[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E96]]
        HONORING WAYNE GYENIZS ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pay 
tribute today to a man whose tireless efforts have left an indelible 
mark on the State of Connecticut. Today, after nearly 40 years of 
dedicated service to the International Union of Operating Engineers 
Local 478, Wayne Gyenizs will celebrate his retirement.
  Over the course of his career with IUOE Local 478, Wayne's 
innumerable contributions have strengthened the voice of tradesmen 
across the State of Connecticut. One of his most impressive 
achievements has been the establishment and continued expansion of 
Local 478's Joint Apprentice Training and Skill Improvement School. 
Each year, the Joint Apprentice Program provides training, skill 
enhancement, and refresher courses to over 600 apprentices and 
journeymen. This program give individuals the ability to acquire a 
skilled trade and lifetime opportunity--giving working families the 
sense of contentment that comes with economic independence. As the 
present of the Local 478 for the past decade. Wayne has provided a 
unique combination of leadership and commitment that has promoted 
stability among his membership and in the union's relations with its 
local employers.
  In addition to his work with the Local 478, Wayne has been an active 
voice in local and national labor activities. As a member of the AFL-
CIO Executive Board and the State Building and Construction Trades 
Council Wayne has fought for better wages, more comprehensive health 
benefits for workers and their families, steady and substantive 
employment, and safer work environments. He has been a true leader for 
our working families, giving them a voice during the hardest of 
economic times.
  Wayne's generosity and commitment extends beyond his professional 
contributions. Serving in the U.S. Air Force for 12 years, Wayne 
dedicated over a decade of his life to protecting the fundamental 
freedoms we so often take for granted. As a member of the Easter Seals 
Board of Directors, Wayne has given his time and energy to improving 
the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens. Throughout his life, 
Wayne has demonstrated a unique commitment to public service and to 
improving our community.
  I would like to extend my deepest thanks and sincere appreciation to 
Wayne for his many years of service of working families throughout 
Connecticut. I am proud to stand today and join his wife, Judy; Sons, 
Glenn, Garry, and Gregg; family friends; and colleagues in saluting my 
dear friend, Wayne Gyenizs as he celebrates his retirement. My best 
wishes for many more years of health and happiness.

                          ____________________