[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 120 (Wednesday, September 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO HAMMOND CARPENTERS UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 1999

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
some of the most dedicated and skilled workers in Northwest Indiana. On 
September 18, 1999, in a salute to their workers' durability and 
longevity, the Hammond Carpenters Union Local 599 will recognize their 
members with 25 years or more of dedicated service. They will be 
recognized at a pin ceremony during their 100 year anniversary 
celebration banquet to be held this Saturday at the Operating Engineers 
Local 150 Hall in Merrillville, Indiana. These individuals, in addition 
to the other Local 599 members who have served Northwest Indiana so 
diligently for such a long period of time, are a testament to the 
proto-typical American worker: loyal, dedicated, and hardworking.
  The Carpenters Local 599, which received its charter in 1899, will 
honor members for their years of devoted service. The members who will 
be honored for 60 years of service include: Frank E. Caise and Frank 
Rueth. The members who will be honored for 50 years of service include: 
Willard Rains and Wayne Verble. The members who will be honored for 45 
years of service include: Ronald Carlson and Leo Ceroni. The members 
who will be honored for 40 years of service include: Ezequile J. Lopez 
and Walter Wisinski. The members who will be honored for 35 years of 
service include: Donald Archer, Robert L. Farkas, Paul Hornak, Joseph 
W. Komoroski, Robert Lowry, Harold G. McMillion, Bernard Ritchey, 
Edward T. Scheeringa, Darrell E. Sills, and John Verbeek. The members 
who will be honored for 30 years of service include: G.A. Argentine, 
Charles A. Gibbs, Raymond J. Maida, Rudy Medellin, and William R. 
Underwood. The members who will be honored for 25 years of service 
include: Daniel R. Brown, Timothy P. Foley, and John S. Perz.
  As Orville Dewey said, ``Labor is man's greatest function. He is 
nothing, he can be nothing, he can achieve nothing, he can fulfill 
nothing, without working.'' The men and women of Local 599, in addition 
to all of the local unions in Northwest Indiana, form the backbone of 
our economy and community. Without their blood, sweat, and tears, 
Indiana's First Congressional District would not be the place I love, 
nor would it be my proud home.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in congratulating these dedicated, honorable, and outstanding members 
of the Hammond Carpenters Union Local 599, in addition to all the hard-
working union men and women in America. The men and women of Local 599 
are a fine representation of America's union men and women; I am proud 
to represent such dedicated individuals in Congress. Their hard labor 
and dauntless courage are the achievement and fulfillment of the 
American dream.

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