[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 4 (Friday, January 23, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E41-E42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING RUBEN BURKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 23, 2004

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of my 
hometown of Flint, MI, to honor a great man, Mr. Ruben Burks for his 
indefatigable service as past UAW Region 1C Secretary-Treasurer. On 
Thursday, February 19, 2004 the community will honor Mr. Ruben Burks 
during a special dinner to be held at the Mott Community College Prahl 
Center ballroom, also located in my hometown of Flint, MI.
  Ruben Burks was born August 23, 1933 in Louisiana. He relocated to 
Flint, MI in 1955, and gained employment with General Motors 
Corporation (GM) Fisher Body Plant 2 as an assembler. He also became a 
member of the UAW Local 598, during that same year. As a member of 
Local 598, Ruben held several leadership positions, such as shop 
committeeperson, alternate committeeperson, and executive board member. 
In 1970, former UAW President Walter Reuther appointed Ruben to the 
International Union staff in Region 1C. Region 1C serves UAW members of 
GM, independents, parts and supplier plants in 11 counties in south-
central Michigan. In 1983 Ruben became the Assistance Director of 
Region 1C and remained in that position until 1989 when he was elected 
to the office of Regional Director, where he served a total of three 
terms. On June 24, 1998, Ruben was elected to the Union's second-
highest office, Secretary-Treasurer of the UAW. Ruben maintained this 
position until retirement in 2002. During his tenure, Ruben was a 
strong leader in promoting economic development, he worked diligently 
to attract and keep good jobs in the Flint community. He was 
instrumental in the UAW-GM community health care initiative in Flint, 
which helped to improve the quality and accessibility of health care 
while at the same time making the health delivery system more cost 
efficient. Ruben has advocated over the years for the working family to 
ensure that their voices were heard among politicians and business 
leaders.

[[Page E42]]

  Ruben Burks is currently actively involved in a host of civic, 
charitable, and youth organizations within his community. In 1997 Mott 
Community College awarded Ruben with an honorary degree in Community 
Development in recognition and appreciation for his contributions to 
the Flint Community. Aside from being an outstanding leader and role 
model, Ruben Burks is also the devoted father of 7 children and 
grandfather of 10 grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, this community, indeed this world, is better because of 
Ruben Burks. Ruben Burks has been a positive influence on me. I am a 
better Congressman, a better person because of the example and 
influence of Ruben Burks.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 
108th Congress to please join me in honoring my constituent and dear 
friend Ruben Burks for his outstanding contributions to the Flint 
community and the State of Michigan.

                          ____________________