[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF SENATOR BEN GAETH (DEFIANCE-OH) UPON HIS 
                     RETIREMENT FROM PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL G. OXLEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a true public servant and 
long time friend, Senator Ben Gaeth of Defiance, Ohio. Senator Gaeth 
served with distinction from 1975 to the present in the Ohio Senate, 
and during that time I had the privilege of working with him on many 
issues of the day. Ben has also represented my home county of Hancock 
for 23 years during his tenure in the Senate and has always been a 
responsive and responsible legislator who has represented the best 
interest of his constituents during his illustrious career.
  Senator Gaeth was first elected to the Senate in 1975 serving the 
people of the 1st Ohio Senate District. Before this he was Safety 
Director for the City of Defiance from 1962 until 1965. After this, he 
went on to serve a long career as the Mayor of Definance until 1974. He 
has served as President in the Mayor's Association of Ohio as well as 
the Ohio Municipal League.
  He has fought to preserve our nation's heritage and our children's 
freedom. He was wounded while in the Navy in the Pacific and Atlantic 
War Theaters. Mr. Speaker, Senator Gaeth is a true American Hero.
  His many civic duties and charities include the Defiance Area Chamber 
of Commerce, Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, Order of the Purple Heart, 
Veterans of Foreign War, Amvets, American Legion, Loyal Order of Moose, 
Eagles, and BPO Elks. As you can readily see, it is a wonder that he 
has had any time to raise a wonderful family.
  He has three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, we extend our best wishes to Ben and his 
lovely wife, Thelma, on this well earned retirement. Ben and Thelma 
have truly been inspirations to all of us in public service and have 
exemplified all that is best about politics and government.

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