[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 25]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 34385]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    DANIEL BENAC RETIREMENT TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2007

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam 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. With that in mind, I ask that all of my 
colleagues join me in celebrating the retirement of Daniel A. Benac of 
Montmorency County, Michigan. Dan Benac will retire on January 4, 2008 
after a distinguished career in the United States Army, at General 
Motors, and as an advocate for his fellow workers and veterans.
  Dan Benac was born in Alpena, Michigan on June 8, 1922, as one of 
twelve children of George and Rose Benac. Nearly 65 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. 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 Motors' 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 General Motors, 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. As chairman, he organized presentations on a 
monthly basis for his fellow retirees that ranged 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 was 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, and served as chairman 
for many years. While he is no longer chairman, he remains active in 
the Party.
  Dan Benac was a board member of the National Council for Senior 
Citizens and was nominated Senior of the Year in Region 4 in 1995 and 
2003. He is also a member of other organizations including the Shrine 
Club, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and Masons. He was 
also chairman of the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund for Montmorency 
County.
  Madam Speaker, Dan Benac's activities are amazing for a person of any 
age but as an eight-five year old his many activities are exceptionally 
admirable. Dan and Geraldine have been great assets to their family, 
their fellow workers, and their community, as well as good friends of 
mine. On January 4, 2008, family and friends will gather for a well 
deserved and final retirement party for Daniel Benac at the Addison 
Oaks Conference Center in Leonard, Michigan.
  Today, as Dan prepares to enter a well deserved retirement, I offer 
him, his wife Geraldine, his three children, eight grandchildren and 
fourteen great-grandchildren all the best for the future. I would ask, 
Madam Speaker, that you and the entire U.S. House of Representatives 
join me in thanking Dan Benac for his service to the Montmorency 
community and commending him for the many years he has spent his life 
in service to others.

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