[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. VIRGIL KOECHNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 1997

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a distinguished 
gentleman from the Fourth Congressional District of Missouri, Virgil 
Koechner. He recently retired after more than 44 years of dedicated 
service for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.
  Mr. Koechner, from California, MO, served for 5 years in the United 
States Navy before beginning work for Southwestern Bell in 1952. He was 
not only an employee of Southwestern Bell, but was also elected local 
president of the Communications Workers of America for 32 consecutive 
years. In retirement, Mr. Koechner plans to stay active in the labor 
movement.
  Mr. Koechner and his wife Mary Jane have been long time friends of 
mine. It is dedicated people like Virgil Koechner who are the heart and 
soul of what makes this country great. I know that other Members of 
this body join me in congratulating Virgil Koechner on his retirement 
and wish him the very best in the days ahead.

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