Hoeven Presents Josh Duhamel For Induction Into Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame
Senator Congratulates New Inductees Duhamel, Clinton Hill and Lauraine Snelling
MINOT, N.D. –Senator John Hoeven today presented Minot-native Josh Duhamel for induction into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame. Hoeven honored the actor for his charitable work on behalf of Minot and the surrounding communities following last year’s flooding. Duhamel, who starred in the “Transformer” film series, helped to raise $1.3 million dollars for flood relief in North Dakota.
“In spite of all his fame and accomplishments, Josh remains the same regular guy we knew. He hasn’t forgotten his roots or the people and places he loves,” Hoeven said. “Wherever he is, wherever he goes, Josh takes every opportunity to mention North Dakota. After last year’s flood, he helped draw attention to the challenges facing his hometown and has helped his friends and neighbors rebuild. He’s one of our greatest ambassadors not just to the rest of the country, but to the world. He is sincere and genuine – and it shows.”
Duhamel serves as honorary chairman of the Minot Area Recovery Fund and has helped to draw attention to the community’s needs after flooding in June 2011. In August 2011, Duhamel organized a benefit concert in Minot featuring his wife, Fergie, and the Black Eyed Peas. That concert raised $1.3 million for relief and rebuilding efforts, with about 16,000 attending. In addition to advocating for his hometown, Duhamel is also active with the Red Cross, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and PetSmart Charities.
In addition to Duhamel, Clinton J. Hill and Lauraine Snelling were also inducted into the Hall of Fame. Hill, a former U.S. Secret Service agent, served Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford. He was assigned to protect First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and was in the motorcade when President Kennedy was assassinated. Hill is the co-author of Mrs. Kennedy and Me, which chronicles his experiences during his assignment to the First Lady. Snelling is an award-winning and best-selling author, who has published 70 titles, including historical fiction series about Norwegian immigration inspired by her own heritage. Her most recent novel, published in July, is Reunion, a story inspired by events in her own life. Other titles scheduled for publication include Whispers in the Wind and Cat Capers, a tale for young readers.
“We’re happy to induct Josh Duhamel, Clint Hill and Lauraine Snelling into the Hall of Fame, and we thank them for representing the people and state of North Dakota so outstandingly,” said Hoeven.
The Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame recognizes and honors individuals who have excelled in their chosen fields, and presents them as role models to inspire future generations.
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