[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15791]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING WALTER DICKERSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 19, 2009

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with both pride and pleasure that I 
rise today to honor the long and distinguished career of Walter 
Dickerson, on the occasion of his retirement as director of the Mobile 
County Emergency Management Agency.
  Born in Claiborne, Maryland, Walt graduated from Robert Russa Moton 
High School in 1965. Following his graduation, he joined the United 
States Marine Corps and went on to serve for 21 years, working his way 
up through the enlisted, warrant officer, and commissioned officer. He 
earned a Bachelor's degree in business management from National 
University. He retired from the Marine Corps after 21 years of service 
as a decorated Vietnam veteran.
  Following his time in the Marines, Walt served as the Integrated 
Logistics Support Manager for the AAI Corporation and was the 
department head of Integrated Logistics Support at Teledyne Power 
Systems. In 1996, he joined the Mobile County Emergency Management 
Agency, where he has served in a number of capacities including plans 
and operations officer, director of plans and operations, and executive 
director and area director of homeland security.
  Walt's true gift to the Mobile community was manifested through his 
efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He received the 
Blacks in Government Port City Chapter Community Service Award for his 
contribution to the community following Hurricane Katrina, and he 
testified twice before Congress on Mobile's successful preparation and 
response to Hurricane Katrina. He was also recognized by the Alabama 
Senate, the Mobile County Commission, and the Mobile City Council for 
his performance during Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis, and Katrina.
  Walt is a member of the Port City Chapter of Blacks in Government and 
the International Association of Emergency Managers. He is the past 
president of the Society of Logistics Engineers as well as the Alabama 
Association of Emergency Managers. He is also greatly involved in the 
community serving as chairperson for the Tommie Agee Charity 
Foundation, vice president of the Gulf City Golfers Association, the 
Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association, Summit to Advance Values in 
Education, and American Legion Post 77. He is a 32nd Mason and a 
Shriner. Walt is also a charter member of Mobile's Monford Pointe 
Marine Association.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a 
dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama. I am 
certain that his family, his many friends, and the countless people who 
have benefited from his hard work and dedication join me in praising 
his accomplishments and extending thanks for his service to the city of 
Mobile and the state of Alabama. On behalf of a grateful community, I 
wish Walt the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

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