[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 154 (Friday, December 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING JERRY LOCKMAN OF CHARLOTTE, MI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 1998

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take a moment today 
to recognize Mr. Jerry Lockman for his work on the ``House That 
Congress Built'' project in Charlotte, Michigan.
  Jerry dutifully served as volunteer construction manager and building 
consultant for the first several weekends of this home located at 521 
Monroe, Charlotte. He was largely responsible for its quick framing and 
roofing and I am proud to say we will dedicate this new home this 
Sunday, December 20, 1998, at 3 p.m.
  Mr. Lockman generously volunteered his construction expertise to 
guide volunteers with varying degrees of experience to construct the 
home. Not only did Jerry donate his vast knowledge, but his time and 
tools too.
  Families selected to receive a Habitat for Humanity home are required 
to contribute many hours of their ``sweat equity'' to the construction 
of their future home. Mr. Lockman's sweat equity, his dedication, hard 
work and long hours are what I recognize and honor today. His 
investment in this home, neighborhood, Charlotte community. Eaton Area 
Habitat for Humanity, and perhaps most importantly, the lives of the 
new homeowners, Julie, Hailey and Skyler Hartig, is to be commended.
  Many of my colleagues have been involved in the construction of a 
Habitat for Humanity home. This year, I was privileged enough to lend 
my support to three houses in my district. I could not have attempted 
to help build these homes without the drive, support and assistance of 
good people like Mr. Jerry Lockman.
  The Honorable Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, perhaps summed it 
up best when we kicked off the ``House that Congress Built'' project 
last year. ``When you help a family grow, as well as build a house--
when you watch the sense of ownership--you understand why this is a 
great program.''
  The Theology of the Hammer, a guiding principle of Habitat, is an 
appropriate way to describe Jerry's efforts. This theology emphasizes 
partnerships, bringing people together from all different social, 
racial, religious, political and education backgrounds, to work 
together for a common goal. This was never more apparent than working 
at the Charlotte home site. People were brought together in the spirit 
of friendship and teamwork, and personal differences didn't matter. Mr. 
Lockman embodies the spirit of volunteerism and caring that fuel so 
many organizations like Habitat for Humanity, allowing them to do all 
the good things they do for others in need in our communities and 
around the world.
  Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child 
should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live, grow and raise 
their families. Because of Jerry Lockman and others, the Julie Hartig 
family now has such a place to call home.
  My wife Bonnie and I would like to offer Jerry our most sincere 
thanks for his dedicated volunteerism and assistance in helping build 
the Eaton Area Habitat for Humanity's the ``House That Congress 
Built,'' at 521 Monroe, Charlotte.

                          ____________________