[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING JOE IRONSIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2013

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my 
friend Joe Ironside on his retirement as Directing Business Agent for 
District 6 of the Machinists union, which includes Iowa, Illinois and 
Nebraska. Joe has been an influential and important leader for the Iowa 
labor community.
  Joe began his career in 1972 at the old Iowa Steel and Iron Works 
factory in Cedar Rapids. Joe was initiated into the Machinists union in 
March of that year, and wore the badge for 41 years. In 1978, Joe went 
to Rockwell Goss where he was chief steward, committee person and 
committee chairperson. He was later elected Business Representative 
before assuming his current responsibilities. He also served as Vice 
President of the Iowa Federation of Labor.
  Joe's leadership in the labor movement has been felt around the state 
of Iowa and across the country. He has been awarded numerous awards 
over the years including the Gary Ketchum Union Citizen of the Year 
Award. Anyone who knows Joe will tell you that he is a force to be 
reckoned with, and that he will be missed.
  I'm proud to call Joe my constituent and my friend. I congratulate 
him on his successful career and more importantly for the work he has 
done to strengthen the labor movement and expand Iowa's middle class. I 
wish Joe and his wife Debbie all the best in their future plans.

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