[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1273-E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING ROBERT HAWKINS ON BEING NAMED DEAN OF THE CENTRAL TEXAS LABOR 
                   COUNCIL AFTER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tueday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Madam Speak, I rise today to honor a lifelong 
friend of working families from my hometown Waco, Texas, Robert 
Hawkins. This week, we celebrate Robert's 50th year of service, and 
congratulate him on being named Dean of the Central Texas Labor 
Council.
  Prior to his appointment to the Council, he served on the State Job 
Training Coordinating Council and has held a number of appointments 
from six Texas Governors. After 30 years of service, Mr. Hawkins 
retired as the Director of Special Programs at Texas State Technical 
College in Waco. During his 30 years at the college, he was 
instrumental in pioneering work in the area of career education and 
economic development training. He is Chair Emeritus of the Central 
Texas Economic Development Council and is Chairman Emeritus of the 
Heart of Texas Economic Development District Board of Directors. He 
serves his community as a member of the Bellmead City Council and has 
served four terms as Mayor.
  Mr. Hawkins is also a proud member of the United Association of 
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529, Texas Academy of Science, and the 
Texas Technical Society. He has served as a member of an Advisory 
Committee for the Texas Department of Health, on a Senate Advisory 
Committee for Vocational-Technical Education, as Vice-Chair of the 
State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, and on the President's 
Council of Youth Opportunity.
  Robert is also a true friend to our troops, veterans, and their 
families. He served in the U.S. Army, the Army National Guard, the 
Texas State Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserves. He retired with 25 years 
of combined military service with the rank of Colonel. Robert was 
attached to the 5th Armored Division, D Battery at Camp Chafee, 
Arkansas, on September 24, 1957, and participated in the pre-dawn 
exercises to secure Central High School in Little Rock in preparation 
for integration of the school. He also taught military courses at the 
National Guard Professional Education Center and for the Department of 
Defense.
  Robert has received numerous awards for military and public service 
and humanitarian activities. Among these are the Distinguished Service 
Award from the Secretary of the Army, the Lone Star Distinguished 
Service Medal and the Clara Barton Medal from the American Red Cross.
  I want to personally thank Robert for his lifetime of service to our 
community. He is an example of someone who has truly made a positive 
difference in the lives of others.

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