[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 122 (Thursday, July 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           MR. JAMES STRAYER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor 
that I congratulate Mr. James A. Strayer on his retirement from his 
position as the Business Manager for the Northwest Indiana Building and 
Construction Trades Council. Jim, a member of Ironworkers #395 for many 
years, has dedicated his life to the interests of his fellow tradesman 
and the entire community in Northwest Indiana. For his lifetime of 
service to the Ironworkers and the Building Trades Council, Jim will be 
honored at a retirement dinner taking place at Avalon Manor in 
Merrillville, Indiana, on August 1, 2008.
   Jim Strayer has been a member of the Ironworkers #395 for the past 
39 years. During that time, he has held numerous positions. After six 
years as an Ironworker, Jim became an Apprentice Instructor, a position 
that allowed him the opportunity to pass on his immense knowledge to 
some of his younger counterparts. For five years, he fulfilled his 
duties in this capacity with the determination and enthusiasm that 
would foreshadow what was to come in Jim's career. As his commitment to 
leading his union remained, Jim would later be named Business Agent for 
Ironworkers #395. From there, Jim went on to become the President of 
the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council in 1990. 
After six successful years in this capacity, Jim was named Business 
Manager for the Building Trades, the position he has excelled at for 
the past twelve years.
   Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its 
craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. For many years, Jim Strayer 
has displayed this unwavering dedication to the members of the Building 
Trades, and his numerous positions have allowed him the opportunity to 
touch the lives of countless individuals. Not only has Jim served his 
local tradesman, but through his work with the Building Trades, he has 
been a remarkable example of just how much good an organization can do 
for a community. When it comes to serving those in need throughout the 
community, the Building Trades has long been one of Northwest Indiana's 
most generous organizations, as well as one of its greatest assets.
   Although Jim has served the Building Trades and his community with 
complete dedication, it is his commitment to his family that is most 
impressive. Jim and his devoted wife, Pat, have two sons, Doug and 
Andy, and one daughter, Rebecca.
   Madam Speaker, James Strayer has given his time and efforts 
selflessly to the tradesmen he has worked with and represented, as well 
as to the people of Northwest Indiana through the many charitable 
efforts of the Building Trades Council. He has been a true role model 
to his peers and a true friend to Northwest Indiana. I respectfully ask 
that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending 
Jim for his outstanding contributions and in wishing him well upon his 
retirement.

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