[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 53 (Friday, April 4, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S2610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING CONGRESSMAN WILLIAM DICKINSON

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Congressman 
William Dickinson, who passed away on Monday, March 31, 2008. Bill was 
a skilled legislator and a personal friend, and along with the entire 
State of Alabama, I mourn his passing.
  William Dickinson was born on June 5, 1925, in Opelika, AL. He served 
in the United States Navy during World War II and as a Major in the 
United States Air Force Reserves. In 1950, he obtained a law degree 
from the University of Alabama. He then practiced law for 2 years. In 
1952, Bill began his career as an elected official, serving as a judge 
in city, juvenile, and circuit courts in Lee County. After his 
successful career as a judge, Bill was an executive for the Southern 
Railway. Bill also served on the Opelika Board of Education.
  When Bill was elected to Congress in 1964, most of his constituents 
had never before been represented by a Republican. Nevertheless, Bill 
was elected to 14 consecutive terms in office and was a pivotal force 
in Alabama's change into a two-party State. While in office, 
Congressman Dickinson accomplished a great deal for his district, the 
State of Alabama, and our Nation.
  He worked tirelessly for the 13 counties in his congressional 
district, particularly on military matters. As ranking member of the 
House Armed Services Committee, Bill was able to protect and strengthen 
the military bases in Alabama. He was a steamroller in military funding 
issues for the Air War College at Air University, Maxwell Air Force 
Base, and Gunter Annex in Montgomery, AL, and also further south in 
Alabama at Fort Rucker, where Army helicopter pilots go through their 
training. His exemplary work in this area improved both the economy of 
our State and the security of our Nation.
  Bill's work for the military also extended to the national level. He 
was very influential in the rearming of America during the Cold War, 
working to stop the spread of communism and providing the military with 
the programs and equipment they needed during the Vietnam war. Bill is 
credited both with the creation of the Aviation Department in the 
Department of the Army and for the Apache Attack Helicopter program. In 
fact, Bill was nicknamed the ``Father of Army Aviation'' due to his 
advocacy on behalf of those issues.
  His work garnered the attention of the American Conservative Union, 
which presented him with the Statesman Award; the Army Aviation 
Association of America, which awarded him with its Congressional 
Appreciation Award; and the Association of the United States Army, 
which presented William with the Distinguished Service to Soldiers 
award, among others.
  Bill is loved and will be missed by his wife Barbara, his four 
children and his five grandchildren. He was an inspiration to many and 
will be remembered for his service to our Nation. I ask the entire 
Senate to join me in recognizing and honoring the life of our 
colleague, Congressman William Dickinson.




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