[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 96 (Friday, July 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1335-E1336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DON A. HORN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Don A. Horn for his 
outstanding contributions to the community and his thirty years of 
service on behalf of working Americans as Secretary-Treasurer of the 
Harris County, Texas, ALF-CIO Executive Board. Don Horn retired in 1995 
and will be honored at a belated, but well-deserved retirement party on 
July 22, 1998, when his enduring contributions will be remembered.
  A graduate of the University of Houston, Don Horn became a union 
member in 1945 when he joined the International Brotherhood of 
Electrical Workers in Houston. Don served Local 716 as a member of the 
Executive Board, President, and Business Representative. In 1965, the 
Harris County AFL-CIO Executive Board elected Don as Secretary-
Treasurer, a position he held until his retirement in 1995. During 
these 30 years, he also served on the Texas AFL-CIO Executive Board as 
a Trustee. In all these endeavors, Don Horn has provided a strong voice 
of clarity, wisdom, and constant dedication on behalf of working 
people. He has fought to protect the rights of working people and 
ensure fair compensation and sound benefits such as health care and a 
secure retirement. He has also been active in the political process, 
working to ensure that the concerns of working people are heard and 
addressed.
  Don Horn also served on countless community organizations, providing 
a voice for organized labor on community affairs.

[[Page E1336]]

  Ensuring accessible and affordable health care was a special concern 
for Don. He served ten years on the Harris County Hospital Board and 
was a leader in extending Neighborhood Health Centers to all parts of 
Harris County, bringing health care to low-income people in their own 
neighborhoods. Don also served on the Texas State Health Board as a 
Consumer Representative. One of his major accomplishments was to help 
spur a statewide reexamination of nursing home practices.
  Don also served for years on the United Way Board of Trustees and as 
a Boy Scout Leader. He spent his vacations at campgrounds for Scouts. 
Another organization that benefited from his participation is the 
Public Forum, a think tank at the University of Houston.
  Retirement has not ended Don Horn's commitment and activism, as he is 
still active in recruiting union retirees for the Harris County AFL-
CIO.
  Don has been blessed with a devoted wife, Ruth, and three children, 
Melvin, George, and Sharon. He has one granddaughter, Ashley, with 
another granddaughter expected. He is an elder of the Trinity 
Presbyterian Church.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Don A. Horn for his thirty years of 
service to organized labor and Harris County. His contributions to the 
labor movement and our community will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________