[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16276]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MARTY DICKENS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Marty Dickens on 
his receiving the Joe and Honey Rodgers Leadership Award. Named for 
Honey and the late Joe Rodgers, former United States Ambassador to 
France, it is fitting this award honors Marty Dickens. From hosting 
international students, to leading major corporations, to serving on 
local boards, Dickens shares the drive and example set forth by 
Ambassador Rodgers.
  Following the vision of evangelist Billy Graham, the Operation Andrew 
Group was launched to meet the spiritual and social needs of Middle 
Tennessee. Bringing together 250 churches, from a broad spectrum of 
Christian faiths, the Operation Andrew Group seeks to unify faith-based 
organizations to act as the catalyst for change. Operation Andrew 
Group's first major outreach project, The Gathering, attracted over 
8,000 attendees in joint worship and praise. Similar events are held 
annually to focus the faithful of Middle Tennessee on the mission of 
the Almighty.
  I appreciate all the churches, businesses, and civic agencies who 
from their offerings meet the changing needs of growing community. I 
also appreciate Marty Dickens for his dedication to Nashville and the 
surrounding community. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Marty 
Dickens for his outstanding leadership, commitment to character, and 
consistency in living the Christian faith.

                          ____________________