PLYMOUTH — John and Cathy Bentwood, a longtime local surgeon and registered nurse, will receive the 2012 Granite State Award for their commitment to service at Plymouth State University’s May 19 graduation ceremony.

“The Bentwoods, as a medical team and as engaged citizens, have served to reduce human suffering by providing direct aid and assistance to individuals, and guidance and leadership for organizations that offer aid both locally and internationally,” said PSU President Sara Jayne Steen.

Creation and maintenance of a free, annual cancer screening clinic, a regional free health clinic for the uninsured and a new shelter for people who are homeless are among the list of the couple’s community endeavors.

The Bentwoods currently are part of a local group working to solve the housing shortage for those who’ve enlisted in the military. The Soldier On project will be the first of its kind in New Hampshire.

Beyond the Plymouth area, both have been medical volunteers providing services to people in need, in Honduras, Haiti, Africa or post-Katrina Louisiana.

In addition to their medical help, the Bentwoods have fostered children, have been court-appointed advocates for children at risk, have sponsored and resettled refugee families from Vietnam, Rwanda and Honduras and have developed educational presentations for state legislators by partnering with New Hampshire Peace Action.

The Bentwoods will receive their award at commencement exercises Saturday morning outside the PSU fieldhouse, where degrees will be conferred on both undergraduates and graduates, this year.