[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5603]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        TRIBUTE TO RUDY NICHOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and esteem that 
I congratulate Mr. Rudy Nichols and Mr. Lupe Valadez on their 
retirement from the United Steelworkers of America. Rudy has been a 
member of the USWA for over 45 years, while Lupe has served for over 50 
years. These two men, along with their colleagues, help form the 
economic backbone for Northwest Indiana. Without their hard work and 
dedication, the communities of Northwest Indiana would indeed suffer. A 
retirement celebration will be held in their honor on April 21, 2001 at 
the Dynasty Banquet Center in Hammond, Indiana.
  Rudy Nichols began his distinguished career at the age of 18 as an 
armature winder and motor inspector for Youngstown Sheet and Tube in 
East Chicago, Indiana in February, 1956. During that time, he became a 
member of USWA Local 1011 and served as an apprentice representative 
and shop steward. He later moved on to the Midwest Steel Division of 
National Steel in Portage, Indiana, where he became a member of Local 
6103. Through his perseverance and undying loyalty he eventually became 
the president of the local, and served on several committees that were 
devoted to improving the quality of the workplace for its members. 
After 13 impressive years at National Steel, Rudy moved on to become 
the Safety and Health Coordinator for District 31 in August, 1978. He 
quickly moved up within the union and became the Sub District 4 
Director, the position he currently holds. With Mary, his wife of 45 
years, by his side, Rudy has watched as their two children, Walter and 
Rhonda, have grown to be outstanding citizens and parents of their own.
  Lupe Valadez was the fourth of six sons born to Gerardo and Ventura 
Valadez on the south side of Chicago. After serving with the 2nd 
Infantry Division in Korea, Lupe came home to follow in his father's 
footsteps and begin working at U.S. Steel South Works, where he 
immediately became heavily involved in USWA Local 65. He eventually 
went on to serve the local in many capacities, including Public 
Relations Director, Assistant Grievanceman, and three terms as 
Financial Secretary. After more than 20 years of devoted and 
outstanding service, District 31 Director Jack Parton recognized the 
important qualities that Lupe could bring to the District office and 
hired him as an organizer. Within ten short years Lupe became the 
Organizing Coordinator for District 31. When the union consolidated in 
1995, he became the first Organizing Coordinator for District 7, which 
encompasses the states of Indiana and Illinois. Lupe's first concern, 
however, has always been his family. His loving wife Olivia, and sons 
Dino, Nick, Michael, and John Paul can usually be seen helping with the 
numerous activities he is coordinating.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in congratulating Rudy Nichols and Lupe Valadez on their 
retirement from the United Steelworkers of America. Unions are a vital 
aspect of the communities of Northwest Indiana, and these two men have 
shown the loyalty, perseverance, and work ethic that allow the unions 
to thrive. Their efforts will surely be missed by their co-workers and 
the citizens of Northwest Indiana.

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