[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16108]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 16108]]

                          EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

                         TRIBUTE TO DAN NEELEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to pay tribute to a wonderful man who passed away on 
August 19, Dan Neeley. Dan was a dear friend and his passing grieves me 
deeply.
  Dan began working for Buick Motor Corporation on September 12, 1963. 
He was a dedicated employee and a dedicated citizen. He was honorably 
discharged from the United States Army in 1967 after serving two years. 
After returning to his job at Buick, Dan became active in the UAW. As a 
member of Local 599 he was elected in numerous posts until he passed 
away. Between 1971 and his passing Dan served as Alternate 
Committeeman, Committeeman, Shop Committee, Alternate Shop Committee, 
Alternate Benefit Representative, the Jobs Bank Coordinator, and he was 
a delegate to UAW Constitutional Conventions and Bargaining 
Conventions. He was a member of the Civil Rights Committee, the FEPC 
Committee and the CAP Committee, and he was a founding member of the 
``Unity for Justice Black Caucus.''
  His determination to provide equal representation to all persons led 
him to be involved in the community. Dan held in his heart the words of 
Reverend Jesse Jackson, ``Educate yourself on all levels: academic as 
well as political for knowledge is power.'' His belief in the power of 
those words persuaded Dan to organize the ``Get Out the Vote Center'' 
in Flint. His support for minority owned business brought about the 
``Black Business Awareness Day.'' His ideas and involvement were the 
genesis for greater union recognition of the contributions of 
minorities. He led marches to promote the inclusion of minorities in 
Joint Programs jobs and he was instrumental in advancing minorities in 
leadership positions. Dan loved people and the community acknowledged 
this love. Dan was especially proud to have received the Drum Major 
Award from the City of Flint and the Walter Reuther Twenty Year 
Distinguished Service Award from the union.
  His family, friends and the community will remember the compassionate 
man devoted to helping those in need. We will hold in our hearts and 
minds his goodness, his fire, his keen intellect and strong desire for 
justice. I ask the House of Representatives to rise and join me in 
honoring Dan Neeley and his lifelong pursuit of a better world.

                          ____________________