Kenneth P. Hermsen, D.D.S., Creighton University professor of dentistry, received the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Linda Horning Volunteer of the Year Award on April 22 at United Way of the Midlands’ 55th annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Hermsen is a dedicated MRC volunteer who used his professional experience to help identify victims of the 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina. He chairs the Omaha Metropolitan Medical System’s Mass Fatality Committee, charged with planning for the identification and burial of victims of disaster. He also helped form a similar team for the state of Nebraska and worked on the Eppley Airfield Fire and Rescue team’s disaster response plan. Giving nearly 40 hours of free dental care to people in need in 2009, he also volunteered with other MRC members at a number of H1N1 vaccination clinics since last fall.

This award is named for one of the first local members of the MRC, a tireless volunteer who responded quickly when help was needed.