[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    WILLIAM BANACH HONORED AS OUTSTANDING AMERICAN OF POLISH DECENT

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                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, October 12, 2001 William Banach 
will be honored as the Outstanding American of Polish Decent at the 
Milwaukee Society's Pulaski Day Banquet.
  This annual event celebrates the life and achievements of local 
individuals who embody the spirit of Casimir Pulaski. Appointed a 
brigadier general by George Washington, Pulaski was engaged in a number 
of major Revolutionary War battles. He was killed in the fight to 
capture Savannah on October 11, 1977 and today Americans and Polish 
Americans celebrate his legacy of heroic service and ideals of freedom.
  Bill has demonstrated a commitment to his family and to service of 
his community throughout his lifetime. He served the City of Milwaukee 
Bureau of Engineers for 31 years. While he no longer works a 
traditional full time job, he nevertheless remains extremely active in 
the community. He is on the Board of Directors of SHARE, a self-funding 
food program that provides food to needy families.
  Active with the Boy Scouts of America for over 60 years, Bill has 
served as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Explorer Scout Advisor and Merit 
Badge Advisor. In ``semi-retirement'' he remains very active with the 
Cub Scouts.
  Bill has dedicated 14 years to the Milwaukee Society Polish National 
Alliance Lodge 2159 as chair of the Christmas Basket Program. Under his 
leadership, the Lodge collected, packaged and delivered Christmas 
goodie baskets to those most in need of holiday cheer, and did so 
without the families ever knowing the identity of their generous 
benefactors. In addition, he is an active member of American Legion 
Post 444 and the Knights of Columbus Cardinal Stritch Council 4614.
  A wonderful husband and devoted father, Bill and his wife Janet will 
celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They have three 
wonderful children and three beautiful grandchildren.
  So it is with great pride that I join with the Milwaukee Society 
Polish National Alliance in celebrating Bill's many achievements and 
years of community service. Congratulations William Banach, Polish 
American of the Year for 2001.

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