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Subject: Fwd: General President Hite and UA read into record of 112th Congress for Veteran Initiative by Congressman Filner


IN RECOGNITION OF WILLIAM P. HITE AND THE UNITED ASSOCIATION -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 14, 2011)

[Page: E722] GPO's PDF<http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/citation.result.CREC.action?congressionalRecord.volume=157&congressionalRecord.pagePrefix=E&congressionalRecord.pageNumber=722&publication=CREC>

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SPEECH OF
HON. BOB FILNER
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2011

* Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate General President William P. Hite for his selection as the 2011 recipient of the Military Officers Association of America's Distinguished Service Award.

* This most recent recognition and honor are well deserved. As General President of the 350,000 members of the United Association of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, Welders, Sprinkler Fitters, and HVAC Technicians, Bill has worked tirelessly to ensure members of our armed forces have access to the very best careers in his industry.

* His organization provides one of the best services available to our veterans. The Veterans in Piping Program trains veterans for the finest careers in the industry. The United Association's Veterans in Piping partnership with the Marines at Camp Pendleton is considered by many to be the most successful military transition program in the country. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis described it as ``an awesome program'' and one that ``should be expanded throughout the United States.'' It differs from other programs in that it trains Marines prior to discharge--at no cost to the individual--in a certifiable skill, and then provides the network and connections to ensure job placement. Every graduate of the program has been successfully placed in the position of second year Apprentice or higher with the exception of a handful who have either re-enlisted or gone on to college.

* General President Hite's service to our armed forces and veterans is accentuated by a distinguished career in public service. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to the Task Force on Rebuilding the Gulf Coast and to the Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations; and, by President Barack Obama to the President's Export Council. He has been called upon by the leaders of both of our political parties in recognition of his fidelity, objectivity, and candor. These characteristics have made him among the most respected labor leaders in the United States.

* As we recognize General President Hite and the United Association today, I wish to point out that he is a third generation union member and the membership of the United Association voluntarily bears all of the costs of its veterans programs. The membership supports the men and women of our armed forces with a record of commitment that is second to none. I am particularly and personally proud of the work that San Diego based Local 230 has done to implement this successful and innovative program at Camp Pendleton.

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Rick S. Terven Sr.
Director
Political and Legislative Affairs &
National Communications and Marketing
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices
of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the
United States and Canada
Three Park Place
Annapolis, MD. 21401
Tel: 410-269-2000
Fax: 410-267-0285
e-mail: rickt@uanet.org<mailto:rickt@uanet.org>
http://www.ua.org

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Rick S. Terven Sr.
Director
Political and Legislative Affairs &
National Communications and Marketing
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices
of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the
United States and Canada
Three Park Place
Annapolis, MD. 21401
Tel: 410-269-2000
Fax: 410-267-0285
e-mail: rickt@uanet.org<mailto:rickt@uanet.org>
http://www.ua.org

Please consider the environment before printing this email message P