[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 60 (Monday, April 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E739-E740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MRS. CINDY CARLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
before you today to honor Mrs. Cindy Carlson upon her retirement from 
her position as Secretary for Sub-District 5, District 7 of the United 
Steelworkers. I have known Cindy for many years, and she is one of the 
most involved citizens I have ever known, especially when it comes to 
her service to the United Steelworkers. Cindy has been a member of the 
staff at District 7 for an astonishing 31 years, and her contributions 
to the organization are immeasurable. For her efforts and many 
contributions to Sub-District 5,

[[Page E740]]

District 7 and the United Steelworkers, there will be a retirement 
celebration in Cindy's honor on Friday, April 20, 2007, at Andorra 
Banquets in Schererville, Indiana.
  Cindy Carlson was born and raised in Saint John, Indiana. She began 
her career with the United Steelworkers of America in 1976 as Staff 
Secretary in what was then Sub-District 2 of District 31. From there, 
Cindy moved up to become the Secretary for the SubDistrict 2 Director, 
a position she held from 1981-1988. Then in 1988, recognizing Cindy's 
skills and abilities, Director Jack Parton assigned Cindy to the 
position of Secretary for the Assistant Director and the Civil Rights/
Safety and Health Coordinator. Though these new responsibilities would 
have been enough for most people, Cindy also took on the position of 
Secretary for the District 31 Steelworkers Organization of Active 
Retirees (SOAR). From there, Cindy went on to become Executive 
Secretary to the Director of District 31 in 1995. After redistricting 
took place in 1996, and District 31 changed to District 7, Cindy was 
reassigned to the Organizing Department. During this time, her 
experience and expertise was fully utilized, as she served in many 
secretarial capacities with District 7. Finally, in 2004, Cindy was 
awarded the position of SubDistrict 5 Secretary, which she held until 
her retirement on March 1, 2007. During this time, she also served as 
Secretary for the District 7 Women of Steel and for the Contracting-Out 
Coordinator, Mike Mezo.
  In addition to the impressive career Cindy has had with District 7, 
she has also served as a dedicated member of the International United 
Steelworkers Clerical Union, Local 3657, where she once again utilized 
her many talents as a member of several committees. Cindy's knowledge 
of the Union and her field, along with her complete commitment to 
improving conditions for the steelworkers in her district, has made her 
one of the most well-respected individuals the First Congressional 
District has produced. While she will remain in contact with those with 
whom she has worked, her daily presence will surely be missed by all of 
her colleagues.
  Now retired, Cindy is committed to spending her time with those 
closest to her, her family. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, 
Cindy's commitment to the United Steelworkers and its members is 
surpassed only by her dedication to her family. Cindy and her husband, 
Lyle, remain in Northwest Indiana. They have been blessed with one 
daughter, Heather, and her husband Chad, as well as Cindy's loving 
grandson, Alex, whom she truly adores. While Cindy will be enjoying her 
retirement with them, and with her mother, Ellen Hogan, there is no 
doubt that Cindy will remain committed to several organizations, 
including the Tri-Town Labor/Democratic Organization, which she founded 
in 2005, the Saint John Junior Women's Club, the VFW Post 717 Ladies' 
Auxiliary, and of course, SOAR.
  Madam Speaker, Cindy Carlson has given her time and efforts 
selflessly to the members of the United Steelworkers for the past 31 
years. At this time, I ask that you and all of my distinguished 
colleagues join me in wishing her the best upon her retirement and 
commending her for her lifetime of service and dedication.

                          ____________________