[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RODGER MEIER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 1997

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to a constituent and good friend Mr. Rodger Meier, this year's 
recipient of the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award. It is very 
difficult to be brief when paying tribute to Rodger Meier, a man who 
has championed so many noble causes.
  I know him as an advocate of entrepreneurial initiatives, community 
service and public policy issues that has produced opportunities for 
the citizens of Dallas. The Wright amendment was established to protect 
the economic opportunities and financial well-being of the Dallas-Fort 
Worth Airport. Rodger was right there and never fails to express his 
feelings about keeping the economy strong in the Dallas area.
  In addition, he is a long-time supporter of DART and has lead to my 
constituents enjoying better transportation and environmental 
opportunities while producing more dollars for area businesses and 
allowing passengers to reach key destinations without clogging our 
highways and freeways.
  And so, it is truly fitting that he is being honored this year with 
the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award. This award salutes 
entrepreneurial spirit and how it fosters opportunities, service, and 
civic responsibility. After all, Rodger embodies all of these traits. 
And I shall never forget how he worked so hard and put in all of his 
efforts in passing into law, the 1985 education bond election. It was 
critical and he was there.
  He was there because he believed in education and that no child 
should be left behind and that all children must be included in 
education. Rodger is just so good in every area and he really 
understands the needs for all of the people. And in addition to all his 
caring, he has been the No. 1 Cadillac salesperson in all of the 
country, and we all like Cadillacs.
  I first met Rodger when we both were on the board of trustees at 
Texas Christian University where we both graduated from. And that 
friendship will never end. I have so much respect for him as a husband, 
father, Christian man and civic person extraordinare. In addition to a 
few things that I have pointed out, Rodger is involved in so many more. 
He never forgets the young people, whether handicapped or not.
  He never forgets to be caring as it relates to any issue and I think 
that the committee has decided this year to give honor to the award by 
citing Rodger Meier.
  It is my pleasure to congratulate you Rodger, and in addition to 
congratulating you, I thank you. I thank you for all that you have done 
to make this world a better place and to make Dallas a better 
community. The award does itself honor in honoring you. I thank the 
awards committee. Rodger, my friend you have earned it, you deserve it 
and I hope that you enjoy it.

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