[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           HONORING DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN JOHN N. STURDIVANT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues in honoring 
the memory of a man who diligently strove to serve the best interests 
of his fellow citizen. John N. Sturdivant, who passed away October 28, 
admirably and selflessly worked, in his role as president of the 
American Federation of Government Employees, on the behalf of the 
workers that make this Government function.
  President Sturdivant headed a group that represented over one-third 
of those workers employed by the Federal Government. This number 
compares to that of the constituency that each of us here in this House 
is elected to represent. President Sturdivant knew he held the 
livelihoods of thousands of people in his hands, and he did everything 
he could to better their lives.
  The Washington Post called John Sturdivant a ``true man of the 
people.'' As his record shows, this could not be more correct. 
President Sturdivant continuously worked to increase pay, extend 
retirement benefits, and to make sure that his union did not stand idle 
as the Government, out of necessity, began to reshape itself in the 
post-cold-war era.
  Perhaps one of his most memorable acts as president of the AFGE was 
his opposition to the Government shutdowns of 1995 and 1996. I joined 
in with President Sturdivant in criticizing these actions and strongly 
called for the reopening of our Government. President Sturdivant had 
the best interests of those he represented, as well as that of the 
United States, in mind when he vocalized his opposition to this event.
  I had the pleasure and honor over the years of having worked with 
John Sturdivant. As a member of the House Government Reform and 
Oversight Committee, I know just how strongly and passionately 
President Sturdivant cared for those who elected him to fight for them. 
His advocacy led to numerous improvements in the benefits earned by 
hardworking Federal employees.
  While achievements for his union are his most prominent legacy, 
President Sturdivant was accomplished in other areas as well. In 
sitting on the executive board of the AFL-CIO, he reached one of the 
highest ranks ever achieved by an African-American in the history of 
that organization. A graduate of Antioch College, President Sturdivant 
studied law at George Washington University, and was a veteran of the 
U.S. Air Force.
  Mr. Speaker, John Sturdivant was a distinguished citizen who will be 
sorely missed. I join with my colleagues in extending condolences to 
the Sturdivant family, their friends, and the AFGE.

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