[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MR. ERNIE DILLON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 7, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
congratulate one of the most selfless and caring citizens of the First 
Congressional District of Indiana, Mr. Ernie Dillon. Ernie has 
dedicated his life to serving the people of Northwest Indiana. His 
career as a public servant has allowed him the opportunity to touch the 
lives of numerous people. In honor of his faithful service to his alma 
mater, Hammond Tech High School, Ernie will be recognized by the 
Hammond Tech Appreciation Society for his dedication to their mission 
at a recognition dinner on September 12, 2004 at Dynasty Banquets in 
Hammond, Indiana.
  Ernie Dillon has held many offices and positions throughout his 
career as a public servant. He is currently the Director of the Lake 
County Department of Veterans Affairs Service Office and Chairman of 
the Hammond Port Authority. Prior to that, he was elected Councilman-
at-Large for the City of Hammond. While on the Council, Ernie served as 
Vice-President and Chairman of the Finance Committee, overseeing a 
budget of $95 million. Ernie has also served the City of Hammond as 
Commissioner of the Board of Zoning Appeals.
  Along with the countless hours of dedication that Ernie has provided 
to the people of Northwest Indiana, he has also been involved with many 
organizations in the community. Ernie has been a longtime member and 
past Commander of American Legion Victory Post #168, and he is 
currently serving a second term as Vice Chairman for the State of 
Indiana Veterans Homeless Committee. Ernie has also been a committed 
member of the Calumet College Alumni Association, the Hammond Central 
Lions Club, the Hammond Elks, the Hammond Jaycees, the Hammond Kiwanis 
Club, the Hammond Moose Club, and he has also been a member of the 
T.K.E. Fraternity.
  I have known Ernie for many years and I can truly say that he is a 
dedicated, distinguished and committed citizen. Through his loyal 
service to his community, Ernie has been responsible for the 
development of numerous programs and activities, which have become 
sources of pride for the people he has served. As a dedicated member of 
the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, 
Ernie was instrumental in designing and bringing the Indiana Welcome 
Center to Hammond, Indiana. Ernie's foresight also enabled him to found 
the City of Hammond's first city festival, Octoberfest, in 1979. This 
later became the Augustfest and is now known as the Festival of the 
Lakes. This festival continues to provide entertainment to residents 
and visitors of Hammond.
  While Ernie has dedicated a considerable amount of time and energy to 
his community, he has never limited the time he gives to his most 
important interest, his family. Ernie and his wife Margie have four 
children, Steven, Lori, Elizabeth, and Kathleen. They are also the 
proud grandparents of Elija, Korey, and Faith.
  Mr. Speaker, Ernie has given his time and efforts selflessly to the 
people of Lake County throughout his years of service. He has taught 
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. Ernie Dillon for his 
outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. I 
am proud to commend him for his lifetime of service and dedication.

                          ____________________