[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 174 (Friday, December 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL CLIFFT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2001

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute 
to an outstanding citizen of Indiana's First Congressional District, 
Michael Clifft. On November 30, 2001, Michael, along with his family 
and friends, celebrated his retirement from the International 
Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local Union 374 after more than 35 years of 
dedicated service.
  We in Northwest Indiana applaud Mr. Clifft's achievements thus far. 
At the young age of 23, he was initiated into the International 
Brotherhood of Boilermakers, an event that marked his entry into a 
productive career in this field. A native Oklahoman, he joined our 
community in 1968 when he was transferred to Local 374 in Hammond, 
Indiana. His sense of dedication and professionalism that was formed in 
the Heartland came to fruition in Northwest Indiana with his many 
positive contributions in our community. We often seek in traditions a 
reflection of American ideals: reliability, loyalty, and an unwavering 
commitment to a strong work ethic. The Clifft family yields to us all 
an example of uncompromising dedication to this ethic--his father 
before him and his daughter after him are both distinguished 
Boilermakers. Mr. Clifft has provided the constituents of the First 
Congressional District with a positive standard after which they can 
model themselves.
  As a testament to his dedication to the International Brotherhood of 
Boilermakers, Mr. Clifft was appointed to the position of Assistant 
Business Manager of Local 374 in 1995. For the six years he served in 
this position, he represented Local 374 with the same integrity that he 
has devoted to his career, his family, and his friends.
  With his induction into the International Brotherhood of 
Boilermakers, Mr. Clifft became a member of a family of professionals 
that spans the globe. His efforts to serve his international brothers 
and sisters to the best of his abilities are the reasons we honor him 
today. Yet these obligations do not curtail his involvement with those 
who have supported him in these endeavors. The Clifft family should 
also receive some of the praise offered today. His wife, his five 
children, and his ten grandchildren have selflessly shared this man 
with our community and they are also deserving of our gratitude.
  On this special day, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Michael 
Clifft. His large circle of family and friends can be proud of the 
contributions this prominent individual has made. His work in the labor 
movement provided union workers in Northwest Indiana opportunities that 
might have remained undiscovered. Mr. Clifft's contributions kept the 
labor force strong and his loyalty and sincerity embody all that is 
admirable in America's workforce. I sincerely wish Michael Clifft a 
long, happy, and productive retirement.

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