[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 153 (Thursday, November 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING ROBERT B. (R.B.) EHLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK R. KENNEDY

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2005

  Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention 
to the accomplishments of a great man and a great Minnesotan, Robert B. 
Ehlen, on the anniversary of his 100th birthday.
  R.B. Ehlen was a true pillar of his community. As a leader in 
business as well as local politics, R.B. was a real example of the 
values held dear by Minnesotans--hard work, perseverance, and 
dedication.
  R.B. Ehlen began his work experience when he was five years old--
running errands for local merchants, setting pins in a bowling alley, 
and other odd jobs. When he was sixteen, he was hired on at the Federal 
Cartridge Corporation (FCC), working as a mail boy and lawn raker. He 
was an enthusiastic employee--working at least ten-hour days, for 22\1/
2\ cents an hour.
  From this beginning, R.B. moved up quickly at FCC--working in all 
stages of production, and eventually becoming plant manager. At this 
time, R.B.'s employees began to recognize his knack for working with 
people, and they organized a write-in campaign to elect him to the 
local school board. He won the election, and his lifelong interest in 
public service was born, culminating in a 12-year term as mayor of 
Anoka.
  R.B. continued to move up the ranks at FCC, drawing praise from 
coworkers and onlookers for his fair treatment of his workers and his 
general compassion for all people. At the time of his retirement, R.B., 
then the Chairman of the Board of Directors, had served 57 years at 
FCC, which had grown from just a small company to a nationwide industry 
leader under his watch.
  Mr. Speaker, R.B. Ehlen was a true American leader. A successful 
businessman and public servant who worked tirelessly for so many years, 
Ehlen will long be remembered in Anoka and throughout Minnesota as a 
leader and role model for many.

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