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“TRIBUTE TO DANIEL A. BENAC” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S10355 on Oct. 10, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO DANIEL A. BENAC
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I am delighted to bring to the attention of my colleagues a great American. Mr. Daniel A. Benac of Hillman, MI has made service to his country and community a cornerstone of his life. In 1942, Daniel answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army's 103rd Infantry Division. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Dan went back to Michigan where he became a member of a variety of important organizations including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the United Auto Workers. As a skilled tradesman, Dan also ran a successful small business. In the military, business and personal life, he has demonstrated his commitment to his country, family, and friends.
Dan's leadership capabilities are highlighted by his commitment to a variety of community-based organizations including the Masons, Shriners, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion. He also serves as a Board member for the United Auto Worker's state-wide coordinating committee for the Democratic Party and the National Council for Senior Citizens. Furthermore, Dan is the Chairman of the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund for Montmorency County and Past Chairman of the Montmorency County Democratic Party. Dan currently serves as the chairman of Region 1D, United Auto Worker Retirees, a region which encompasses 62 counties. Daniel was instrumental in the formation of the Montmorency County Democratic Party and has served as the party chairman for many years.
Dan and his wife Geraldine will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on February 9, 2003. They have three children, eight grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren. At 80 years of age, he has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to all who know him. I know my colleagues will join me in saluting Daniel Benac for his leadership in the community dedication to his country, and loyalty to his family and friends.
Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce ``Feed America Thursday,'' a resolution which designates November 21, 2002, the Thursday before Thanksgiving Day, as ``Feed America Thursday.''
This resolution encourages Americans to sacrifice two meals on November 21 and donate the money they would have used for food to a charity or religious organization of their choice. The charities and churches, in turn, are encouraged to feed the hungry with the funds received. ``Feed America Thursday'' will not only encourage Americans to help those in need, it will encourage a spirit of selflessness and sacrifice vital to our strength as a nation.
Each day people in our Nation suffer due to hunger. The United States Department of Agriculture recently reported that 33 million Americans, 13 million of whom are children, live in homes that do not have an adequate supply of food. Hunger among children is especially devastating because it has a serious impact on physical growth and brain development. The contributions this resolution encourages will serve the needs of those who suffer from hunger in our Nation, especially the children. This resolution will not only help alleviate hunger, it will both affirm and restore the spirit of giving in our society. Hunger affects people from every state and in all age groups.
I ask every American to join me in feeding the hungry and affirming the values that make our Nation great. This resolution, if passed, will provide food to the hungry and hope to our nation.
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