[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21182]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



      TRIBUTE TO FRANK GARRISON ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE AFL-CIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 1999

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate a 
friend and colleague who has given much to the state of Michigan, to 
the labor movement and to Michigan politics. Frank D. Garrison is a 
former autoworker who became a lobbyist for the United Auto Workers 
(UAW) before being chosen to lead the AFL-CIO in Michigan. And by the 
way, his middle name is Delano, named after one of our greatest 
Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
  He is a working man who has devoted himself to the working man and 
woman. Frank Garrison believes strongly in fighting for the little guy, 
addressing the concerns of the people who have the least. A consummate 
public servant, he devoted his career to making working conditions in 
Michigan and the United States better for working families. He is a 
strong believer in public education and universal health care, and has 
worked tirelessly so that the world is a better place for everyone.
  Frank's first experience with the unions came as a young man working 
at the Saginaw Steering Gear plant in Saginaw, Michigan. He became a 
member of UAW Local 699. Drafted into the Army in 1953, he served his 
country for two years. Upon returning to his job in Saginaw, he 
actively pursued leadership posts within the UAW. During those first 
few years he served as alternate committeeman, committeeman, shop 
committeeman, local union vice-president and financial secretary.
  He was appointed as a UAW international representative in 1972 for 
region 1D and assigned to the UAW Education Department and the Michigan 
UAW Community Action program (CAP). He was serving as CAP coordinator 
for Region 1D when he joined the Michigan UAW-CAP legislative office in 
Lansing, Michigan as a lobbyist in January 1976. That July, he became 
legislative director for the UAW.
  In 1982, Frank was appointed executive director of Michigan UAW-CAP, 
a position he held for four years until he was elected president of the 
Michigan State AFL-CIO on December 12, 1986.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues salute Frank and his 
leadership, hard work and caring heart. He has devoted much of his life 
to others and in some way I know he will continue to be involved. He is 
a dear friend who has always worked to make the world a better place 
for everyone. I wish him the best in his retirement: many peaceful days 
fishing, golfing and spending time with his lovely wife Dora, his 
daughters and grandchildren. He has worked hard and deserves the best 
in his retirement. Frank, best of luck to you.

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