[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING RICHARD MICHALSKI ON HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2013

  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rich 
Michalski and his long and well-respected career with the International 
Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAMAW.) Throughout 
Rich's career with IAMAW, he has dedicated over forty-five years to the 
machinists, a life-long relationship that began when he joined the 
union himself in 1968 and will culminate with his retirement as the 
General Vice President, a position he has held for the past seven 
years.
   I was first formally introduced to Rich in 1992 by Congressman Jerry 
Kleczka, who has always spoken highly of him and since this time, I too 
have grown to greatly respect and admire Rich and his steadfast 
commitment to IAMAW. Rich was first initiated into IAM Local Lodge 1916 
at General Electric in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1968. He worked as a 
welder, steward, chairman of the bargaining committee, and president. 
From his initial beginnings with the union, Rich was always involved 
with IAMAW's political and legislative priorities. For twelve years he 
was the Democratic committeeman for his precinct and was elected a 
delegate to the 1980 and 1984 Democratic National Conventions. As IAM's 
Director of Legislative and Political Action Department, he partnered 
with AFL-CIO and its affiliates, and Members of Congress to promote 
legislative issues affecting our American laborers and their families. 
Thanks to Rich's most recent efforts as the General Vice President he 
has overseen and managed the IAM headquarters, and he has significantly 
contributed to actions countering the anti-union and anti-labor agenda.
   Throughout my years of knowing Rich, I have truly valued the 
supportive friendship and long professional association that I have 
shared with him. On many occasions, I have relied on his intelligence 
and political acumen, and he has proven to be a trusted voice who has 
taught me a great deal over the course of our friendship. Mr. Speaker, 
please join me in congratulating Rich on his retirement and long career 
as a committed advocate on behalf of our nation's workers, especially 
our machinists. It is with gratitude for these efforts that I join with 
Rich's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my well wishes for 
a much deserved retirement and happy and fulfilling future ahead.

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