[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 45 (Monday, March 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GARY SHEPHERD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 16, 2009

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I would like the House of Representatives 
to join me in congratulating Gary Shepherd as he retires after 33 years 
of service from General Motors and the UAW. A retirement party will be 
held in his honor on March 27th in Saginaw, Michigan.
  A native of Saginaw County, Gary was hired by General Motors in 1976. 
He worked at the Saginaw Steering Gear facility and worked his way from 
the production line to journeyman status as a machine repairman. In 
1985 he was elected an Alternate Committeeman at UAW Local 699. From 
this position he went on to serve as the District Committeeman on the 
Bargaining Committee, as Chairman of the Bargaining Unit for Local 699, 
and Top Negotiator of GM Sub-Council 5. Gary has also served on the CAP 
and Recreation Committee of the Local. Local 699 was featured in a 1999 
Industry Week article entitled, ``A Perfect Union,'' outlining the 
cooperative relationship between the UAW and the auto manufacturer. 
Gary continued his career with the UAW and in 1998 he was appointed as 
a Region 1-D International Representative and as the Skilled Trades 
Representative. He rounded out his career by serving on UAW President 
Ron Gettelfinger's staff as Coordinator for Michigan CAP in Region 1-D.
  In addition to his work on behalf of UAW workers, Gary has worked 
extensively in the community. He is the president of the Saginaw Area 
Fireworks, served as co-chair of the Saginaw County Vision 20/20, and 
on the Boards of Saginaw Future, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works, and 
Saginaw County United Way. He received the Chamber of Commerce 
President's Award for his work. Gary also finds time to be a read 
volunteer and he is a lifelong member of Second Presbyterian Church.
  Gary is the past Chairman of the Saginaw County Democratic Party, a 
member of the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee, was elected 
as a John Kerry delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention and 
was the 2008 Electoral College Delegate for the Michigan 4th 
Congressional District, casting his ballot for President Barack Obama. 
He has 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Gary Shepherd as he 
retires from the UAW and General Motors. I wish him the best as he 
starts this next phase of his life and continued success in his future 
endeavors.

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