[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MR. JOE BESNARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2026

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary contributions of a dedicated community leader in my 
district, Mr. Joe Besnard. Since 2011, Joe has been a steadfast 
champion for survivors of domestic and sexual violence served by 
Sunrise. A retired veteran and successful businessman, he embodies a 
lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community 
responsibility. His generosity extends far beyond financial support, as 
he donates his time, heart, and personal influence to create lasting 
change.
  Over the years, Joe has strengthened Sunrise's mission in meaningful 
and tangible ways. He has supported the agency's Holiday Giving 
Program, ensuring survivors and their children experience joy and 
dignity during the holiday season. He funded the remodeling of the 
shelter kitchen, transforming it into a welcoming and functional space, 
and contributed significantly to the construction of an on-site office 
building, creating a dedicated and safe workspace for hotline advocates 
and counselors who provide life-saving support to survivors every day. 
Joe's impact extends beyond direct donations. He founded one of 
Sunrise's signature fundraising events, the Pull for Survivors Sporting 
Clays event, which continues to generate critical resources and 
community awareness. He personally recruits participants, sponsors, and 
supporters, leveraging his relationships to grow the event each year. 
In a reflection of his humility and heart, he asks friends and family 
to purchase birthday and Christmas gifts for him that can be used as 
auction items to benefit survivors.
  Importantly, Joe's compassion includes the staff who carry out this 
difficult work. Each Christmas, he provides Honey Baked hams for staff 
and shelter residents, a thoughtful tradition that reminds both 
survivors and employees that they are seen, valued, and cared for.
  Through consistent action, generosity, and leadership, Joe Besnard 
has helped create safer spaces, stronger services, and brighter futures 
for countless survivors and families. He exemplifies the spirit of 
``Heroes Among Us'' as someone who quietly and faithfully uses his 
resources to strengthen his community, bring hope where it is needed 
most, and advocate for survivors and their loved ones.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Joe 
Besnard for his outstanding contributions to our community. For his 
tireless dedication and extraordinary generosity, I am proud to honor 
Mr. Besnard as a 2026 Heroes Among Us recipient for Florida's 12th 
Congressional District.

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