American Hero and Record-Setting Veterans Administration Volunteer Bessie B. Taffel Dies at 92
Bessie Berinhout Taffel, record-setting volunteer and local Atlanta hero, died May 23rd at age 92. She held the record for the most volunteer hours given to a Veteran's Administration Medical Center, having served there for the past 34 years and given over 83,000 hours to America's soldiers and families in need. Not surprisingly, just 48 hours before her death at Emory University Hospital, Taffel drove herself to her full-time, unpaid volunteer position and began her day as she has for the past three and a half decades. Having become indispensable to the hospital, she was named the VA's Employee of the Year in 1984, despite her volunteer status. When asked why she never accepted a salary at the VA though offered one, Bess explained with a twinkle in her eye, "Why become an employee? They could never pay me what I'm worth!"
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 31, 2007 -- Bessie Berinhout Taffel, record-setting volunteer and local Atlanta hero, died May 23rd at age 92. She held the record for the most volunteer hours given to any VA Medical Center, having served there for the past 34 years and given over 83,000 hours to America's soldiers and families in need. Not surprisingly, just 48 hours before her death at Emory University Hospital, Taffel drove herself to her full-time, unpaid volunteer position and began her day as she has for the past three and a half decades.
Explains Thomas Cappello, FACHE, Director of the Atlanta V.A. Medical Center, "Bess Taffel embodied the spirit of the Atlanta VA Medical Center for many years. Regardless of weather conditions or her personal aches and pains, we could always count on seeing Bess at her volunteer assignments in the Voluntary Service Office or the surgical clinics. Over the years, we have regularly recognized Bess for her service, but she is the one who honored our employees and America's heroes every day with her service and loyalty."
Brenda Pennington, who worked closely with Taffel as Chief of Voluntary Services, concurs: "Bess, through her loyalty, strength, and determination, represented the true meaning of volunteering and will be sincerely missed."
Taffel's connection with the VA began in 1974 when she volunteered to wrap Christmas presents for patients there. Already widowed after losing her husband Louis Taffel to cancer, she sought a way of connecting with her community for the day. Observing her incredible energy and spark, the chief of V.A. Voluntary Services suggested she become a regular. Little did anyone know she would become a legend and inspire an eponymous award created in 2004, The Prestigious Bess Taffel Prominence Award, to honor other worthy volunteers.
She began humbly, serving one day a week at the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) clinic. Energized by the opportunity to give back, she then increased her time to two days a week. Soon, the chief of the dental clinic noticed her cheerfulness, kindness to patients and efficiency. He asked if she would work in his clinic and she agreed, much to the dismay of the ENT employees. At the thought of losing Bess, the ENT clinic employees signed a petition to keep Bess in her "job." Thus, Bess began volunteering in both departments.
Eventually, she worked not only in the ENT and dental clinics, but also in the urology clinic, the operating room and the voluntary service office itself. Bess put in long days, Monday through Friday, rarely if ever missing a day. Explained Bess before her passing, "One time I had to fill out a memo to take a vacation and train someone to do my job while I was gone. One of the doctors said, 'I've never heard of such a thing! A volunteer has to send a memo to take a day off?!"
Having become indispensable to the hospital, she was named the VA's Employee of the Year in 1984, despite her volunteer status. When asked why she never accepted a salary at the VA though offered one, Bess explained with a twinkle in her eye, "Why become an employee? They could never pay me what I'm worth!"
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Bess worked in the Voluntary Service office answering phones, welcoming visitors and directing her fellow volunteers in their duties. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she volunteered in the ear, nose and throat surgical clinic where she scheduled appointments and makes follow-up calls to patients. Dr. William Grist, former Chief of Otolaryngology, summed up his feelings in this letter:
"Dear Bess: I wanted you to know how much you mean to us. Your loyalty and dedication to the many jobs which you perform here at the V.A. hospital are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the highest levels of generosity, self sacrifice and service to your fellow humans. I have never known anyone anywhere who has ever done so much for so many. I speak not only for myself, but also on behalf of all the residents who have so ably served over the years. It is lucky for us that you are a volunteer for we could never afford to pay you for the tremendous job which you perform for us and the rest of the hospital. Again, Bess, we thank you and love you and hope that you continue to work with us for many years to come. Sincerely, William J. Grist, MD"
Larry Deal, Director of the Atlanta A Medical Center from 1992 to 1995 and VA Network Director from 1995 to 2003, echoes the words of many: "Bess Taffel was a remarkable person who added special meaning to the lives of thousands of Georgia veterans. She received the highest national and local awards for her extraordinary service. Her positive attitude, her dedication and her wonderful smile was an inspiration to both patients and staff. In my opinion, no employee or volunteer in the history of the Atlanta VA Medical Center was more loved, well known and respected."
Born in Rhode Island and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Bess is survived by four children, Shirley, Carolyn, Larry and Gail, nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. An Atlanta resident since 1935, Bessie never attended college, yet possessed a wisdom borne from years of hard work and experience. To have met Bess was to know the true definition of compassion, commitment and sheer energy. She was a force to be reckoned with and stands as an example to her family, community and her world as someone who was willing to stand up and make a difference.
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