WHEREAS, Robert Stoots, a respected leader in the Pulaski County community, has served and supported his fellow members of United Steelworkers District 8 as president of Local 8-495 for 10 years; and

WHEREAS, Robert Stoots handled grievances and contract issues for United Steelworkers (USW) Local 8-495 for eight years, then served for two years as vice president, before becoming president in 2009; and

WHEREAS, USW represents workers from a diverse range of industries, including fabricated metals, chemicals, glass, rubber, and other products; from his experience working with propellants and explosives for military weapons systems, Robert Stoots understands the on-the-job challenges faced by the highly skilled members of USW District 8 each day; and

WHEREAS, Robert Stoots has safeguarded the lives and property of his fellow residents as a member of the Twin Community Volunteer Fire Department since 1975; he has held every office, including chief, and led efforts to raise funds for the department to expand and modernize its fire house and equipment; and

WHEREAS, Robert Stoots also supported young people in the community as a Little League tee-ball, baseball, and football coach from 1991 to 2001 and a fundraiser for Pulaski County High School athletics from 2000 to 2005; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his countless hours of leadership and volunteer service over the past 40 years, Robert Stoots received the 2018 USW Cares District 8 Jefferson Award; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Robert Stoots for his 10 years of service as president of United Steelworkers Local 8-495; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Robert Stoots as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his advocacy in support of the members of United Steelworkers District 8 and contributions to the Pulaski County community.