[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 46 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING BOB LENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 1998

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before you today to 
pay tribute to a loyal friend and tireless advocate of America's 
working class citizens. On May 5, 1998, members and friends of the 
United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of 
America will honor Mr. Bob Lent, as he retires from his position as 
director of Michigan UAW's Region I after many years of dedicated 
service.
  It is nearly impossible to imagine the condition of Michigan's labor 
movement without the benefit of Bob Lent's insight and leadership. His 
is a career that has spanned half a century, beginning in 1949, when at 
the age of 19, he was hired by Dodge Motor Co. as a spray painter. He 
later left Dodge for the U.S. Army, serving as a paratrooper from 1951 
to 1953. Upon his return to civilian life, Bob found employment with 
Chrysler and reestablished his association with the UAW. As a member of 
Local 869, Bob served in a number of capacities, including alternate 
chief steward, trustee chairman, vice president, and a 4-year tenure as 
president. Bob was appointed as education representative of region 1B 
in 1972, and became assistant director in 1982. When Region I and 
Region 1B merged to form a larger, stronger Region 1 in 1983, Bob was 
elected director, the position he has held to this day.
  In addition to his illustrious career with the UAW, Bob has also 
developed a high degree of respect in the political, educational, and 
civic arenas as well. He has been a precinct delegate, and serves on 
Labor Advisory committees at Oakland University in Rochester and Wayne 
State University in Detroit. He is a life member of the NAACP, serves 
on the board of directors of the United Way of Pontiac-Oakland County, 
and the Detroit Area United Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, we in the great state of Michigan are more than proud of 
our reputation as the automotive capital of the world, having recently 
celebrated the 100th anniversary of the automobile. Just as we are 
proud of the product, we are proud and grateful for the men and women 
who day in and day out work to provide these quality products and 
bolster our pride. Bob Lent is one of those people. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in wishing Bob, his wife Earline, and their son Steven, all 
the best.

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