[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RETIREMENT OF JIMMIE GAUNCE

  Mr. SASSER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute 
to my good friend, Jimmie Gaunce, who is retiring after 25 years with 
the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
  In his long list of accomplishments, I believe Jimmie's greatest 
attribute is that he is always there for others. When his country 
needed him, he answered the call by serving in the U.S. Air Force from 
1952 to 1956. Upon being initiated into the International Association 
of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Queen City Lodge No. 1501, Jimmie 
served his brothers by becoming active in his local lodge. Eventually, 
he was elected chief steward in 1963 and local lodge recording 
secretary in 1967.
  In 1964, lodge No. 1501 affiliated with the newly chartered district 
lodge 169. Through his exhibition of leadership and tireless work on 
behalf of his fellow workers, Jimmie rose to the leadership of the 
district lodge, serving as both president and directing business 
representative. When two additional district lodges were merged into 
No. 169, Jimmie was elected to these same offices, which he continues 
to hold today.
  Jimmie Gaunce's service has not just benefited those from his local 
lodge or his district but also has been very important to the entire 
State of Tennessee. Since 1969, he has served continuously as an 
officer of the Tennessee Council of Machinists, initially as area vice 
president, then as the first vice president, and finally as president, 
the position he currently holds. Jimmie is also an officer of the 
Tennessee AFL-CIO, elected as vice president in 1973 and then executive 
vice president in 1991.
  In recognition of his experience and commitment to the needs of 
Tennessee's workers, Jimmie Gaunce was appointed by the Tennessee 
Supreme Court to be a member of the Tennessee Lawyers Client Protection 
Committee. The Supreme Court then reappointed him in 1991 and 1993. 
Additionally, in 1994 the Tennessee Commissioner of Employment Security 
appointed Jimmie to the Commissioner's Advisory Committee.
  I, as well as the members of local lodge 1501 and district lodge No. 
169, will miss Jimmie Gaunce and the leadership he has exemplified over 
the years. He serves as an example of excellence for which we should 
each aspire.

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