[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 5, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     LONGTIME SCOUT LEADERS HONORED

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2000

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, on April 12th, 2000, the Chicagoland 
Forest District will be sponsoring the 10th Annual Good Scout Benefit 
at Palermo's Fine Italian Cuisine & Banquets in Oak Lawn, Illinois. 
Every year at this event, longtime contributors to scouting are honored 
with the Good Scout Award. Youth scouting is a vital effort in 
Southwest Chicagoland, providing tomorrow's leaders with important 
values through outdoor recreation and community service. This year's 
recipients are Bill Hawkinson and Bob Wilcox. It now gives me great 
honor to recognize these scout leaders from the 3rd Congressional 
District for their vital service to our community.
  William ``Bill'' Hawkinson is a lifetime resident of South-side 
Chicago. Shortly after graduating from Purdue University, he moved to 
Oak Lawn in 1968. In 1975, Bill would become the Finance Chairman of 
District 06 for two years, helping to greatly expand the profile of 
local scouting. In his first year as Finance Chair, Bill was honored 
for his outstanding service with the Arrowhead award. Two years later, 
he would become District Chairman for a full year.
  Today, Bill remains deeply committed to the community and local 
scouting. Besides running two successful automotive dealerships, he 
actively volunteers for medical, educational and religious 
organizations in Chicagoland. Mr. Hawkinson still lives in Oak Lawn 
with his wife, Rickie, both proud parents of Jeff (26), April (21), and 
Erica (15).
  Robert ``Bob'' Wilcox has been actively involved in local scouting 
for 62 years. Bob's lengthy resume includes service as Committee 
Chairman for St. Rita Troop 600, Commissioner Staff in the Iroquois and 
Forest District, and Vice-Chairman in the Iroquois District. For 12 
years, Bob served as Scoutmaster for Troop 600, administering over 60 
scouts. Over the years, Bob Wilcox received numerous scouting awards. 
In 1973, he received the distinguished St. George Award by Cardinal 
John Cody at Holy Name Cathedral.
  Bob's family clearly reflects his commitment to scouting. His son 
Robert is an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 33 of La 
Grange, Illinois. Bob's daughter Jeanny is an Assistant Leader in Girl 
Scout Troop 170. All four of Bob's grandchildren are also involved in 
scouting.
  Fortunately, Bob's many talents have not been limited to scouting. In 
addition to his previously described proficiencies, Mr. Wilcox is a 
highly-respected retired 44-year optician and co-owner of Mahoney-
Wilcox Opticians on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago.
  Again, it gives me great honor to recognize these scout leaders 
today. Mr. Speaker, I hope Bill Hawkinson and Bob Wilcox will continue 
to use their strength and leadership to set a positive example to the 
citizens of the 3rd Congressional District of Illinois.

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