and six-time undefeated World Professional Middle Weight Karate Champion, Norris holds the ranking of an eight-degree black belt grand master. As a martial arts instructor and advocate, he created the KICKSTART program with Bush's help. Focused on character-building and life-skills development in youth, KICKSTART has positively impacted more than 60,000 young people since its inception in 1990, the center said.

Norris also starred in the television series "Walker, Texas Ranger," and has appeared in films such as "Delta Force," "Missing in Action," "Lone Wolf McQuade" and "Sidekicks."

He served as an airman first class in the U.S. Air Force and has devoted a great amount of time to visiting hospitalized and active troops.