[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 50 (Thursday, April 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE WORKERS MEMORIAL

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, April 25, 1997, the officers 
and delegates of the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, 
will hold their 23d Annual Labor Awards and Community Service Banquet 
at the Knights of Columbus Hall in East Chicago, IN. This event honors 
those individuals who have provided outstanding service to labor and 
the community. It also serves as the Federation's ``Workers Memorial'', 
activity recognizing those who have been seriously injured or killed in 
the workplace. This event is northwest Indiana's largest labor 
celebration of the year, involving 45,000 member unionists and their 
friends. Participants will gather together to celebrate an evening of 
labor solidarity.
  The Federation's highest honor, the 16th Annual President's Award, 
will be bestowed upon the Honorable Robert A. Pastrick, mayor of the 
city of East Chicago. This honor is awarded to an individual enhancing 
the well being of workers throughout northwest Indiana by countless 
contributions which have furthered the philosophy of the labor 
movement. In addition, Mr. John Buncich, Lake County sheriff, will be 
this year's recipient of the annual Service to Labor Award. This award 
is presented in honor of an individual's dedicated service and support 
to the labor movement. The Federation's Community Services Award will 
be presented to Mr. Ed Hiatt for offering both organized labor and the 
people of northwest Indiana dedicated leadership, compassion and 
service. Mr. Hiatt assisted with various Federation of Labor projects, 
including union counseling and the AFL-CIO Christmas Drive.
  In addition, two members of the Steelworkers Organization of Active 
Retirees [SOAR], Mr. John Mayerik, age 89, and Mr. Walter Mackerel, age 
96, will be honored with the ``Old Warrior'' Award. This award is 
presented in recognition of the recipients' lifelong commitment to the 
labor movement and the principles which it embodies. Specifically, Mr. 
Mayerik served as president of Local Union 1014 and staff 
representative of the United Steelworkers of America. Presently, he is 
serving as trustee of SOAR Chapter 7-31-14. Mr. Mackerel actively 
served Local Union 1066, and he was instrumental in establishing and 
leading the retiree organization in District 7 of the United 
Steelworkers of America. Both gentlemen have unselfishly devoted their 
time and effort to assisting both individuals and the communities in 
which they live for a number of years.
  Also, the Federation's Union Label Award will be presented to the 
United Steelworkers of America, District 7. District 7 will be awarded 
this honor for demonstrating the true meaning of labor ``solidarity'' 
during the Bridgestone Firestone labor struggle. USWA, District 7 has 
been attributed with providing the leadership and commitment needed to 
win this fight for labor, as well as revitalizing the entire labor 
movement in northwest Indiana.
  Each year, the Lake and Porter County area United Ways join with the 
Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, to conduct an 8-week 
basic union counselor training course. Upon completion of this program, 
those participating will be qualified to provide the labor community 
with invaluable information concerning available health and human 
services assistance. This year's counselor course participants will 
each receive a certificate of achievement at the awards banquet. They 
include: Jack Atwood, James Dilbeck, and Bruce Foreman from UAW #2335; 
William J. Brady and John F. Martinez from Carpenters #1005; David 
Brock and Andrew Cummins from Boilermakers #524; Duke Deflorio and Mike 
Winarski from Carpenters #599; James Dilbeck and Bruce Foreman from UAW 
#2335; Denise Drake, Lillian Garth, and Linda Shedrow from Consumer 
Credit C.S.; Hilario G. Gonzalez from USWA #1010; Jon L. Iglar and 
Herbertine Peck from AFSCME #1448; Jack Joyce, Robert Milsap, and Lon 
C. Powe from USWA #1014; Andrew J. Kremke and Joaquin Lopez from 
Teamsters #142; Lee Lynk, UAW 3235; Jessica Morris, Community 
Representative; Thomas Parker from USWA #1066; and Isacc R. Rosado from 
USWA #2281.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending all of the award recipients chosen by the Northwest 
Indiana Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, for their contributions to the 
labor movement. Their devotion to this cause has made America work.

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