[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF ROBERT JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 10, 1999

  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the hard work and 
exemplary career of local industrial giant from my district in 
California's great Central Valley.
  Robert Jones recently announced his retirement after an extraordinary 
career of 47 years with N.I. Industries, Inc. With the exception of 
only 7 months, Bob's entire career, which began in 1952, has been in 
manufacturing ammunition metal products. The last 25 years of his 
career have been in a managerial capacity. Without question, Bob's 
career significantly contributed to our ability to win the cold war.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to take a moment to reflect on Bob's 
career. He has proven that a young man with a willingness to work who 
takes responsibility for his actions can succeed and achieve the 
American dream. His is a story of hard work and success.
  Bob ends his career at the highest level of management in his 
company. During his most recent position as general manager of the 
Riverbank Army Ammunition Plant, since 1988 he has implemented an 
ambitious, yet highly successful, environmental program which was 
recognized last year by the Department of Defense as the Nation's 
leader in industrial environmental remediation.
  He also implemented a highly successful Armament Retooling and 
Manufacturing program to transform an idle manufacturing facility into 
inspired reuse-- providing for more than a 300-percent increase in the 
local work force. His efforts have resulted in annual reductions in the 
operating budget by more than 50 percent.
  Finally, Bob was instrumental in the development of the West Coast 
Deep Drawn Cartridge Case Facility at Riverbank to help continue to 
meet our Nation's munitions needs. His management skills have proven 
that we are indeed losing a true industrial giant.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob reflects great credit on the dedication to the many 
men and women at the Riverbank Army Ammunition Plant and the entire 
18th Congressional District.
  I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to Bob and his 
wife, Pat. I wish him health and happiness in his retirement years and 
hope he gets to enjoy the company of his three children and 
grandchildren. I ask that my colleagues rise with me in honoring Robert 
Jones in his retirement.

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