[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 155 (Friday, November 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING UAW LOCAL 599'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 
           ``WALTER P. REUTHER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 1999

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the 60th 
anniversary of UAW Local 599 which will be celebrated on November 6, 
1999, and the men and women who will receive the ``Walter P. Reuther 
Distinguished Service Award.''
  The same solidarity that began in 1937 and 44 days later resulted in 
the first major industry wide contract in the United States is still 
thriving today. During those 44 days and nights the members of the 
fledgling UAW and the Flint community forged an alliance which has 
endured for the past 60 years. The brothers and sisters of Local 599 
continue to give back to the community that played such a pivotal role 
in their success. Local 599 has collected over $1 million to help 
provide community residents with shelter, food, clothing, and medical 
care. They have coordinated the Marine Toys For Tots program which has 
given 10,000 children the overwhelming joy and excitement of a 
Christmas morning surprise for the past 10 years. The list of 
organizations to which they have given is long and includes the United 
Way, Easter Seals, American Cancer Society, Good Will, and the 
Salvation Army.
  The ``Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award'' is being 
presented to Robert Aidif, David Aiken, Dale Bingley, Dennis Carl, 
Jesse Collins, Russell W. Cook, Harvey ``Whitey'' De Groot, Patrick 
Dolan, Larry Farlin, Maurice ``Mo'' Felling, Ted Henderson, Ken Mead, 
Frank Molina, Shirley Prater, Gene Ridley, John D. Rogers, Dale 
Scanlon, G. Jean Garza-Smith, Robbie Stevens, Nick Vukovich, Jerry 
Ward, Greg Wheeler, Don Wilson, Tom Worden, and James Yaklin in 
recognition of 20 years of recorded service in an elective office in 
the local union. These individuals have served their union brothers and 
sisters of UAW Local 599 and their communities with unparalleled 
devotion and perseverance.
  I would like to thank the men and women receiving the ``Walter P. 
Reuther Distinguished Service Award'' for their contributions and UAW 
Local 599 for 60 years of solidarity not only within the plant, but 
throughout the community. The union brothers and sisters of UAW Local 
599 epitomize the values that have made our Nation great.

                          ____________________