[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20707]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 CELEBRATING A CAREER OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, when a fine and upstanding man such as Mr. 
William R. Wittbrodt of Mildland, MI decides to retire after a long and 
distinguished career, then we must send our congratulations to his 
family and our commiserations to his employer. So I join with all of 
his colleagues in saying that ``Bill'' Wittbrodt's dedication to the 
work of the United States Steelworkers of America will become that of 
legend, as has his dedication to his wonderful family. We can only 
surmise that the value of his efforts will continue to appreciate 
during his retirement.
  Mr. Wittbrodt began his contributions to society with service in our 
Armed Forces, with his enlistment in the Air Force in 1947, where he 
served four years, including his service in Korea. Mr. Wittbrodt 
returned to his native Midland afterwards, and upon joining Dow 
Chemical, became a member of Local 12075, District 50, United Mine 
Workers. Thus, his long devotion and service on behalf of Local 12075 
was begun.
  Without Mr. Wittbrodt's meticulous stewardship and great dedication 
to Local 12075, the local union would not have been so successful and 
so committed to the rights of fellow members. Mr. Wittbrodt's 
leadership was evidenced early; in 1954 he became the Elected Shop 
Steward, 5 years later he was elected full-time Chief Steward, and in 
1965 he was elected to the Local Union 12075 Bargaining Committee. In 
1969 he achieved a well-deserved pinnacle of his commitment: the 
Presidency of Local 12075.
  Mr. Wittbrodt's success as President was so evident that he was 
elected to four consecutive terms, and, while President, shepherded 
Local 12075's merging with the United Steelworkers of America in August 
1972. In unparalleled support, Mr. Wittbrodt became Staff 
Representative to the United Steelworkers of America, and finally, this 
caring and devoted man became Sub-District Director, District 29 of the 
United Steelworkers of America in 1983.
  Mr. Speaker, I have spoken at length of Mr. Wittbrodt's great 
contributions to the people of Michigan. But of equal importance is his 
great devotion to his wife of thirty-five years, Leona, and his 
grandchildren Merrit, Chad, Denise, Adam, Tyler and Jason, as well as 
his beloved great-grandchildren Jay Richard, Haley Marie and Lauren. It 
can be no understatement that Mr. Wittbrodt will be sorely missed by 
the people of Michigan he served in his distinguished career, and I 
join with them in expressing my deep and abiding appreciation to Mr. 
Wittbrodt in this first year of his retirement.
  As Bill Wittbrodt enters retirement, I urge you, Mr. Speaker, and all 
of our colleagues to join me in congratulating him for his 
distinguished career, and in wishing him and his wonderful family many 
happy years to come.

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