[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E532-E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING MR. JAMES ``BUTCH'' BLEVINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 16, 2002

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm 
that I wish to congratulate Mr. James ``Butch'' Blevins for his

[[Page E533]]

thirty-seven years of dedicated service to Ironworkers Local #395 in 
Hammond, Indiana. James will be honored for his strong commitment to 
the Ironworkers at a retirement party to be held on Saturday, April 20, 
2002 at the St. Elijah Serbian-American Hall in Merrillville, Indiana. 
His leadership and desire for excellence in all of his activities have 
made James a popular figure among his fellow members, and his departure 
will be felt throughout the organization.
  Throughout its seventy-eight year history, the devoted members of 
Ironworkers Local #395 have displayed the commitment and work ethic 
that we in Northwest Indiana value so highly. I can remember as a child 
hearing my father, an Ironworker himself, tell us the stories of his 
friends and their experiences together in the workplace. Ironworkers 
are a loyal, hard-working, dedicated group of individuals who strive to 
produce the highest quality product that is possible. James ``Butch'' 
Belvins has exemplified these characteristics for thirty-seven years at 
Local #395.
  During his thirty-seven years as a member of Ironworkers Local #395, 
James served as an elected officer for twenty-one years. He currently 
holds the title of Business Agent, and also serves as the Trustee to 
the Health and Welfare Plan, as well as the Trustee to the Northwestern 
Indiana Building Trades. His active role in these positions has been a 
tremendous asset to his fellow union members as well as to the entire 
Northwest Indiana community. James also served as a Hammond Precinct 
Committeeman and as President of the Hammond Economic Development 
Committee. His personal commitment and dedication to the citizens of 
Indiana's First Congressional district has been outstanding.
  Although he has been a devoted worker and union member, James has 
always put his family first. He, along with his wife, Sally, takes 
great pride in raising their three children, Jim, Chad, and Eric. 
James' retirement will allow him to spend even more time with his loved 
family, something he eagerly awaits.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in congratulating Mr. James ``Butch'' Blevins on his retirement 
after thirty-seven years of faithful and diligent service to 
Ironworkers Local #395 in Hammond, Indiana. James has been a valuable 
member to his union as well as to his community, and his service to 
Northwest Indiana will be greatly missed. I wish him the best of luck 
in his future endeavors, and I hope that he enjoys his retirement for 
many years to come.

                          ____________________