[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 116 (Friday, September 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S8617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING WALTER J. SCHRAMM THE OUTSTANDING OLDER WORKER OF SOUTH DAKOTA 
                                FOR 2001

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to publicly commend Walter 
Schramm, a resident of Winner, SD, on his selection as last year's 
Outstanding Older Worker of South Dakota.
  The Outstanding Older Worker award is sponsored by Experience Works a 
national, nonprofit organization that provides training and employment 
services for mature workers. Walter will be honored in Washington, 
D.C., September 17-21, at the annual Experience Works Prime Time Awards 
Program. He will join 51 other outstanding older workers representing 
each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Due to the 
tragic incidents of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent cancellation 
of the Experience Works Prime Time Awards Program, Walter will be 
recognized at this year's event.
  After serving in the Pacific theater in World War II as a Marine Air 
Corps pilot, Walter returned to the United States to complete his 
military service and start a career. With little money, and no retail 
experience, he opened the Schramm Furniture store in Winner. His lack 
of business knowledge and experience was overcome by his tremendous 
work ethic and strong sense of community. Walter's hard work and 
dedication over the years have helped him succeed and grow as a small 
business owner, and today, his two sons, Jeff and Tom, share the 
business with their father.
  For the past 56 years Walter has been the owner/president of Schramm 
Furniture, Inc. At age 85, he continues to work six days a week, nine 
hours a day. Walter opened his business with the motto: ``Provide good 
service to the customer and they will come back.'' Though times have 
changed, Walter's motto has remained the same, and today, just as 56 
years ago, customers continue to return to Schramm Furniture for its 
reliable customer service.
  Walter's tremendous contributions to the community, and civic/
business leadership have set him apart from other outstanding senior 
workers. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary 
International, Trinity Lutheran Church, the SD Retailers Association, 
the Winner Athletic Association, and a lifetime member of the American 
Legion and VFW.
  This prestigious honor is a reflection of his extraordinary service 
and commitment to the Winner community. Through his outstanding 
community involvement and dedication to service, the lives of countless 
South Dakotans have been enormously enhanced. His wonderful example 
serves as a model for other hard working and dedicated individuals 
throughout South Dakota to emulate.
  Walter Schramm is an extraordinary person who richly deserves this 
distinguished recognition. I strongly commend his years of hard work 
and dedication, and I am very pleased that his substantial efforts are 
being publicly honored and celebrated. It is with great honor that I 
share his impressive accomplishments with my colleagues.

                          ____________________