[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 127 (Friday, August 3, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING EMMETT SHEPPARD ON HIS RETIREMENT AND CAREER OF SERVICE TO 
                            WORKING FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2007

  Mr. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a lifelong friend 
of working men and women, Emmett Sheppard, who has given decades of his 
life in service to the Labor movement. Emmett is retiring as President 
of the Texas AFL-CIO, but his work on behalf of working people in the 
Lone Star State will be felt for many years to come.
  Emmett has worn many hats over the years. He served as a City Council 
Member and Mayor Pro Tem in his hometown of Groves, Texas. Emmett 
worked for the Gulf Oil Corporation, and in this capacity, he took on 
various responsibilities for his union, the Oil, Chemical and Atomic 
Workers Local 4-23.
  In 1982, Emmett was elected President of the Sabine Area Central 
Labor Council, which includes a large portion of Southeast Texas. In 
1989, Emmett went to work for the Texas AFL-CIO as its legislative 
director, where he worked hard for the interests of working men and 
women at the Texas Capitol.
  In 1993, Emmett was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO. 
In this capacity, Emmett worked tirelessly for workers' rights in 
Texas, traveling the state and listening and responding to the needs of 
working men and women.
  In 2003, the Texas AFL-CIO recognized Emmett's leadership and 
dedication by unanimously electing him President of the 220,000 member 
organization. As President, Emmett has been an effective leader and 
tenacious advocate for the rights of all Texas workers.
  Emmett has also served on the executive board of the Workers' 
Assistance Program, which assists workers with a variety of problems, 
and on the executive advisory board of Project SAFE Texas.
  If I had to say what the secret of Emmett's success all these years 
has been, I would have to say that it comes down to one word: respect. 
Emmett respects others, and treats them accordingly. That is one of 
many reasons I am honored to call him my friend.
  As Emmett retires, he can look forward to spending more time with his 
wife, Kathy, their two daughters and a granddaughter, who I understand 
Emmett is fond of spoiling.
  Emmett, on behalf of myself and the Texas Democratic Congressional 
Delegation, we thank you for your service and most importantly, I thank 
you for your friendship. Enjoy your retirement--you have more than 
earned it, and I wish you all the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________