His service, his energy, his passion for veterans affairs show no sign of waning

TRIBUTE FROM AFAR: Norm Sanborn Sr. watches from a balcony of the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton as representatives of The Elks honor him for his continued service. (Courtesy photos/Sarah E. Stanley, NHVH)

TILTON - Longtime Rochester resident Norm Sanborn, who served in World War II and is a veteran of the Merchant Marine and Navy, was honored on Tuesday with the New Hampshire State Commission on Aging and EngAGING's Older Adult Volunteer of the Year for Strafford County.

The ceremony was held at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton where he has lived since last October.

Sanborn's impressive volunteer service continues to this day, said Sarah Stanley of the NH Veterans Home.

Norm Sanborn with plaque and balloons to mark the celebratory occasion in honor of his continued dedication to veterans affairs.

May, which is Older Americans Month, brings recognition to older adults who are engaged in improving their communities.

"Norm not only builds 'Communities of Strength,' but also empowers fellow veterans," Stanley said.

Sanborn said today that what he is being honored for is really a collaborative effort that encompasses many in Rochester and around the state.

"There are thousands of people involved in all of these volunteer efforts in Strafford County. The work we do is possible because we work together. We all like to help people and take action," said Sanborn. "There are 16 members of the Rochester Veterans Council. All participate in the programs and some financially sponsor them, too.

"The American Legion, Rochester Elks and Club Victoire are the largest sponsors, but their efforts go beyond Rochester, for example with the Pease Greeters. The Assistant Chairman for the Greeters belongs to the Veterans Council."

Below are some of the 92-year-old's many accomplishments and initiatives, which show no signs of slowing down:

While residing at the New Hampshire Veterans Home during the height of the Home's COVID-19 outbreak, he assisted the home in ensuring adequate supplies of personal protective equipment.

He organized a grant donation from the Rochester Elks Lodge for COVID-19 related expenses, including masks, sanitizers, and other personal protective equipment. A portion of these funds were previously allocated to the NHVH from a grant coordinated by him the year prior to host a pizza party for NHVH residents with Elks lodge members. After the onset of the pandemic, he recognized the funds would not be able to be used as originally intended. He then successfully petitioned the Lodge to award a $2,500 grant.

Just prior to COVID and his move to the New Hampshire Veterans Home, he traveled to the Manchester VA Hospital, the New Hampshire Veterans Home (his current home) and the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen to support and pay homage to veterans.

He is also part of the organized effort to place wreaths and flags on veterans' graves sites in Rochester.

As an advocate for his fellow veterans, he organized veterans activities in Rochester, including the Memorial and Veterans Day Parades, which he also walked in into his 90s, flag retirement ceremonies and Flag Day ceremonies. Served as president of the Veterans Council in Rochester for many years. He was also an integral liaison between the Elks, Masons, Knights of Columbus, Victory Club, VFW, American Legion, AMVETS and other fraternal and non-profit organizations.

Provided support to veterans visiting them with his committee members in local nursing homes. He also created photos DVDs of his service to our country to share that important history with younger generations; he put them to great use conducting educational presentations to schoolchildren about veterans who served in WWII, prior to the pandemic.

Organized dinner and entertainment for veterans at the Elks Lodge, American Legion, and restaurants; all at no cost to local area veterans

Coordinated support and education to area veterans through the use of programs available from veteran service organizations

Assisted in the coordination of a seminar at the Rochester Elks Lodge explaining benefits available to veterans. As a result, many veterans signed up for benefits that they did not know they were entitled to receive.

Made presentations about local veterans' activities to the Rochester City Council and hosted his own television broadcast on the local cable channel in the City of Rochester where he interviewed various representatives of local organizations regarding veterans' activities.