[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 33 (Thursday, February 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E277-E278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS B. BURGELIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2008

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today and 
invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Louis B. Burgelin, of 
Vallejo, California, for his many accomplishments and contributions to 
our community. Louis has provided remarkable leadership to countless 
organizations during his lifetime and the good citizens of our 
community have been the beneficiaries.
  Louis Brosnahan Burgelin was born in Vallejo, California, on January 
20, 1916, to Otto and Frances Burgelin. One of three children, Lou 
started his education at St. Vincent's Elementary School at the tender 
age of 4. During his years at Vallejo High School he studied hard but 
also spent a good deal of time playing football and tennis and 
perfecting his ability as a track sprinter. Following his high school 
graduation in 1932, Lou entered UC Berkeley for 2 years of study before 
transferring to the Mare Island Naval Shipyard Apprentice School. Lou 
graduated as a Marine Machinist and began an illustrious career. 
Quickly rising to management positions, Lou's leadership was 
instrumental in the success of several of our country's shipyards. At 
Hunter's Point in San Francisco, Lou served as both Head Progressman, 
and Labor Relations Superintendent. During his time at Mare Island in 
Vallejo, he served as Chief Progressman, Workload and Scheduling 
Manager, as well as the Production Equipment and Construction Manager. 
At Norfolk Naval Shipyard Lou was the Production Control Manager.
  After retiring from the Federal Service in 1972, Lou served for 19 
years as the Executive Secretary of the Armed Services Committee of the 
Vallejo Chamber of Commerce. He participated in the acquisition of more 
than $200 million in project authorizations for Mare Island. He was 
also instrumental in maintaining the dredging operations so necessary 
for shipyard operations.
  Over the years, Lou Burgelin has also donated his time and talent to 
countless professional and community organizations. He is a Charter 
member of the Naval Civilian Manager's Association and served as both 
local and national President. He also served as President of the Navy 
Yard Association of Mare Island and the Council of Naval Employee 
Groups, representing all of the employees of the West Coast Naval 
Shipyards. He has been elected National Vice President of the 
Retirement Federation of Civil Service Employees, the first Chairman of 
the Combined Federal Campaign for Napa and Solano Counties, the first 
Chairman of the Vallejo Senior Citizens Council and the President of 
the Vallejo-Napa United Way. Lou has served as President of the Vallejo 
Chapter 16 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees 
Association (NARFE) and he is a long-standing member of the Vallejo 
Salvation Army.

[[Page E278]]

Among his many civic activities, Lou is an active member of the Vallejo 
Elks Club having served as Exalted Ruler, a National Officer, and as 
the Elks National Ritual Judge, has served as Foreman of the Solano 
Grand Jury and is one of the founders of the Vallejo Naval and 
Historical Museum.
  Lou has received a Public Service Medal from the Navy's Chief of 
Naval Operations, the prestigious ``Others'' designation from the 
Salvation Army, and the Man of the Year award presented by the Vallejo 
Chamber of Commerce.
  And it pleases me to report that Lou Burgelin is still active in the 
community. He serves on the Vallejo Council of the Navy League, he's 
Secretary of the Tobacco Fund Advisory Board for Solano County, 
Tresurer for the Salvation Army, volunteers at St. Vincent's Church, 
Past Big SIR and Chaplain for Branch 88 and he is National Legislative 
Chair for Vallejo NARFE. Lou has been happily married to Betty 
Greenwell Bergelin for almost 69 years. They have three children, three 
grandchildren and five great-grand children.
  Madam Speaker, recognition of Mr. Burgelin's devotion to his family, 
his community, and his country, it is my honor to recognize him today.

                          ____________________