U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized World War II Veteran Donald Wayne Engel as Montanan of the Month for his service in the United States Army.
Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, each month Daines highlights a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the recipient’s honor into the Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Month” program by calling his office at 202-224-2651 or filling out the submission form on his website HERE.
The following is the tribute Daines submitted to the Congressional Record to honor Montana native Donald Wayne Engel.
TRIBUTE TO DONALD WAYNE ENGEL
Mr. Daines, Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Donald Wayne Engel as Montanan of the Month.
Donald Wayne Engel is a resident of Libby, Montana. Engel was born on May 2nd, 1922, and joined the Air Force after high school. Early in his military career, Don was sent to Europe to fight against Germany in World War II and served as a member of a U.S. bomber team stationed near England.
Don was a fearless fighter and experienced times where his fighter plane was hit, but was never struck down. In 1945, Don was appointed to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Following his service, Don attended college to earn his degree to become an electrical engineer. The Air Force then assigned him to work with air ballistics and missile bases throughout the United States. He retired in August of 1969 with the rank of Major.
Outside of Don’s military career, he was married to Mervyn Engel and raised two children, Patricia and James Engel. When Don wasn’t on duty or with his family, he enjoyed hiking, fishing, and camping in the Rocky Mountains. Don was an avid lover of the outdoors and the mountains, so much that once he retired, he moved onto a piece of land outside of Noxon, Montana, where he would juice his own apples and chop his own firewood.
Don now lives in Libby, Montana, and will celebrate his 104th birthday on May 2nd.
It is my distinct honor to recognize Donald Wayne Engel as Montanan of the Month. Not only is Don an incredible example of a true military patriot, but a true Montanan at heart, and we commend him for his hard work and dedication to service to his country that will be remembered and inspire many.
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Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins