[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING CHARLES R. (CHUCK) HUGGINS ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 2002

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Chuck Huggins for the 30 
years of service he has given to the State of Arizona. Chuck will be 
retiring as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Arizona AFL-CIO in May. He 
has served the people of Arizona well and his dedication and 
professionalism will be missed.
  Chuck knows the challenges and rewards of being a working man. He 
started as an Apprentice Electrician in 1964 and soon became a 
Journeyman Electrician in both the mining and construction industries.
  As an active member of Local 518 of the International Brotherhood of 
Electrical Workers, he began showing the skills and instincts necessary 
for leadership. But, in today's world, he knew that hard work was 
sometimes not enough. He realized that education was important, too. So 
he continued to educate himself in accounting and business management 
at Eastern Arizona College and the University of Houston.
  Chuck has pioneered innovative programs to help Arizona's workers be 
better prepared to meet the economic demands of our State. He has 
initiated training initiatives and re-training programs that have 
ensured that union members who have fallen behind due to no fault of 
their own can meet the challenges they may face in new work 
environments. He has served on the Governor's Workforce Development 
Committee, and is an active member of his church.
  Chuck believes the most effective way to build strong communities is 
through the organization of strong individuals. He has led the AFL-CIO 
members through many difficult years, when some believed that Unions 
were dead and they no longer spoke for the average working American. 
Chuck proved all this wrong and has shown his fellow Union members that 
they have a place at the table, they are a force, and they are the 
strength and backbone of our communities and society.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no question that Chuck will be missed by his 
fellow union members and all working people. But, even more, he will be 
missed by the people in Arizona. Chuck kept us honest because he was 
honest. He knew that a hard day's work rendered a hard earned reward. 
He knew that if you paid the price, you moved ahead. And he showed us 
all how to pay the price.
  Chuck, we all wish you health and happiness and give thanks for your 
showing us the way.

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