[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H9869-H9870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              JOHN NATHAN STURDIVANT: LEADER AND VISIONARY

  (Mr. ABERCROMBIE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

[[Page H9870]]

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, on rare occasions during our lifetimes, 
we have the opportunity to encounter an extraordinary individual. One 
such individual is John Nathan Sturdivant, president of the American 
Federation of Government Employees. His recent death was a heavy blow 
for Federal workers, their families, and for all of us who admired the 
qualities that he brought to his work.
  John Sturdivant served our country as a member of the Armed Forces 
and as a civilian employee. As a leader of the AFGE, he continued to 
serve by representing the Federal employees who translate policy in the 
actual operations of the Federal Government. To this task, John 
Sturdivant brought the qualities of vision and leadership. He supported 
Federal employees working with managers to make Government more 
efficient, productive, and cost effective. At the same time, he 
remained a labor leader, dedicated to the principle of collective 
bargaining and the dignity of working people.
  May I conclude, Mr. Speaker, with a personal note. John Sturdivant 
displayed throughout his final months extraordinary bravery and 
commitment. He worked without ceasing as long as he was physically 
capable. His attitude and demeanor never reflected his pain and 
distress. He was devoted to the AFGE, its principles and its people to 
the end of his life. His dedication to service on behalf of the 
American public was unfailing. All of us who address the public 
interests can only hope to live up to the standards set by John 
Sturdivant.
  John Sturdivant had the capacity to inspire loyalty and the ability 
to enlarge the vision of those with whom he worked. These are the 
qualities of a true leader.
  To his daughter Michelle, to his family and to the membership of the 
American Federation of Government Employees, we extend our deepest 
sympathy. John Sturdivant was one of those who made the world a better 
place than he found it. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

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