[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 38 (Monday, March 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOHN VAN GELS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. W. TODD AKIN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2011

  Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Van Gels of 
Boeing Defense, Space & Security. John will be retiring this month 
after nearly 50 years serving in various positions in the aerospace and 
defense industry in St. Louis and southern California.
  John Van Gels is the quintessential American story. In 1963, when he 
first joined the McDonnell Aircraft Company in St. Louis he took a job 
as an hourly employee making $2.13. Over the years he did his job, 
worked hard and was rewarded with increased responsibility on the shop 
floor--holding positions as assistant foreman, foreman, and general 
foreman on numerous programs.
  In 1981, John exchanged his blue collar for a white one and was named 
Production Manager for McDonnell's Tomahawk cruise missile program. 
Five years later he was named the Director of Production for the 
Tomahawk and in 1989 was named vice president of Production Centers--
Missile Company.
  Most folks would consider nearly 30 years with one company a great 
career, but not John Van Gels. In 1990, John accepted the position of 
vice president of Product Center Operations at Douglas Aircraft Company 
in Long Beach, California. There he oversaw production of the MD-80, 
MD-90, MD-11 and Trunkliner programs.
  In 1997, he returned to St. Louis to assume the position of VP/GM 
Production Operations and General Services for McDonnell Douglas 
Aerospace. He will finish his career as Senior Site Executive for 
Boeing Defense, Space & Security--responsible for the day-to-day St. 
Louis operations.
  While his career took him from the floor to the executive office 
building, John never forgot his time on the floor or the value of the 
men and women who produce the world's most capable military and 
commercial aircraft. Throughout his career, John was actively involved 
in labor negotiations, helping more than once to bridge the gap between 
blue collar and white.
  I've had the pleasure of meeting John on more than one occasion 
during my time in Congress. His knowledge and dedication to ``team'' 
have been a help to both myself and my staff. You don't ``replace'' a 
man with the knowledge, experience and character of John Van Gels, you 
simply adapt, move on and hope to honor his commitment to the industry 
he poured his professional life into.
  Thank you, John. I wish you God's speed and blessing in your 
retirement.

                          ____________________