[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO BOB LENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I take great pride in rising today to ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing Bob Lent, UAW Region 1 director, 
who will be honored by UAW Local 909 on June 29, 1997.
  Through the years, Bob Lent has been a fighter. His tireless efforts 
have improved the lives of the working families throughout southeastern 
Michigan. Bob is a man who has dedicated his life to securing dignity 
and respect for all people. He has been a champion of civil rights and 
civil liberties, and has helped create a stronger, more united 
community.
  In 1949, Bob Lent began a career with the UAW that has spanned 48 
years. He started as a spray painter at the Dodge main plant of Local 3 
in Hamtramck, MI. After serving his country as an Army paratrooper from 
1951 to 1953, Bob returned to Michigan to become a millwright 
apprentice and a skilled tradesman at the Chrysler 9-Mile Road Press 
Plant, Local 869.
  While at UAW Local 869, Bob's strong leadership and vision were 
recognized and he was chosen by his colleagues to serve in a 
distinguished list of appointed and elected positions. He was an 
alternate chief steward, trustee chairman, vice president, president, 
education representative, and assistant director. His vast knowledge 
and experience made him a logical choice for director.
  Bob was first elected to the UAW executive board as a regional 
director at the UAW's 27th Constitutional Convention in May 1983, at 
Dallas, TX. After his re-election to a third term, Bob was elected 
director of UAW Region 1 which covers Detroit's East Side, Pontiac, 
Macomb, and St. Clair Counties and part of the ``Thumb'' area of 
southeastern Michigan, and including Canada.
  Bob is not only an active union leader, but a community leader as 
well. He served on the labor advisory committee at both Oakland and 
Wayne State University. He has been a Democratic precinct delegate. He 
is a lifetime member of the NAACP. He also serves on the board of 
directors of the United Way of Pontiac-Oakland County and Detroit Area 
United Foundation.
  Few people have given to their community with the vision and 
commitment that Bob Lent has given to his. He is a person who has 
inspired the admiration of many. I am honored to call him a friend. I 
want to congratulate Bob on his very distinguished career and I wish 
him and his family all of the best.

                          ____________________