[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21319]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        TRIBUTE TO RAMON SANCHEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 1999

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend one of 
Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Ramon Sanchez, of 
Merrillville, Indiana. Mr. Sanchez will be honored by the Lake County 
Council for his exemplary and dedicated service to our community on 
September 14, 1999.
  Born in Villalba, Puerto Rico, Mr. Sanchez is the eldest of four 
children born to the late Francisco and Candida Sanchez. Ramon, fondly 
referred to as ``Ray'' by his many friends, has been an active and 
visible leader in the Hispanic community since his arrival to the 
United States in 1951.
  Mr. Sanchez began his career in the United States as a steelworker at 
Inland Steel, a job from which he retired in 1989 after 38 years of 
service. From 1972-1995, he served as Chief Bailiff with the Gary City 
Court. Most recently, Ramon Sanchez retired from the Merrillville Town 
Court after two years of service as Bailiff.
  Outside of his professional career, Ramon Sanchez has devoted a large 
portion of his life to the betterment of Northwest Indiana. Mr. Sanchez 
is committed to improving the standard of living in Northwest Indiana, 
particularly in the Hispanic community. He has played an instrumental 
role in representing the needs of the community and has been an 
advocate of minority rights. Mr. Sanchez is a well recognized and 
respected figure in Northwest Indiana's political arena, having served 
the City of Gary in various capacities including a 20 year term as 
precinct committeeman. He has spearheaded various political campaigns 
and is affiliated with numerous civic organizations throughout 
Northwest Indiana.
  While serving the community has always been an extremely important 
part of Mr. Sanchez's life, there can be no comparison to the 
dedication he has for his family. Ramon and his loving wife, Nancy, 
have raised four wonderful children, Amy, Ingrid, Mishelle, and Zayda. 
He is also a proud grandfather of nine grandchildren which provide an 
eternal source of joy and love for both he and his wife.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending Ramon Sanchez for his dedication, service, and 
leadership to the people of Indiana's First Congressional District. Northwest Indiana's community has certainly been rewarded by the true service and uncompromising dedication displayed by Mr. Ramon Sanchez.

                          ____________________