[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S194-S195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO DALE HANKINS

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of 
recognizing Dale Hankins of Chouteau County for volunteering countless 
hours to support his fellow veterans.
  When Dale was 10 years old, a friend of his father, a WWII vet, 
carried a diamond willow cane. Dale was so intrigued by the way the 
diamonds stood out, he couldn't take his eyes off of it. At the age of 
17, he made his first attempt at carving a cane, and soon realized and 
appreciated the effort it took to create such beautiful craftsmanship. 
By the time he finished, his hands were so full of blisters he decided 
to pursue other hobbies.
  Dale later joined the U.S. Army and served in Charlie Company, 160th 
Special Operations Aviation Regiment, as an airborne infantry soldier. 
After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Montana and 
joined the Montana Army National Guard. Having a

[[Page S195]]

renewed appreciation for the sacrifices veterans give, he picked up his 
hobby again in 2007 and began making diamond willow canes for disabled 
veterans. Each one is unique and personalized for the veteran, and an 
American flag is included on the handle of each cane.
  Dale hasn't stopped since. He invests 80 hours or more to make each 
cane beautiful and durable, all at no cost to the veteran. Veterans 
across the Nation from Florida to Washington are proudly using his gift 
which has aided in their quality of life.
  It is my honor to recognize Dale for his efforts to support and 
appreciate our heroes for the sacrifices they have made for our great 
Nation. The compassion and commitment of these extraordinary veterans 
are an inspiration to us all.

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