Dan Benishek: “I thank Dr. Roe. I rise today in support of legislation to name the Traverse City VA Clinic after Colonel Demas T. Craw…”

“I thank Dr. Roe. I rise today in support of legislation to name the Traverse City VA Clinic after Colonel Demas T. Craw, a Medal of Honor recipient from my district in Traverse City. As I soon will be retiring from Congress, I quickly want to say that it has been quite an honor for me to work with the chairman, Jeff Miller, and all the members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee over the last 6 years. It hasn't been an easy fight, but I believe we have made real progress toward a better VA for the men and women who have fought for our freedom. This sacred work must continue, as they still deserve much better. I have faith that the next chairman of the committee, my friend, Dr. Phil Roe, will be able to continue this progress and break new ground in the fight for our Nation's heroes. I have been very pleased to assist in the effort to honor Colonel Craw in the House, along with a dedicated team of veterans and patriotic citizens. Led by retired Lieutenant Colonel Terry Hawn and Dr. Dan Lathrop, they worked to gather the over 2,000 signatures needed and build support within the community to honor this truly deserving local hero. Born near Traverse City in 1900, Colonel Craw served in the U.S. Army during both world wars. As a United States Army Air Forces officer in World War II, he served as a U.S. adviser to the Royal Air Force prior to American entry to the war, and was captured and interned by German forces for 6 weeks in 1941.…”