Kenneth Bender wins Spirit of America Award

Name almost any community, civic or veterans organization known in Cape Girardeau, and there's a good chance Kenneth Bender at one time was a member, if he isn't still.

Since the 1950s, he has been among the ranks of the chamber of commerce and the country club, the public library and historical museums and societies. He led the formation of a local bank and a retirement community. He stayed dedicated to community involvement.

Born and raised locally, Bender, 87, graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1943. At 19, he entered the military and served in World War II, and came out a highly decorated veteran. He finished college at Southeast Missouri State University with the help of the G.I. Bill before going on to co-own a business, Jackson Oil Co., for more than 50 years.

This week, a special honor for his service to his hometown and country will be bestowed upon him -- he is the 2013 winner of the Spirit of America Award, which the Southeast Missourian presents to one person annually for making a difference in their community.

"I just was so proud. I could hardly believe it," Bender said of learning he was named the winner after being nominated by the Cape Girardeau Noon Lions Club, of which he is a longtime member.

Bender's stories of the war are known by his fellow Lions Club members -- when Bender was part of a B-29 bomber crew stationed in Guam, he flew 22 missions over Japan, where he saw and photographed the immediate aftermath of the atomic bombings by the United States, helped map enemy territory and identify enemy aircraft and delivered supplies to troops and prisoners of war. For his service he received a Distinguished Flying Cross medal, a Bronze Star and two presidential citations.

Bender is particularly proud of his service on the board of Wood and Huston Bank and 51-year membership with the Lions Club. (Laura Simon)

While Bender's military service record is held in high regard by the Lions Club, Bender speaks of it in a humble manner.

"I really don't think it had that much of an influence on my life and career," he said. "Millions of young men were doing that same thing at that time. But I am sure I learned to be independent."

The Lions Club called Bender "a true war hero," and it believed his love of community and country make him an excellent nominee for the award.

Bender counts his participation as president of the board of Chateau Girardeau, a Cape Girardeau retirement community that has seen the addition of private homes to its grounds, as one of his most cherished community participations.

He also is especially proud of his service on the board of the institution that now is Wood and Huston Bank, and his 51-year membership with the Lions Club, an organization he called "devoted to the community."

"A lot of people don't know this," Bender said, "but we provide eyewear for children whose families have a hard time affording it. I really like that we do that."

Bender said a main reason he ended up involved with many organizations is because of his time as a Lions Club member.

"It was just easy to help the community for me," he said. "Once I became a Lion, I guess I just really delved into it all."

Jay Knudtson, a Lions Club member, helped gather information for the organization about Bender for the nomination, and said Cape Girardeau is a better place for his involvement.

"When I started to assemble Mr. Bender's military accomplishments, and even more so as a community servant and somebody who has been married to his wife for over 60 years and was one of the original founding members of his church, it was just really revealing that this individual had exemplified not only this award, but just what being a good public servant was all about," Knudtson said.

Other organizations of which Bender is a current or past member or board member include St. Andrew Lutheran Church, which he helped charter; American Legion Post 63, VFW Post 3838, the Cape Girardeau Public Library governing board, Friends of the Library, the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau, the Cape River Heritage Museum and the Cape Girardeau Vocational Technical School.

Bender, with many members of his family, including his wife of 63 years, Martha, and his children, will be presented with the Spirit of America Award on Thursday at Arena Park before the Fourth of July fireworks display.

Others nominated for the award were Doug Austin, Ross E. Gartman, Mary Kasten, Lillian Martin and Marjorie Helen Miller Thompson. Previous winners include John "Doc" Yallaly, Dr. Dan Cotner, Melvin Gateley, Neal Edwards, James Harnes Sr., Jane Randol Jackson, Harry Rediger, Rob Callahan, David Hitt and Kent Zickfield.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau, MO