[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 129 (Wednesday, November 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN SILHAVY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that 
I stand before you today to recognize the many accomplishments of Mr. 
John Silhavy. I have known John for many years, and he is one of the 
most involved citizens I have ever known, especially when it comes to 
his service to the International Association of Machinists and 
Aerospace Workers (IAM & AW). John has been a member of the IAM & AW 
for an astounding 45 years, and his contributions to the organization 
are immeasurable. Though John has been a constant fixture within the 
organization, he will be retiring from the IAM & AW at year's end. For 
his efforts and many contributions to the union, John will be honored 
at a retirement celebration on Saturday, December 9, 2006, at the IAM & 
AW Local Lodge 1227 in Valparaiso, Indiana.
  John Silhavy was born in Valparniso, Indiana in 1943 and grew up on a 
farm with his two brothers and two sisters. After graduating from the 
Valparaiso. School System in 1961, he joined the IAM while working for 
McGill Manufacturing. John's service as an elected member of the union 
began in 1965, when he was elected Union Steward in the external 
grinding department. From there, John's dedication to the union and its 
members continued as he was elected Vice President of Local Lodge 1227 
in 1969. With John's commitment to serve, it is only fitting that in 
1971, John was elected President of Local Lodge 1227, a position he 
would hold for an astonishing 23 years. Equally impressive, John also 
served as a member of the Bargaining Committee from 1970 to 1994.
  Aside from his service to the local lodge, John also held many posts 
with District Lodge 72, a further demonstration of his commitment to 
the union and its membership. From 1976 to 1994, John served as a 
Delegate of the Lodge. The respect and trust the union's members have 
for John has never been questioned, and evidence of this can clearly be 
seen in the fact that John also was elected to serve as Trustee, Vice-
President, and of course, President of District Lodge 72. John held 
this distinguished position until 1994, when he was elected to the 
position of Business Representative for District Lodge 90. Since then, 
John's service has continued, and in 1999, he was elected to his 
current position, Directing Business Representative for District Lodge 
90, a post he will vacate through his retirement on December 31, 2006. 
Also important to note, in 1996, John served on the IAM Blue Ribbon 
Commission, which was established with the goal of finding ways to 
improve the IAM on a national level. John's knowledge of the union and 
his field, along with his willingness to serve, has made him one of the 
most well-respected individuals the union has ever seen. His daily 
presence will surely be missed.
  When not engaged within the union, John spends his spare time with 
those closest to him, his family. A loving husband, father, and 
grandfather, John's commitment to the union and its members is 
surpassed only by his dedication to his family. John and his wife, 
Carolyn, have shared many wonderful years together. They have been 
blessed with two daughters, Tina and Tammy, and John's stepsons, Robert 
and James. John and Carolyn are also the proud grandparents of James, 
Jason, Joel, and Jordan.
  Mr. Speaker, John Silhavy has given his time and efforts selflessly 
to the members of the International Association of Machinists and 
Aerospace Workers for the past 45 years. At this time, I ask that you 
and all of my distinguished colleagues join me in commending him for 
his lifetime of service and dedication.

                          ____________________