[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17674]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO GEORGE EICHLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great man, George 
Eichler. Regretfully, George Eichler passed away on Friday, August 17, 
2001, but he leaves us with a myriad of memories and lessons derived 
from his history of service and a legacy of championing important 
issues.
  George was a life-long Democrat and a long-time labor leader in San 
Antonio. His tireless work n behalf of Democrats and in support of San 
Antonio working men and women is well recognized and respected within 
the Democratic Party. George's dedication to service and his commitment 
to family and to fatherhood is a shining example of the life we should 
all aspire to.
  His daughter, Vanessa Eichler, said of him ``He was the perfect 
father. Everyone knows him for what he did for labor and the Democratic 
Party, but he taught us to enjoy life.'' I believe that through his 
actions George taught us all a little bit about life and the need to 
help one another.
  George Eichler's involvement in the labor movement saw its beginnings 
in 1949, when George went to work as a bottle washer at the Pearl 
Brewery in San Antonio, Texas. Soon after beginning his work there, 
George joined the International Association of Brewery Workers, and 
quickly moved up the union leadership ranks to become the Associate 
Business Agent in 1960. In 1967, the International Association of 
Brewery Workers joined the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and 
George continued his leadership efforts, holding various local, State, 
and national level positions within the Teamsters organization 
throughout his career.
  It was through his work as a labor leader that George also became 
well-known for his charitable contributions, selflessly dedicating his 
time and service to charitable organizations like Goodwill Industries 
and the United Way. From 1965 through 1974, George continued his 
commitment to service as Chair of the San Antonio AFL-CIO Council Pines 
Housing Trust, a program whose outstanding efforts in housing the 
handicapped was recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 
Development. These local elderly and handicapped independent living 
programs are recognized as precursors to national handicapped housing 
initiatives.
  George's work over the years also benefitted the local Democratic 
Party and countless Democratic candidates, as he campaigned tirelessly 
during each campaign year. He also served as Democratic Precinct Chair, 
and as such attended many State and National Democratic Conventions.
  I am proud to count myself among those who have had the opportunity 
to know and learn from George Eichler. I know his family will receive 
some comfort in the knowledge that George's memory will endure among 
all those he touched throughout his life.

                          ____________________