Joe Donnelly: “Today I rise to pay tribute to John Oliver, an outstanding American citizen who has shown commitment and service to his…”

“Today I rise to pay tribute to John Oliver, an outstanding American citizen who has shown commitment and service to his hometown of Plymouth, Indiana, our State, and our country. A native of Newcastle in the United Kingdom, 50 years ago this month. John immigrated to the United States on March 19, 1962, when he was only 19. In 1975, he officially became a United States citizen. He is a dear friend, not only to me, but to people all around the country and around the world. He began his journey in the manufacturing industry as a laborer for a small research and development firm. He moved to Plymouth, Indiana, to work for that company, ultimately becoming its president in 1977. Nine years later, John purchased the company and renamed it U.S. Granules, which today produces 50 percent of the world's granulated aluminum. With his leadership, U.S. Granules remains a leader in technology and in quality, and they have established customers on five different continents. John's heart and soul, though, is with his family, his friends, and his service to his community. He has been a pillar of support for the children of Plymouth. Quietly, and without recognition, John endowed a fund to benefit the Plymouth High School speech team, a State leader in debate competition.…”