[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17] [Senate] [Page 21788] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING WILLIAM E. OSOS Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, It is with a heavy heart that I pay tribute to a true friend and Hoosier, William E. Osos. Bill, a former director for the United Auto Workers Region 3, passed away on October 6th, leaving behind a loving family and thousands of Hoosiers who benefited from his devotion to working men and women. My thoughts and prayers this week are with his wife Genevieve and their children and grandchildren. Bill was a man of courage and conviction, who did what was right regardless of the popularity at the moment. He served for 2 years in the Navy during World War II. At home in Michigan City, Bill first became active in the UAW while working at Michiana Products Company. It was the beginning of a commitment he would honor throughout his life. In 1966, he was appointed an international representative of the union by UAW president Walter P. Reuther. He eventually was elected to be director of the union's Region 3 in 1984, a position he served in until his retirement in 1992. Bill's dedication to the working men and women of Indiana was apparent to everyone who met him. He truly relished his role in leading the fight for good jobs and good wages. In fact, many Hoosiers and UAW members could tell you that it is a role he continued well after his retirement. Even after moving from Indiana to Florida, Bill stayed involved in UAW work, always ready to help serve. His work in Indiana meant so much to the thousands of UAW workers in our State, and I also owe Bill a personal debt of gratitude. When I was running for secretary of state in Indiana, we didn't have much of a Democratic party organization, but we did have organized labor and the UAW, with Bill as Region 3 director. His support during my first political race was a strong foundation to build on, and with his help, I won that election. I went on to serve two terms as Indiana's Governor, when together, we were able to give 30,000 of our workers collective bargaining rights, more than half represented by the UAW. I have had the privilege of knowing and working with many union leaders over the years, from the days I spent with my father on his campaigns outside plant gates to my work as Governor and through today. But Bill sticks out in my memory for his belief in the importance of his work and his tireless fighting on behalf of working men and women. Bill spent his life fighting for good jobs, affordable health care, and secure pensions--all the things that make up the American dream. We need more people fighting that fight today, and we will miss Bill greatly as we continue his efforts to ensure that every American who works hard and plays by the rules can do right by his family. Indiana and its people are better for his leadership. Bill was my friend, and I will miss him. It is my honor to enter his name into the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. ____________________