[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 44 (Friday, March 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING ROBERT EDINGTON FOR BEING NAMED MOBILIAN OF YEAR

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 14, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I 
rise today to honor Mr. Robert Edington on the occasion of his being 
named Mobilian of the Year for 2007 by the Mobile Civitan Club. The 
Mobilian of the Year is the city's most prestigious civic honor, and 
Robert is most deserving of this award in recognition of over 50 years 
of dedicated service to the city of Mobile.
  A native of Mobile, Robert Edington started his career in the Naval 
Reserves. He served as an Air Intelligence Officer for a Navy fighter 
squadron in the Korean War before retiring with the rank of commander.
  Robert is an attorney and has served as a legal counselor in the 
Mobile area for more than half a century. He currently serves as the 
director of the Mobile Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program, a 
program that provides legal services to the underprivileged.
  Robert served for 8 years in the Alabama House of Representatives and 
4 years as a State senator representing Mobile County. During his 
service in the Alabama Legislature, he played a lead role in 
establishing the Alabama Historical Commission as well as other 
historic districts in the city of Mobile. One of his greatest 
contributions to the city of Mobile was his leadership in the creation 
of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission, which brought the World War 
II battleship to Mobile in the 1960s. In recognition of his legislative 
efforts, the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, 
D.C. presented Robert their national award.
  During his tenure in the Alabama Legislature, Robert was also 
instrumental in the creation of the University of South Alabama, the 
University of South Alabama College of Medicine as well as the 
development of Bishop State Community College in Mobile.
  Robert served two terms as chair of the USS Alabama Battleship 
Commission, during which time he oversaw the $7 million restoration 
project following Hurricane Katrina. He served as former chair of CSS 
Alabama Association, an organization responsible for underwater 
archeological expeditions at the wreck site of the CSS Alabama off the 
coast of France. The artifacts recovered by these missions are now on 
display at the Mobile Museum of History. Robert also loaned his voice 
to a History Channel documentary, ``Raise the Alabama.''
  Robert was the Consul of Guatemala at Mobile for 20 years, and in 
this capacity, he organized the first local trade mission to Central 
America. In recognition of his efforts, he was awarded the U.S. 
Department of Commerce Achievement Award. He also served on the 
National Advisory Board for the U.S. Small Business Administration for 
four years.
  For 40 years, Robert has coordinated the U.S. Navy ships for Mobile's 
Mardi Gras festivities. He is an ardent supporter of Penelope House, a 
place of refuge for victims of domestic violence. Robert is a member of 
the Board of Directors of the Mobile Council of the Navy League, the 
Kiwanis Club of Mobile, and an active member of the National Democratic 
Party. He is an elder at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church and a charter 
member of Mobile United.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my personal congratulations to 
Mr. Robert Edington for being named the Mobilian of the Year for 2007 
and in so doing, recognize him for his many outstanding professional 
and philanthropic accomplishments.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating a dedicated 
professional and friend to many throughout south Alabama. I know 
Robert's family; his wife, Pat; his son, Sherard; his daughter, 
Virginia; and his many friends join me in praising his accomplishments 
and extending thanks for his many efforts over the years on behalf of 
southwest Alabama and the entire State.




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