[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 44 (Tuesday, April 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CHARLES WILLIAMS--1997 RONALD PEARCE BLIND EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 1998

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
constituent, Mr. Charles Williams of Dallas, TX, the Dallas Lighthouse 
for the Blind's 1997 Ronald Pearce Blind Employee of the Year Award.
  It is always a pleasure to stand before my colleagues and commend 
constituents on their achievements. The achievements of Mr. Williams 
and his award are very inspiring and can serve to motivate individuals 
who believe that their disabilities prevent them from being productive.
  Mr. Speaker, the Ronald Pearce Blind Employee of the Year award 
recognizes vision-impaired employees who, during the past year, have 
demonstrated outstanding job performance and work practices. Mr. 
Williams has shown exemplary skills and work habits as the materials 
handler in the writing instruments department at the Dallas Lighthouse 
for the Blind, where he supplies the marker, and highlighter machine 
operators. He also packages the marker boxes and labels the packages 
for shipping.
  Mr. Speaker, Charles Williams is good at his job because he works 
hard. As his supervisor comments, he ``has a thorough knowledge of his 
job,'' and ``always looks out for the needs of others before his own 
needs.''
  Mr. Williams lost most of his sight in 1992 when he was returning 
from a moving job in Salt Lake City, UT. After that experience, Mr. 
Williams had several eye surgeries because of glaucoma. However, his 
spirit and approach to life has remained unscathed and unaffected. His 
colleagues will tell you that his energy and attitude are positive and 
inspiring. This also reflects his great work ethic, as he is an owner 
of a community store that serves older and lower-income individuals in 
his hometown of Vivian, LA. In our Dallas community, he is a junior 
deacon and works with area children.
  Mr. Speaker, Charles Williams is a motivated individual who is 
focused in both his service to others and his work. Therefore, it is 
fitting that he is the recipient of the Blind Employee of the Year 
award, presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding job 
performance. I congratulate Mr. Williams on receiving his award and 
wish him continued success.

                          ____________________