[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 100 (Monday, July 19, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING MR. JEROME W. WATSON ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that 
I congratulate Mr. Jerome W. Watson on his retirement from United 
Steelworkers of America Local Union 1066. Jerome has spent nearly 35 
years dedicating his life to the interests of Local Union 1066 as well 
as his community in Northwest Indiana. His career at Local 1066 has 
allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of numerous people.
  Jerome Watson has accomplished many visionary goals throughout his 
career. Before joining Local 1066, Jerome admirably served in the 
United States Army during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge 
in 1969. He began his career at Local 1066 as a Grievance Committeeman 
in 1976. After being hired by United States Steel as a Motor Inspector 
Expanded, Jerome faithfully served Local 1066 on the Classification 
Committee, By-Law Committee, Institute for Career Development Local 
Joint Committee, Legislative Committee, and as Editor/Chair of the 
Banner Newspaper Committee. He was Grievance Chairman of Local 1066 
from 1985-1991 and again in 1996-2003, and he served as the President 
from 2003-2004.
  Not only has Jerome Watson had many positive accomplishments 
throughout his career at Local 1066, he has also actively contributed 
to his community through participation in various programs aimed at 
improving opportunities for the people of Northwest Indiana. Jerome 
participated in the successful negotiations that resulted in the Ivy 
Tech/United States Steel craft articulation agreement, which allowed 
graduated apprentices and trainees to obtain Associates Degrees through 
credit allowed for previous relevant training and additional Ivy Tech 
core classes. Along with his many other accomplishments, Jerome has 
received numerous awards and certificates, including the Q1 award for 
Union Involvement from Ford Motor Company, the Labor award from the A. 
Phillip Randolph Institute. He was honored with the awards of merit for 
Local Union 1066 Banner Newspaper for best local union coverage, best 
regular column, and best U.S.X. 1986 ``lockout coverage.'' Jerome 
received certificates of approval from the U.S. Department of Labor, 
Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and the Ivy Tech State College 
program of Electrical and Mechanical Degree Program.
  Jerome has demonstrated his loyalty by his outstanding service to 
Local 1066 and his community through his hard work and self-sacrifice. 
Although Jerome has served on numerous Committees and has dedicated his 
time to Local 1066, he has never neglected to provide support and love 
to his family. Jerome and his wife Linda have one son, Jerome Jr., and 
a daughter, Tina.
  Mr. Speaker, Jerome Watson has given his time and efforts selflessly 
to the people of Northwest Indiana throughout his years of service. He 
has taught every member of Local 1066 the true meaning of service to 
all members of the Northwest Indiana community. I respectfully ask that 
you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. 
Jerome Watson for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First 
Congressional District. I am proud to commend him for his lifetime of 
service and dedication.

                          ____________________