[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE MEMORY OF BEN BUERGER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, Mobile County and indeed the entire state 
of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor and 
pay tribute to the memory of Mr. Ben Buerger.
  Since 1956, ``Mr. Ben'' owned and operated Ship and Shore Supplies 
Inc. on Dauphin Island; his store was truly the heartbeat of the 
island. His business sold everything from groceries to plumbing 
fixtures, building supplies and boating needs. He may be best known for 
riding out 1979's Hurricane Frederic in his store, which was one of the 
most devastating hurricanes ever to hit the central Gulf Coast. 
Following the storm, ``Mr. Ben'' set up temporary quarters on the 
island and worked to provide a consistent supply of necessities to the 
island's residents when they needed them the most.
  ``Mr. Ben'' was always there to give a helping hand. For example, in 
1959, when the lift span to the old Dauphin Island Bridge became stuck, 
he used his own boat to ferry stranded tourists and others to the 
mainland for free. In recognition of all of his efforts on behalf of 
the people of his community, Mobile's Press-Register awarded ``Mr. 
Ben'' the M.O. Beale Scroll of Merit in 1963 and in 1968.
  To say that Ben Buerger was active in the Dauphin Island community is 
an understatement; he was truly an ambassador for the island. He served 
as president of the Dauphin Island Businessman's Association, president 
of the Dauphin Island Volunteer Fire Department and president of the 
Mobile County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. ``Mr. Ben'' also 
served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. 
Ben Buerger will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Barbara 
Buerger; his daughters, Karen Rebecca Moore and Kathryn Barker; his 
step-daughter, Michele Oliver; his sister-in-law, Caroline Buerger; his 
granddaughter, Kari Howell; his great-grandson, Nathan Howell; and his 
step-grandchildren, Anjel Clark and Alex Oliver--as well as the 
countless friends and fellow islanders he leaves behind.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

                          ____________________