[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27527]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 HONORING RUTH HARTWICK ON THE OCCASION OF HER RECEIVING THE WALTER P. 
                  REUTHER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 1999

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, let me say from the outset that the woman 
whose community service I wish to recognize here today, Ruth Hartwick 
of Boyne City, Michigan, understands as well as anyone I know the right 
and need for workers to organize into unions.
  It is Ruth's commitment to that cause that is earning her the Walter 
P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award, and I rise to pay tribute to 
her today.
  Ruth has served on the organizing committee for UAW Local Union 1403, 
and she has put in more than 20 years of service to the United Auto 
Workers.
  Ruth was on the bargaining committee and later served as chairperson. 
She has held the position to president and steward. She has been active 
with the retirees and was their financial secretary.
  Ruth served on the Pension Committee and helped several people with 
workers compensation problems. She was active on the Community Services 
Committee and she served on the Local United Way Board. Her union work 
and her community involvement have earned her the respect of her peers 
and associates throughout northwestern Lower Michigan.
  There are many volunteers who understand the gift of giving and 
sharing and helping is truly its own reward. I sometimes think, Mr. 
Speaker, that my northern Michigan congressional district is richer 
than most in having so many volunteers, people who step up to meet 
needs and challenges with services not provided by government agencies 
or chartered organizations.
  Among these, I must acknowledge Ruth Hartwick with special affection. 
She has helped me in many ways since I first ran for this House seat, 
and I value her close personal friendship and her dedication to 
organized labor.
  I can't think of anyone more deserving of the Walter P. Reuther 
Distinguished Service Award.

                          ____________________