[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 65 (Friday, May 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E947]]
               CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT, SONNY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding individual who has tremendous leadership skills, not only 
in his chosen field but also in his community, state and nation. On 
Saturday, May 17, 1997, at 6:00 p.m., Mr. Claire ``Sonny'' Nye will be 
honored at a retirement party in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Sonny, his friends 
and family will celebrate his long, successful career working not only 
as a sheet metal worker but also as an elected official in the Sheet 
Metal Workers' Local 7 Zone 3.
  Born on March 20, 1940, Sonny attended Albion College for 2 years, 
where he was a member of the football team. In 1964, Sonny became an 
apprentice for the sheet metal workers. Upon completion he became a 
journeyman and on January 5, 1968, he joined the Detroit Local 80 
Union. In 1978, after a continuing prosperous career as a sheet metal 
worker, Sonny was initiated into the Local 543 in Traverse City. 
Sonny's consistent trust of his coworkers as well as his outstanding 
leadership skills demonstrated his ability to serve as a leader. On 
July 14, 1988, Sonny was elected as a business agent for Sheet Metal 
Workers' Local 7 Zone 3.
  Since being elected, Sonny has received COMET training through the 
George Meany Institute. This program targets youth, training them to 
become apprentices. The program goes beyond teaching the skills they 
need by focusing on promoting unions and teaching young people that 
unions promote the workers best interests in the job.
  We should all be grateful that individuals, such as Sonny, make room 
in their life for young people. He has coached little league baseball, 
5th and 6th grade basketball, 7th and 8th grade football, as well as 
coaching a Mickey Mantle 16 and under baseball team to the State 
finals. In addition, he has also been involved in high school sports. 
Sonny has unselfishly given his time, energy and commitment to 
coaching. Playing sports can teach youth the importance of teamwork and 
hard work. Sonny is an excellent role model and provides a positive 
example for young people to follow.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Sonny Nye as he celebrates his retirement from a long, 
distinguished career with the sheet metal union and his leadership on 
behalf of working families and the American labor movement. We wish him 
the best for the new challenges ahead.

                          ____________________