[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 54 (Tuesday, May 5, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H2753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SALUTING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF BOB LENT OF THE UNITED AUTO 
                                WORKERS

  (Mr. BONIOR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Lent of the United 
Auto Workers, who is retiring after a long and distinguished career 
serving his country, his union, and his community. I mention these 
together because they cannot be separated. Bob's personal investment in 
time and his sweat and loyalty and pride to build a stronger union, to 
build a stronger community, to build a stronger Nation, reflects the 
democratic values that I think we all share.
  Many people know Bob as the president of UAW Region 1, which includes 
about 100,000 working men and women in southeastern Michigan and 
Ontario, but that is only the latest form of his service. As a young 
man he served as an army paratrooper; later, while working full time, 
raising a family, and doing union work, Bob volunteered on local 
political campaigns. He joined the NAACP and became a board member for 
area charities. His generosity and leadership have made a big 
difference in our community.
  Underlying all of these commitments was Bob's belief in his capacity 
to contribute to the greater good. It is no understatement to say that 
for almost half a century Bob has helped to put the small ``d'' into 
American democracy.
  So, Mr. Speaker, today I salute Bob and thank his wife, Earline, for 
years of friendship, leadership and community service. Congratulations, 
Bob.

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