[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 133 (Thursday, October 10, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       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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