[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 17032]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING TOM GARDNER III

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Alabama (Ms. Sewell) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
outstanding career and acknowledge the retirement of Tom Gardner III.
  A community leader, pastor, and family man, Tom served as chief 
executive officer of the Montgomery Community Action Committee for the 
past 39 years. For his dedicated service to the city of Montgomery and 
the State of Alabama, I pay tribute today to the life work of Tom 
Gardner III.
  Tom was born to Reverend Tom Gardner, Jr., and Mrs. Effie Nell 
Gardner on January 22, 1946, in Hope Hull, Alabama.
  Tom served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1966 
to 1968. As a result of his exemplary service and sacrifice, he 
received the Purple Heart in 1967 and the Bronze Star in 1968.
  Tom received a bachelor's of science degree from Alabama State 
University and a master's of public administration from Troy 
University.
  Tom is married to Mrs. Estella Gardner and is the loving father of 
two children, Debriena and Jonathan, and three grandchildren, Jaeda, 
Londyn, and Gavin.
  In addition to his strong commitment to family, Tom has also 
demonstrated an enduring dedication to his faith in God. Carrying on 
the pastoral legacy of his father, Tom currently serves as pastor of 
Beulah Primitive Baptist Church in his hometown of Hope Hull, Alabama.
  Tom has over 30 years of managerial experience and oversight of 
Federal, State, and local grants. He administered the Emergency Shelter 
Grant Homeless Assistance Program, the Community Housing Development 
Organization, the Housing Counseling Agency, and the Affordable Housing 
Development Program.
  Tom has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to community service 
throughout his life by his participation in community organizations. 
Tom has dedicated the past 39 years of his career to the Montgomery 
Community Action Committee. He began his career at the Montgomery 
Community Action Committee in 1974 as director of personnel and served 
as the equal opportunity officer until 1975. He was promoted to chief 
executive officer of the Montgomery Community Action Committee in 1975, 
where he served until his retirement in October of 2013.
  On a personal note, I know Tom Gardner as my beloved ``Uncle Sonny'' 
and my mother's youngest brother. I am blessed to have grown up with 
his wise counsel and guidance. Since the death of my grandfather, Uncle 
Sonny has served as the patriarch of the Gardner family. There is not a 
problem, nor a challenge, nor a concern that my cousins and I have not 
sought his wisdom and comfort. I am so proud of his 39-year career 
heading the Montgomery Community Action Committee, and I am equally 
prideful of my Uncle Sonny's continued dedication to the well-being and 
spiritual health of our family. Thank you, Uncle Sonny.
  On behalf of the Seventh Congressional District, the State of 
Alabama, and this Nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
the career and retirement of Tom Gardner III. His life is a testament 
to his strong work ethic and passion for faith, family, and community.

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