[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               A TRIBUTE TO MR. WILLIAM ``BILL'' GOODWIN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 2, 2011

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bill Goodwin in 
recognition of his 75th birthday this Wednesday, November 2nd.
  Bill Goodwin served as a page in the United States House of 
Representatives during the 83rd Congress. Sponsored by former Michigan 
Representative George Dondero, he began his time as a bench page in 
January of 1953 at the age of 15 in an effort to support his widowed 
mother and four siblings back home. Bill was quickly moved to work in 
the Democratic Cloakroom where he answered calls, organized the 
transportation of documents and later guarded lobby doors and access to 
the House floor. Additionally, he participated in the page glee club, 
sang for page graduations, and was even asked by members of Congress to 
sing the Lord's Prayer on the Floor while the House was in recess.
  Most notably, Bill can be remembered for his valiant efforts during 
the 1954 Puerto Rican shootings in the House Chamber where he assisted 
in carrying stretchers from the House floor. In a widely popularized 
photograph of the events, he can be recognized carrying a stretcher 
bearing Representative Alvin Bentley down the House steps.
  In 1955, Bill graduated from the Capitol Page School and returned to 
Michigan to finish his studies. He entered Wayne State University as a 
veterinarian student, but left two years later to return home to 
support his family. He worked as a technician at National Cash Register 
for several years, and left the company to begin his own cash register 
business.
  An avid entrepreneur, Bill later delved into the hovercraft business, 
where he secured several patents for the vehicle over the years. Ever 
the businessman, Bill currently operates his own landscaping business 
and enjoys taking part in activities such as hunting, and singing in 
the church choir.
  Bill Goodwin's contributions to his family, the State of Michigan, 
and this House of Representatives have been truly remarkable. On behalf 
of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to 
recognize Bill Goodwin in celebration of his 75th birthday. I hope the 
year to come will bring him health, happiness, and special times with 
family and friends.

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