[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 71 (Monday, May 12, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2907-S2908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING HALE B. BENNETT

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today we honor the life and service 
of Hale Bennett, whose passing signifies a great loss to Nevada. I send 
my condolences and prayers to his wife Kay and all of Hale's family in 
this time of mourning. Hale was a man committed to his country, his 
State, and community. He will be sorely missed.
  Hale was a true patriot and served his country in the U.S. Army Air 
Corps during World War II. He flew combat missions over France, 
Germany, and the Low Countries. Through the course of the war in 
Europe, he flew 68 bombing missions and went out on an additional 100 
that returned without dropping bombs due to bad weather. Hale's unit, 
the 553rd Squadron of the 386th Bomb Group, 9th Air Force, was so 
highly respected that on D-day they were chosen to fly the final 
bombing runs over the Germans on Utah Beach as our troops were landing 
on the beach below. After the war, Hale was called once again to serve 
our Nation by training bomber pilots for the Air Force during the 
Korean conflict. As one of our Nation's servicemembers, he made 
exceptional sacrifices for our country and deserves our deepest 
gratitude. I am both humbled and honored by not only his, but his 
family's service to our great Nation.
  Hale and his wife were upstanding Nevadans and a huge asset to their 
community. His dedication to serving others extends far beyond our 
Nation's military. Hale worked as the Department of Motor Vehicles 
chief of Registration and Titling and often represented his department 
in the Nevada State Legislature. His work as chairman of the board of 
the Carson-Tahoe Hospital showcased his commitment to the betterment of 
the community and led him to meeting his wife, Kay. The couple, both on 
the hospital board of trustees and pilots, spent their time having many 
adventures together and contributing their community. The Bennett's 
love for aviation and community service led them to Silver Springs, 
where they took on the daunting task of turning an abandoned airstrip 
into a thriving airport. His hard work and contributions to his 
community will remain a lasting legacy in the Silver State.
  As a World War II veteran, Hale's commitment to his country, as well 
as his dedication to his family and community, exemplified why the 
legacy of all World War II veterans must be preserved for generations 
to come. These veterans truly are the greatest generation--selflessly 
serving not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. 
As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that 
Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave 
individuals, but to ensure they are cared for when

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they return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our 
veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation.
  I extend my deepest sympathies to Kay and all of Hale's family. We 
will always remember Hale for his courageous contributions to the 
United States of America and to freedom-loving nations around the 
world. His service to his country and his bravery and dedication to his 
family and community earn him a place among the outstanding men and 
women who have valiantly defended our Nation.
  Throughout his life, Hale maintained a dedication to the preservation 
of justice and integrity, which I am honored to commend. Today, I join 
the Silver Springs community and citizens of the Silver State to 
celebrate the life of an upstanding Nevadan.

                          ____________________