[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING AMBASSADOR JOE M. RODGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2009

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
extraordinary life of Ambassador Joe Rodgers, who passed away on Monday 
at the age of 75. He exemplified the values of dedication, hard work 
and perseverance; and he committed himself to serving others. This is 
the inheritance he leaves his family and all those who knew him.
  Although a native of Alabama, he built many of the iconic buildings 
that define his adopted hometown of Nashville. From the Schermerhorn 
Symphony Center to the Wildhorse Saloon to the Country Music Hall of 
Fame and Museum, many of the most well-known and well-loved buildings 
in Middle Tennessee will stand as a permanent memorial to Joe Rodgers. 
He was an enormous force in the construction industry, building a 
series of companies that built hotels, hospitals, university buildings 
and countless other structures around the country and around the world.
  Not content to rest on his success in business, Joe Rodgers engaged 
in public life through his support of candidates who shared his belief 
in fiscal conservatism. He would eventually become National Finance 
Chairman for both the Republican National Committee and the re-election 
effort of President Reagan. In 1985, President Reagan named him the 
U.S. Ambassador to France. His exemplary service was rewarded with the 
rank of Grand Officier of the Legion of Honor presented by French 
President Mitterand. He also served on both the Foreign Intelligence 
Advisory Board and the U.S. Trade Representative's Foreign Advisory 
Committee.
  At home in Nashville he was involved with countless civic, charitable 
and religious groups such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Chamber of 
Commerce, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Vanderbilt 
University.
  Indeed it is difficult to find another person who has had so much 
impact on so many different aspects of our community. He will be missed 
and our sympathy is with his loving family.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in appreciation of a 
life well lived.

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