Illinois Machinist to be First Lady’s Guest for Tonight’s State of the Union


Gloria Balenski, above, and her husband, IAM Local 701 member Norb Balenski, will look on from the First Lady’s viewing box to watch President Obama deliver his State of Union address at the Capitol.

IAM Local 701 member Norb Balenski and his wife Gloria will be guests of First Lady Michelle Obama for President Obama’s final State of the Union Address. The Balenskis were chosen by the First Lady following a letter written to President Obama, crediting his economic policies for helping them get through the Great Recession and the difficult situations it presented for their family.

For the Balenskis, the Great Recesssion delivered a job loss, an auto industry job in jeopardy, a shriveled up college fund and a major heart attack. Norb Balenski is a mechanic at Castle Chevrolet in Villa Park, IL. Click here to read their story of turmoil and recovery.

Be sure to tune in and see the Balenskis during the State of the Union Address on Tuesday, January 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Watch here.

Click here to watch a video of this year’s State of the Union guests being invited.

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