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[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

               RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF DALE JOHNSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you and my 
colleagues today to applaud Mr. Dale Johnsen upon his retirement. Dale 
has devoted his life to the interests of his fellow tradesmen and 
women, and to the entire community of Northwest Indiana. Mr. Johnsen 
has been a member of Bricklayers Local #4 Indiana/Kentucky for 36 
years, 22 of which he served as an officer and field representative. 
Additionally, he has served as President of the Indiana State Building 
and Construction Trades Council for the past two years. For his 
lifetime of service to the Bricklayers and the Northwestern Indiana 
Building and Construction Trades Council, as well as the Indiana State 
Building Trades Council, Mr. Johnsen will be honored at a retirement 
dinner taking place at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana on August 
17, 2012.
   During his 36 years with Bricklayers Local #4 Indiana/Kentucky, Dale 
Johnsen has assisted those who want to work for a living wage in 
countless ways. For example, he has represented the union as a Trustee 
for the Pension Fund and the Health and Welfare Fund, as well as the 
Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. A leader in the truest 
sense of the word, Dale has also served as President of the 
Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council. Also, he 
is currently a member of the Business Construction Resource Center and 
the Tripartite Committees for ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor and Burns 
Harbor. In addition, Dale served as Admiral for the Pirates Charity 
Organization and now serves on the organization's Captain's Table. Mr. 
Johnsen's enthusiasm, dedication, and constant support to the Building 
Trades and charities within our greater community is truly outstanding, 
and for this, he is worthy of the utmost praise.
   Northwest Indiana's building trades have a strong history of 
excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its members, as well as 
a steadfast commitment to serving the community. Dale Johnsen has 
always exhibited these qualities, and I have a profound respect and 
admiration for his absolute dedication to helping others, both locally 
and statewide. When it comes to serving those in need, the Indiana 
State Building and Construction Trades Council and the Northwestern 
Indiana Building and Construction Trades Councils have long been one of 
the state's most generous organizations. Dale Johnsen has been at the 
forefront of these efforts.
   From a personal perspective, I am proud and lucky to have Dale 
Johnsen as a friend. A friend who has been completely loyal, a friend 
who has been selfless, a friend who has always ``been there.''
   Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, Dale Johnsen has generously dedicated 
his life and all his efforts to those he has worked with and 
represented so well. His passion and commitment to the Building Trades 
and to the community of Northwest Indiana is to be admired. I 
respectfully request that you and my other dignified colleagues join me 
in commending Dale for his many years of service and in wishing him 
well upon his retirement.

                          ____________________
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