[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 134 (Tuesday, September 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1864-E1865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE NORTHWEST INDIANA FEDERATION OF LABOR AFL-CIO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, It is my distinct honor to congratuate 
some of the most devoted and proficient workers in northwest Indiana. 
The Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor AFL-CIO will recognize 
several individuals for their dedication during the 33rd Annual 
Community Awards reception to be held at the Duneland Falls Banquet 
Center in Chesterton, Indiana, on Friday, September 21, 2007. These 
individuals, in addition to the other Northwest Indiana Federation of 
Labor members who have served northwest Indiana so diligently for such 
a long period of time, are the epitome of the ideal American worker: 
loyal, dedicated, and hardworking.
  At this year's event, several individuals will receive special 
recognition. The Honorable Duane Cheney, our distinguished State 
representative who recently retired, is this year's recipient of the 
President's Award. Mr. Cheney is being honored for his many years of 
service and his many contributions to the well-being of workers 
throughout northwest Indiana.
  Mrs. Cindy Carlson, retired secretary of Sub-District 5 of District 7 
for the United Steelworkers and member of Local Union #3657, will 
receive the Service to Labor Award for assisting organized labor to 
improve the quality of life for workers in northwest Indiana.
  As selected by the executive board, Mr. Rudy Sutton, president of 
R.V. Sutton, Inc., will be presented with this year's Union Label Award 
for his unselfish devotion to the labor movement through all the 
endeavors of his company.
  Mr. Jeremy Rivas of Bricklayers Local #4 will accept the Community 
Service Award for exemplary service to the community and the 
enhancement of the quality of life for all.
  Mr. Joseph Kasper of Boilermakers #374 will receive the George Meany 
Scout Award, an honor bestowed upon him by the Boy Scouts of America.
  In memoriam, the late Jim Hornak, retiree of Carpenters Local # 1046, 
will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The exceptional 
service he so generously provided to the community deserves our 
admiration and respect. His dedication and commitment to his community 
is representative of the values we cherish in northwest Indiana.
  For the 2007 Business Sector Awards, Mr. Dan Sajikowski, business 
unit leader at the BP Refinery in Whiting, Indiana, is this year's 
recipient of the President's Award. The years of hard work he has put 
forth are a true inspiration to all. Mr. Rex Mudge, vice president of 
human resources for Strack & Van Til, is this year's recipient of the 
Retail/Wholesale Sector Award, and Arcelor Mittal USA, will be 
recognized with the Building Trades Sector Award. Another of our 
distinguished State representatives, the Honorable Charlie Brown, will 
be honored with this year's Service Sector Award, and Mr. Mark Oprisko, 
councilman for the city of Portage, will be honored with the Industrial 
Sector Award. Finally, Mr. Bill Kelly, president of the East Chicago 
Federation of Teachers #511, will be recognized for his efforts with 
the Public Employees Sector Award.
  Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its 
craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. These individuals are all 
outstanding examples of these qualities. They have demonstrated their 
loyalty to both the union and the community through their hard work and 
self-sacrifice.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in congratulating these dedicated, honorable, and exemplary

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citizens, in addition to all of the hardworking union men and women in 
America. They have shown commitment and courage toward their pursuits, 
and I am proud to represent them in Washington, DC.

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