[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E20-E21]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING BABY LOU'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 17, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincere 
respect that I congratulate my good friend Mr. Loreto ``Baby Lou'' 
Gonzalez on his retirement from ArcelorMittal, formerly the Inland 
Steel Company. Mr. Gonzalez, a member of United Steelworkers Local 1010 
for many years, has dedicated his life to the interests of his fellow 
tradesmen and the entire community in Northwest Indiana. For his 
lifetime of service, Baby Lou was honored at a retirement celebration 
at Club Ki-Yowga in East Chicago, Indiana, on January 7, 2012.
  Baby Lou is the youngest of seven children born to Loreto and Carlota 
Gonzalez. Following his graduation in 1965 from East Chicago Washington 
High School, Baby Lou began working at Inland Steel in the slab yard. 
After years of service, he eventually moved to the 80'' hot strip where 
he became a crane operator. Mr. Gonzalez has been one of the most 
active members of Steelworkers Local 1010, where he was a grievance 
steward for 30 years.
  Baby Lou's dedication to his community has always been a focal point 
of his life's work. He has helped Local 1010 annually with its food and 
coat drive to assist families in need. Recognizing the importance of 
civic involvement, he has also assisted in voter registration and 
community outreach programs to help improve the lives of all residents 
of Northwest Indiana. Baby Lou Gonzalez has served as a board member 
for the Catherine House and the Northwest Indiana Catholic Youth 
Organization. Additionally, he has spent countless hours coaching and 
developing baseball players in the East Chicago Little League and 
Senior League, worked tirelessly as a precinct committeeman, and is 
currently a member of the Human Rights Committee for East Chicago.

[[Page E21]]

  While my friend has been a dedicated worker for the last 47 years, 
and a steadfast contributor to his community, he has been an even more 
dedicated husband to Irene, father to Louie, Irene, and Kurt, and 
grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Loreto Gonzalez has given his time and efforts 
selflessly to the steelworkers with whom he has worked and to the 
people of Northwest Indiana for his entire life. 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 Baby Lou for his outstanding contributions to Northwest 
Indiana and in wishing him well upon his retirement.

                          ____________________