[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO DANIEL A. BENAC OF MONTMORENCY COUNTY, MICHIGAN

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a man 
who is a longtime activist in labor, politics, and community service in 
northern Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Daniel A. Benac of 
Montmorency County, Michigan.
  Dan Benac was born in Alpena, Michigan on June 8, 1922, as one of 
twelve children of George and Rose Benac. Nearly sixty years ago he 
married Geraldine on February 9, 1943 and the couple raised three 
children: Charlotte, Carolyn, and David. Dan and Geraldine have eight 
grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
  Dan Benac served in the U.S. Army's 103rd Infantry Division from 1942 
until receiving an honorable medical discharge as a private in 1943. 
After serving his country, he then began his career as a skilled 
tradesman at Besser Manufacturing in Alpena.
  Dan then worked at a small manufacturing plant in Walled Lake, 
Michigan before taking a position with Pontiac Motors in 1948. He tried 
his hand as an entrepreneur in 1955, when he started and operated two 
gas stations. During the time he ran these businesses he began an 
apprenticeship as an electrician and earned the status of a journeyman 
electrician in 1962.
  In 1969, Dan Benac took his skills to Warren, Michigan, where he 
worked at General Motor's Chevrolet plant. He began his union career in 
1948 when he joined the United Auto Workers. While at the Chevrolet 
plant, Dan accepted the position as a UAW committeeman.
  In 1974 Dan Benac took a medical retirement from GM, but as with so 
many union brothers and sisters, Dan continued his work with the union. 
In addition to his membership in the UAW, he also joined the 
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1956.
  In 1983 Dan was named chairman of the UAW Retirees for the Alpena 
International Council. Dan organizes presentations on a monthly basis 
for his fellow retirees that range from elected officials to speeches 
about prescription drugs and Medicare.
  Dan was later named chairman of the UAW Region 1-D retirees, serving 
members from sixty two counties. He continues to serve as chairman of 
the UAW Region 1-D retirees to this day. He is also a board member of 
the UAW statewide coordinating committee for the Democratic Party.
  In addition to his union activities Dan Benac was instrumental in 
forming the Montmorency County Democratic Party. He served for many 
years as chairman of the Montmorency County Democratic Party before 
resigning from that post recently. While Dan is no longer chairman, he 
remains active in the Montmorency County Democratic Party.
  Dan Benac is a board member of the National Council for Senior 
Citizens. He is also a member of other organizations including the 
Shrine Club, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and Masons. 
He is also chairman of the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund for Montmorency 
County.
  Mr. Speaker, Dan Benac's activities are amazing for a person of any 
age but as an eighty year old, his many activities are exceptionally 
admirable. Dan and Geraldine Benac have been great assets to their 
family, their fellow workers, and their community and good friends of 
mine.
  Mr. Speaker, on October 19, 2002 the Montmorency County Democratic 
Party will hold a tribute dinner for Dan Benac at the Atlanta, Michigan 
Senior Center. I ask you and my House colleagues to join me in saluting 
Dan Benac, a great man who has spent his life in service to others.




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