[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            TRIBUTE TO ALABAMA LABOR LEADER BOBBY L. BOWDEN

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, I want to pay tribute today to one of 
Alabama's most distinguished labor leaders, Bobby L. Bowden. He has 
been a close personal friend of mine for many years, as well as one of 
the best friends working men and women in Alabama have ever had. He 
retired earlier this year after serving as an active member of the 
Machinists Union for 39 years.
  A native of Enterprise, AL, Bobby attended Troy State University for 
a short time before enlisting in the Marine Corps. After his tour of 
duty in the Marines, he was hired in 1955 by an aircraft maintenance 
contractor at Fort Rucker. Except for the time he was on leave of 
absence and serving as a business representative with the International 
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers district lodge 75, he 
remained in aircraft maintenance at Fort Rucker until his retirement.
  For 6 years beginning in 1967, Bobby was elected to serve on the 
negotiating/grievance committee of local lodge 2003. In 1973, he was 
elected business representative of lodge 75 and served in that position 
until 1978. He then returned to his previous job as an aircaft mechanic 
troubleshooter from 1979 through 1983. That year, he was reelected 
business representative and served in that capacity until his 
retirement.
  Bobby was raised in a political family, and has always been active in 
politics himself. His father, Ed Mack ``Buster'' Bowden, was a Coffee 
County Commissioner. Bobby has been actively involved in the machinists 
union non-partisan political league, serving on its planning committee 
for a number of years. He was the first machinists union business 
representative to donate $1,000 to the non-partisan political league. 
Bobby worked diligently to try and accomplish what he truly believed 
in, politically.
  The 39 years Bobby Bowden gave the machinists union yielded many, 
many benefits for his labor union as well as for all working people in 
southeast Alabama. Every union member owes him a debt of gratitude for 
the progressive and positive efforts he made on their behalf. He 
performed many good deeds over the years, giving of his time, talents, 
and resources freely and unselfishly. His ability, dedication, and 
energy will be sorely missed.
  I extend my very best to Bobby for a happy, healthy retirement and 
bright, active future.

                          ____________________