[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 47 (Thursday, April 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF ROBERT J. GILLIHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Robert J. 
Gillihan, president of Teamsters Joint Council No. 56. Bob Gillihan is 
a valued member of the Missouri-Kansas community and a leading force in 
the fight for workers' rights.
  Since an early age Bob Gillihan has demonstrated his untiring service 
to his country, his community, and his union. Joining the Marines in 
1949, Bob honorably served our nation in Korea. While in the service, 
Bob displayed not just the courage of his convictions, but the 
persistence and determination necessary to lead. His personal and 
professional aspirations found ample expression in boxing's ``sweet 
science.'' Between the ropes, Bob distinguished himself and his 
service, becoming All Service Middleweight Champion.
  Following his career in the military, Bob returned to the Kansas City 
area and started working in the construction industry. Joining 
Teamsters Local 541, Bob began work on the Kansas Turnpike. His 
outstanding work ethic and determined nature earned Bob the respect of 
another dedicated union man, vice president of the Local, Red Ruark, 
who guided Bob into the concrete industry, and in 1968 seized upon his 
leadership and elevated him into the Local 541 office. Based on Red's 
endorsement and his own outstanding work, President Curly Rogers hired 
Bob as a Business Agent.
  In his new role in the Union Leadership, Bob became intimately 
involved in negotiations to improve the working conditions for his 
fellow men and women of the Local. Bob's tireless efforts on behalf of 
his colleagues led to significant improvements in wages, health, 
welfare, and pension benefits, and annual vacation time. In the course 
of his duties, Bob has improved the quality of life, refined the 
meaning of living, and cultivated a culture of values under which we 
all live. Bob Gillihan has spent his entire life on the front lines, 
fighting for the interests of families that need it most, and most 
deserve it.
  In 1980, Bob followed his old friend, Red Ruark, as vice president of 
Local 541, and was elected president in 1990, a position he holds 
today. Bob is also president of the Greater Kansas City Building and 
Construction Trades Council. A year later, Bob was elected secretary-
treasurer of Teamsters Joint Council No. 56, a position he held until 
his appointment and subsequent election as the president of Joint 
Council 56 in 1999.
  In addition to his union duties, Bob has worked throughout his career 
on issues of importance to the community at large. Bob served for 9 
years on the Board of Directors of Park Lane Hospital, currently serves 
as a Commissioner for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, 
and served as Trustee for the Mo-Kan Teamsters Pension Health and 
Welfare Trust Fund. A dedicated family man, Bob and his lovely wife, 
Marlene have raised eight children and are the proud grandparents of 
many future leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of the 5th District of 
Missouri--on behalf of working families across America--I rise today to 
salute Bob Gillihan. Thank you, Bob, for all you have done, and all you 
continue to add to our lives.

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