[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15673-15674]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        THOMAS BURKE RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
before you to honor Mr. Thomas A. Burke on his retirement from his 
position as Business Representative for the Chicago Pipe Fitters. Tom, 
a member of Pipe Fitters Local #597 for many years, has made the 
interests of his fellow tradesmen his top priority. For his devotion 
and lifetime of service to the Pipe Fitters, Tom was honored at a 
retirement dinner that took place Saturday, August 21, 2010.
  Tom Burke has been a proud member of Local #597 since he began his 
apprenticeship 44 years ago. From the moment Tom began his 
apprenticeship, he received the unmarked title of second generation 
pipe fitter, following his father along with his brother, Dennis. Since 
his apprenticeship, Tom has held many positions, including journeyman, 
foreman, and superintendant. While working as a skilled and dedicated 
pipe fitter, Tom assumed numerous roles of leadership. He served for 
one term as

[[Page 15674]]

a member of the Federation of Labor Board, joining an honorable group 
that stands up for working men and women, and giving his time to an 
organization that creates a united voice for Chicago's labor movement. 
He went on from there to serve one term on the Examining Board, 
dedicating his time and expertise in assisting with apprentice entrance 
examinations. His leadership roles continued as Tom served two plus 
terms on the Executive Board that made important decisions on various 
union matters. In such a prestigious position, Tom was able to display 
his well developed leadership skills, All of this past experience 
culminated in Tom's election to the office of Business Representative 
in 1998. He held this honorable office until his retirement in 2010.
  Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its 
craftsmanship and loyalty from its tradesmen. From one leadership 
position to the next, Tom has continued that history as he displayed 
his unwavering dedication to the members of the Pipe Fitters and other 
trades. He took on tasks that benefited not just tradesmen but also the 
greater community. The Pipe Fitters have supported and assisted the 
community through their unwavering dedication, and the community 
continues to turn to the trades when in need, and the Pipe Fitters have 
been one of its greatest assets.
  Tom's dedication and loyalty to the trades is matched only by his 
devotion to his family. His commitment to his community is truly 
admirable, but his commitment to his family is most impressive. Tom and 
his devoted wife, Barbara, have one son, Brian, and one daughter, 
Shannon.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending Thomas A. Burke for his lifetime of leadership, 
service, and dedication to the community. He has given his time and 
efforts selflessly to the tradesmen he has worked with and represented, 
as well as to the people of Northwest Indiana. He has a personality 
that motivates those around him to work hard and be successful. His 
fellow officers and brother Pipe Fitters respect him and find him to be 
a role model and a true friend. For his service and uncompromising 
dedication, Thomas A. Burke is worthy of the highest praise, and I ask 
that you join me in wishing him well upon his retirement.

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