[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RICHARD SHOEMAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2006

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my dear friend 
Richard ``Dick'' Shoemaker on the occasion of his retirement as the 
vice-president of the United Auto Workers after 49 distinguished and 
exemplary years of service.
  Born in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Dick joined UAW Local 865 in 1957 
at the age of 18. By the time he was 27, he was elected the youngest 
president of that local in its history. This rapid ascent in leadership 
would continue throughout his life. In 1969 he was appointed as an 
International Representative and in 1982 he was named as the 
Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of the UAW. Through a 
course of many other prestigious promotions, Dick eventually rose to 
become a Vice President himself.
  A constant champion of working America for nearly half a century, 
Dick's successful negotiations with companies including Ford, 
DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Mazda, Toyota and Mitsubishi created 
opportunities and advancements for tens of thousands of workers. His 
inspiring work shows remarkable results such as record raises in wages, 
job security, and a measure which ensures that employment at GM and its 
suppliers remains at healthy levels. The members of the UAW and their 
families, are fortunate to have prospered under his strong and 
courageous leadership.
  In addition to tirelessly advancing the rights of the working-class, 
Dick is also a member of the Michigan Democratic Party, the ACLU, and a 
lifetime member of the NAACP. His activity in the community and state 
extends even further as he serves on the boards of the Metropolitan 
Detroit AFL-CIO and Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Michigan.
  Dick once said that those in the labor movement ``have [their] 
walking shoes on every day.'' Mr. Speaker, I would ask you to join me 
and all of my colleagues as we congratulate Dick Shoemaker on 
phenomenal career and wish him a happy retirement with his children, 
grandchildren, and his wife Mary. Even In retirement, I know that Dick 
will never take off his well-worn walking shoes.

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