[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING PETE KENNEMER'S SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN BOOZMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional 
career and legacy of B.R. ``Pete'' Kennemer.
  Kennemer served as CEO and president of the Western Arkansas 
Counseling and Guidance Center for more than 37 years. Under his 
leadership which began at the infancy of Community Behavioral Health 
Centers, he opened the old Sparks Nursing School with the help of a 
Federal Staffing Grant. Since that time the center has expanded to 
include clinics in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Ozark, Paris, Boonville, 
Waldron and Mena along with a number of programs and facilities in 
Western Arkansas.
  Pete served twice as a member of the Mental Health Council (MHCA) of 
Arkansas where he was dedicated to improving mental health treatment 
not only in western Arkansas but throughout the state. Additionally he 
served as a member of The National Council for Community Behavioral 
Healthcare (NCCBH) and made frequent trips to Washington for the 
Council National Hill day in order to advocate for people with mental 
illness and addictive disorders.
  I am honored to recognize Pete who leaves an important legacy that 
has helped countless Arkansans and has greatly improved their quality 
of life through his tireless dedication to improved mental health care. 
Pete was beloved by his staff. His leadership and dedication will be 
thoroughly missed. We wish him the best of luck in his future 
endeavors.

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