[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RICHARD MICKA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my dear 
friend, Richard ``Dick'' Micka, on the occasion of his retirement from 
La-Z-Boy Corporation after 36 years of distinguished service.
  A longtime Monroe County, Michigan resident, Dick graduated from 
Monroe Catholic Central High School in 1956. He then earned a 
bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Detroit in 1960. 
That same year, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air 
Force. For nearly three of his seven years in the military, Dick served 
at Okinawa. He became a captain with the Medical Service Corps.
  Dick began his career with La-Z-Boy's Monroe Headquarters in 1968 as 
Factory Payroll Supervisor. In 1970, he moved to inventory control, and 
then to the production-planning department in 1971. He was special 
projects manager from 1974 to 1979, working closely with the Fabric 
Processing Center. In this position, he was among the first to witness 
the company's computer-controlled system in Monroe, Michigan command a 
South Carolina factory machine to mechanically choose and pick up a 
fabric roll from the thousands on hand. In 1979, Dick was promoted to 
his current position. As Vice President of Administration, Dick has 
dealt with the assets, patents, trademarks, and administrative 
functions of La-Z-Boy, but he is certainly best known for his service 
as La-Z-Boy's community and civic affairs director.
  Dick has faithfully served many community organizations, including 
the Monroe County Historical Commission, the United Way of Monroe 
County, and the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce.
  He is also a noted conservationist. The Michigan United Conservation 
Club honored him with their Conservationist of the Year award in June 
1974 for his efforts to save the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in 
Monroe County, Michigan. He is still very actively involved in efforts 
to restore Lake Erie wetlands, clean the lake of environmental 
contamination and restore native habitats and species.
  As Dick enters his retirement years, I would ask that my colleagues 
rise and join with me to wish him and his wife, Jeanne, a very happy, 
healthy, and relaxing future. I would also like to thank him for his 
dedicated service both to La-Z-Boy and the Monroe Community.

                          ____________________