[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21205]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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     TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT MAJOR BENCESLADO RAEL UPON HIS RETIREMENT

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
fellow New Mexican who is retiring after 32 years of dedicated service 
with the United States Air Force and the New Mexico Army National 
Guard. Sergeant Major Benceslado ``Ben'' Rael has made duty, honor and 
service the hallmarks of his career and is a shining example of a true 
American patriot.
  Ben was born in Truchas, NM in 1941 and graduated from St. Michael's 
High School in 1960; he also received his A.A. from Wilber Wright 
College in 1973. Upon joining the Air Force, he immediately made an 
impact as a recruiting and retention specialist where he helped 
countless young people find a confidence and self-esteem building 
career in the United States Armed Forces.
  Ben's skills in recruiting did not go unnoticed. Upon joining the New 
Mexico Army National Guard, Ben was assigned the position of Vice 
Chairman of the Guard's National Recruiting and Retention advisory 
Council. Again, Ben showed himself to be a tremendous asset in keeping 
the National Guard vibrant in New Mexico.
  Ben has made all of New Mexico proud, and in tribute, Governor 
Johnson has proclaimed October 31, 2001 as ``Sergeant Major Benceslado 
Rael Day.'' I want to take this opportunity to join with the Governor, 
and indeed with all New Mexicans, in saluting Ben on a job well done 
and in wishing him many years of happiness in his retirement.

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  IN RECOGNITION OF THE EXPANSION OF YOUNG ISRAEL OF OAK PARK, MI
 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask that the Senate join me today 
in congratulating the Young Israel congregation of Oak Park, MI, on 
completion of recent expansion of the synagogue's facilities. Since 
1954, Young Israel has been serving the spiritual needs of its 
congregation as well as the community at large.
  From its humble beginnings, Young Israel of Oak Park has grown to 
become the largest Orthodox Jewish congregation in the State of 
Michigan. Originally founded as Young Israel of Oak-Woods, the temple 
served the communities of Oak Park and Huntington Woods. Six years 
later, Young Israel of Greenfield opened its doors in the adjoining 
community. For over a quarter century, the two temples offered a 
sanctuary where the respective congregations could meet.
  Then in 1997, in response to changing demographics and a desire to 
better serve their neighborhoods, the temples merged to create Young 
Israel of Oak Park. Soon after the merger, they embarked on an 
ambitious expansion project to provide more opportunity for communal 
celebration and prayer. In June of this year, the synagogue's stunning 
new sanctuary and social hall were completed.
  Today's congregation is not only a center of Torah study, but also a 
forum where young and old, rich and poor, come together to share their 
beliefs, desires, and fears. At the same time, the temple plays a 
central role in maintaining the stability and vitality of the Orthodox 
Jewish population of South East Michigan.
  For nearly 50 years, the Young Israel congregation has been a 
spiritual and social home for many in Michigan's Orthodox Jewish 
community. I trust that my Senate colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Young Israel of Oak Park on nearly a half century of 
growth and wish them the best in the coming years.

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