[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E928-E929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING PATRICIA FORD, GERALD GRANTNER, AND MARVIN MCLAUGHLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 1997

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to three 
individuals who have given so much of themselves in their duties as 
public servants to the citizens of Michigan. On Thursday, May 15, the 
staff of the Michigan Jobs Commission will recognize Ms. Patricia Ford, 
Mr. Gerald Grantner, and Mr. Marvin McLaughlin as they retire after 
many years of dedicated service.
  Ms. Patricia Ford has been an advocate for disabled individuals for 
over the last quarter century. As a member of the group Disabled in 
Action, she successfully fought for the passage of the Rehabilitation 
Act of 1973. She began her employment with the State of Michigan in 
1978 as a vocational rehabilitation counselor. Throughout her career, 
Ms. Ford

[[Page E929]]

has worked diligently with severely and multiply disabled individuals 
and has become a strong community advocate as well, developing 
effective partnerships with other community agencies. Her selfless and 
pleasing manner was responsible for her being named Michigan 
Rehabilitation Services Counselor of the Year in 1989.
  Mr. Gerald Grantner is leaving after almost 30 years of service to 
the citizens of Michigan. Beginning in 1968 as a vocational 
rehabilitation counselor, Mr. Grantner became district manager of the 
office in Flint, MI, in 1970. In addition to his working tirelessly on 
behalf of the public, he has also developed affiliations with groups 
such as the Bentley School Board of Education, Goodwill Industries of 
Mid-Michigan, and the Burton, MI, Planning Commission, among others.
  Mr. Marvin McLaughlin also began his career with the State of 
Michigan as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, first in 1965, and 
then again in 1969 after receiving further education. In the nearly 30 
years, he has worked with the jobs commission, the citizens he has 
worked with have benefitted greatly from his determination and 
ambition. To those close to him, Mr. McLaughlin has been called a man 
of high professional and ethical standards, qualities that he has 
exhibited time and time again in both his professional and personal 
life.
  Mr. Speaker, it seems only fitting that these three, who have 
practically begun their careers together as a team, shall bring their 
careers to a close together as well. I am exceptionally proud of the 
service they have provided to many throughout the State, and I am sure 
that their deeds shall provide a worthy example to emulate.

                          ____________________