[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 75 (Friday, April 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF HELEN BANDYKE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 30, 2021

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Helen Bandyke 
of Dearborn on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her contributions to 
our community as a Rosie the Riveter are worthy of commendation.
  Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 29, 1921, Mrs. Bandyke attended 
Cass Technical High School, but moved to Dearborn in 1952 with her 
young family to be closer to her sister May. During World War II she 
worked at the Chrysler DeSoto factory building warplanes while her 
husband Ted served in the war.
  Mrs. Bandyke recalls being told by her supervisors to ``slow down'' 
as she was working too fast for the production line. To this day she 
objects to the request because she was determined to singlehandedly win 
the war and bring her husband home. Beyond her efficient riveting of 
the plane wings, she frequently gave blood at the Red Cross. As a Rosie 
the Riveter, Helen's hard work, grit, and patriotism not only sustained 
the American war effort, but paved a path for the next generation of 
working women. After her time on the factory floor ended, she worked as 
an optician until the age of 81.
  An active member of her church, St. Anselm's Parish in Dearborn 
Heights, Mr. and Mrs. Bandyke served as chaperones for the teen club. 
She is known for being a friendly face at the Arab American Museum and 
Wayne County Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 
where she served as a volunteer. Her lifelong commitment to service 
reminds us all of the impact that the Rosies have had on our state and 
nation.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
Helen Bandyke on her 100th birthday. I join with her family--including 
her three children Sylvia, Mary, and Martin--and friends in extending 
my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day. I am proud to 
honor her life, her accomplishments, and her invaluable contributions 
to our nation.