[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 114 (Monday, July 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2021-E2022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING HARLEY DREW ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN RADIO

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                           HON. PAUL C. BROUN

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2009

  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th 
anniversary of a remarkable radio personality in my district: Mr. 
Harley Drew. After serving 50 years in radio, ``Handsome Harley Drew'' 
has established himself as a broadcasting icon in Georgia radio, having 
distinguished himself in every area of radio broadcasting.
  At an early age, Harley displayed an aptitude for radio. He was only 
nine years old when he began to explore electronics and, as a young 
teen, received his first part-time radio job at WBRO in Waynesboro, 
Georgia. It was July 1959 when young Harley got his broadcast license; 
he had been bit by the radio bug.
  In 1962, he helped put WFNL on the air in Augusta. Two years later, 
he landed a job at WBBQ as its program director and stayed with the 
station for the 25 years. Harley has worn many hats over the years--
operations director and later vice president at WBBQ, national program 
director for the Arrow Communications Group, and general manager at 
Sunny 105.
  For the last 16 years, Harley has been with Beasley Broadcast Group, 
one of Augusta's largest radio broadcasters, where he is currently 
program director and host of ``Augusta Morning News.'' Thousands wake 
up each weekday morning in the Central Savannah River Area to the 
beloved, baritone voice of ``Handsome Harley Drew.'' For three hours in 
the mornings, he and his co-host, ``The Lovely and Vivacious Mary Liz 
Nolan'', deliver news of current events to their loyal listeners, 
culminating in ``The Morning News Coffee Break.'' This 30 minute 
program touches the lives of thousands of people each morning with an 
uplifting and informative program to start their day.
  In May of this year, Harley inspired countless listeners to go to 
their doctors and undergo tests for heart disease after Harley spent 
seven weeks recovering from triple-bypass surgery. Harley became aware 
of his own heart condition when a physician guest on his morning show 
suggested Harley have a Cardiac Calcium Score. When Harley returned to 
the airwaves, he did not try to hide his medical history, but instead 
used the opportunity to bring awareness to this vital issue.
  Harley Drew is known far and wide for his honesty and integrity in 
broadcasting. He is a founding board member of The Georgia Radio Hall 
Of Fame and also serves on the board of the Georgia Association of 
Broadcasters. He has received numerous awards and is well-respected and 
loved for the positive impact he has made on the lives of the people in 
Augusta and beyond.
  Madam Speaker, I applaud the great work of Harley Drew and 
congratulate him on celebrating 50 years of broadcasting excellence.

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