[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S410]]
 TRIBUTE TO BEN KENDIG JR., ON BEING NAMED THE 1997 HOSPITAL AUXILIARY/
                         VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
congratulate Ben Kendig Jr., a distinguished individual, for being 
named the 1997 Hospital Auxiliary/Volunteer of the year. I commend his 
compassion for others in volunteering countless hours for the service 
of his fellow citizens.
  Ben bravely served his country as a fighter pilot in World War II. 
After the war, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology and 
received his degree in aeronautical engineering. Ben then used his 
skills working at United Aircraft. After that, he then decided to 
settle down in Nashua, New Hampshire, and opened up his own engineering 
firm.
  After 15 years of running his own business, he decided to retire. 
However, at the age of 71, he still had plenty of energy and drive so 
he decided to put it to good use. According to Ben, he wanted to spend 
his time helping others, an attribute that I admire greatly.
  As a result, he joined the Southern New Hampshire Regional Medical 
Center Messenger Service. Ben initially wanted an easy position with 
little responsibility, however, it developed into something much 
greater.
  As time went on, Ben accepted more responsibility and assumed 
leadership roles within the Messenger Service. His dedication to 
service and supportive energy exceeded the normal expectations of any 
volunteer. Naturally, people turned to him in times of need. 
Unfortunately, the president and the director of auxiliary was 
diagnosed with cancer. Like many times before, Ben picked up the reins 
of leadership and was appointed the president of the Messenger Service.
  This arduous job involved overseeing over 200 volunteers, a position 
that certainly would test any man. Close to 30,000 hours of time had to 
be delegated throughout the hospital. Ben also had a budget of $100,000 
the organization had to distribute to improve certain areas of the 
hospital like the maternity ward.
  Ben gave not just to the hospital, but to each and every individual 
with whom he worked. He inspired others by his own actions and caring 
attitude. Ben exceeded the expectations and surpassed the ordinary 
responsibilities of a volunteer. Mr. President, I want to congratulate 
Ben for his outstanding work and I am proud to represent him in the 
U.S. Senate.

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