[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 150 (Friday, October 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOHN STURDIVANT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 31, 1997

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
John Sturdivant, who passed away on Tuesday. John's service with the 
Federal Government began in 1961 as an electronics technician with the 
Army Interagency Communications Agency. John's concern for the well-
being of his fellow Federal employees was evident from the very 
beginning of his Government service. He soon became active in his local 
AFGE chapter. His passion soon earned him the respect of his peers, who 
elected him President of his local union in 1968.
  John's continued success soon led him to AFGE's national office where 
he served in numerous positions culminating with his election as AFGE 
President in 1988. As the principal spokesman for Federal employees, 
John led the charge for countless reform proposals. In particular, John 
succeeded in reforming the Hatch Act, so that Federal employees could 
participate in the political process in their free time. He also pushed 
for locality pay, to bring Federal salaries more in line with the cost 
of living.
  One of John's greatest fights came in late 1995, when partisan 
politics caused two Government shutdowns. Shutting down the Government 
hurt all Americans, but Federal employees suffered first by being 
locked-out of their jobs. Federal employees should never be used as 
pawns in a political chess game. Without John's perseverance, Federal 
employees surely would have suffered even greater injustices.
  Mr. Speaker, John should be remembered for all of his 
accomplishments, but I will remember him mostly as a friend. He was a 
compassionate man with a profound respect for equity and justice. 
Though pragmatic, he never lost sight of the very ideals that first led 
him to serve in his local union. John will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________