CarolinaEast Honors Jack Boyette for 29 Years of Volunteer Service

CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern, North Carolina, celebrated the remarkable dedication of volunteer Jack Boyette on Wednesday, recognizing his 29 years of service as a patient registration transporter. At the age of 97, Boyette continues to play an integral role in welcoming visitors, assisting with patient check-ins, and escorting patients throughout the hospital.

Reflecting on his long volunteer journey, Boyette expressed that his involvement keeps him active and engaged. “What I love is the fact that you’re busy; you don’t have time to stop and think, you just have to keep moving,” he shared. He attributes his enjoyment of volunteering to his lifelong habit of staying busy, stating, “I’ve always been a person that was on the move.”

Before joining CarolinaEast, Boyette volunteered as a transporter for children, transitioning to the hospital when he turned 80 years old and could no longer drive. “At 80, you can’t drive children anymore, and I was looking for a place to go,” he recounted. His decision to volunteer at CarolinaEast seemed instinctive, as he had the hospital in mind for some time.

Boyette’s commitment to service has not only influenced the lives of others but has also fostered personal growth. “I think I have become a better person over the years by volunteering,” he noted. He encourages others to find similar opportunities, emphasizing the dual benefit of helping oneself while assisting those in need.

While grateful for the recognition, Boyette believes the celebration reflects the collective efforts of all volunteers. “Everybody is doing their part to help,” he remarked. “I feel that this is not just for me; it’s for all the volunteers.”

Community Support and Inspiration

The celebration also attracted fellow volunteers, including Jeff Opel, who has been a transport volunteer for four years. Opel praised Boyette’s dedication, highlighting the selfless nature of volunteers who find joy in helping others without seeking the limelight. “He’s a typical volunteer; he’s here because it gives him joy to help people,” Opel said.

Opel further acknowledged Boyette’s nearly three-decade commitment as a remarkable achievement. “When you think about it, he’s had a second career as a volunteer after a career,” he stated, adding that Boyette’s interactions with patients serve as an inspiration to those around him.

Echoing similar sentiments, Carol Gehlert, a transport volunteer for eight years, shared her experience of brightening the days of patients. “Sometimes patients are down when they come in, and I try to make them happy. I really enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces,” Gehlert explained.

She noted that Boyette’s positive demeanor and constant engagement with patients and staff motivate her to continue her volunteer work. “I’ll be here for a long time,” she affirmed, inspired by the sense of community fostered at CarolinaEast.

As CarolinaEast Medical Center continues to thrive on the dedication of its volunteers, the inspiring journey of Jack Boyette stands as a testament to the profound impact that community service can have on both individuals and those they serve.