Bush Honors Oklahoma Couple

WASHINGTON —  An Oklahoma City physician and his wife, both afflicted with multiple sclerosis, were saluted by President Bush on Monday as “an inspiration to us all” for their volunteer work in running a free medical clinic.

Bush said he was bestowing his second “Point of Light” award to Dr. William Hale and his wife, Sandy.

Bush presented the first award to the Memphis Commercial Appeal last Wednesday for articles spotlighting outstanding volunteers in the community and said he would issue the recognition regularly.

In a statement, the White House called Hale the “driving force” behind the all-volunteer clinic that has operated from a Baptist mission center in Oklahoma City for 15 years.

The clinic, which is run entirely by volunteers and accepts no government funds, has treated nearly 43,000 indigent people, the statement said.