[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 130 (Thursday, September 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL CAMPBELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM BROWNBACK

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 1996

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. 
Michael Campbell, a shrink-wrap operator at Wichita Industries and 
Services for the Blind [WISB] in Pittsburg, KS. On Tuesday, October 8, 
1996, Mr. Campbell will be honored at the Annual Training Conference of 
the General Council of Industries for the Blind and National Industries 
for the Blind, as the 1996 Peter J. Salmon National Blind Employee of 
the Year.
  Mr. Campbell was diagnosed with diabetes when he was six and diabetic 
retinopathy when he was 18. However, a series of laser treatments 
temporarily preserved some of his vision. He worked at various jobs 
after graduating from high school but diabetes ended his hopes of 
entering the military. As his vision loss progressed, it became 
increasingly difficult for Mr. Campbell to make a living. Then, after 
he was told that laser treatments could no longer be continued, Mr. 
Campbell, his wife, and their two daughters moved to Pittsburg, KS, to 
be near family.
  Over the next 10 years, Mr. Campbell was out of work and took classes 
at Pittsburg State University, hoping to earn a business degree. Again, 
complications from diabetes arose, this time in the form of an 
infection resulting in the amputation of one of his legs.
  In 1993 he contacted a rehabilitation center and was told about 
employment opportunities at a new manufacturing plant, WISB, which was 
opening in Pittsburg. Mr. Campbell was one of the first people to 
interview for a position at WISB and is still one of WISB's most 
dedicated employees. In 1994 his other leg showed signs of infection. 
Rather than risk getting sick again, doctors decided he should have it 
removed, but Mr. Campbell continues to succeed with unquenchable 
determination and dignity. He has worked as a machine operator, a box 
erector, and now a shrink-wrap operator.
  Thanks to WISB, Mr. Campbell is once again supporting his family. 
Please join me in congratulating Mr. Michael Campbell, the 1996 
National Blind Employee of the Year, a hard working Kansan, and a 
distinguished American.

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