[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 64 (Monday, April 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1945
          CONGRATULATING BOB MARTINEZ, JR., ON HIS RETIREMENT

  (Mr. VEASEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, in 1980, Bob Martinez, Jr., stepped foot 
into Local 776 in Fort Worth to help keep our Nation free and safe by 
building some of the best aerospace machinery that the world has ever 
seen.
  During his 8 years as international president of IAM, he brought that 
same dedication, that same effort--all of that achievement that he 
brought from 1980 until he became president of the IAM--with him to the 
job that he took.
  As a U.S. Naval Air veteran, his journey in the labor movement, 
again, began in 1980. Bob went on to become the 14th president of IAM, 
but he was the first Latino to lead this major union.
  Under his leadership, IAM has absolutely thrived and helped make this 
organization the powerhouse that it is today. He used his position to 
advocate for men and women all over the United States, not just Fort 
Worth, during his career.
  I extend Bob a big congratulations on his career and his unwavering 
dedication to working families all over North America and trade unions.
  I wish Bob good luck and welcome him back to Fort Worth and North 
Richland Hills. We are happy to have Bob home and congratulate him on 
all of his achievements.

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