A life led in the 'ideal of public service' DMBA Foundation honors Congressman Dingell with Dennis Archer Award

The Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation presented Rep. John Dingell with the Dennis W. Archer Award for Public Service at its 10th annual gala Nov. 6 at the Detroit Mercantile Company. Dingell, who announced his retirement in February, is currently the longest-serving member of Congress and a veteran of World War II. He has enjoyed the longest uninterrupted Congressional tenure in our nation's history. He is one of two World War II veterans serving in Congress, the current and longest-serving Dean of the House, and Dean of Michigan's congressional delegation. During his long service he has been a champion of causes including labor, health care, and helping those in poverty. "As a soldier, lawyer, and a congressman for fifty-eight years, Congressman Dingell has lived the ideal of public service that the Archer Award represents," said DMBAF co-chair E. Christopher Johnson, Jr. Starting in 2004 with former Michigan Supreme Court Justice and Detroit Mayor Dennis W. Archer, the Archer Award has been presented every year to members of Michigan's legal community who have set a high standard for professional excellence and public service. Recipients include Senator Carl Levin, former Governor Jennifer Granholm, the Honorable Damon J. Keith, and former Supreme Court Justice and Director of Michigan's Department of Human Services, Maura Corrigan. Recent honorees include Judge Victoria Roberts (2012) and Judge Harold Hood (2013). Past Archer receptions have been held at Detroit landmarks such as the Cobo Center (2013); the Detroit Yacht Club (2012); and the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. "Just as we select each year's Archer recipient based on their exemplary public service - in effect, shining a spotlight on the best of the best of Michigan's legal community - we also choose our event venues to show off our city's architectural gems," explained the foundation's other co-chair, Barbara Bowman. In addition honoring members of the legal profession that exemplify the Foundation's core value of public service, the Archer Award event is also the DMBAF's main fundraising initiative. Proceeds are used to fund access to justice programs including the Detroit Legal Services Clinic, a Pro-Bono Mentorship Program, and For The Seventh Generation (www.fortheseventhgeneration.org), which has matched donations of goods and services with 457 foster children, teens, and families in need in the first half of 2014 alone. The evening included a strolling supper with full bar and a chance to explore the Mercantile's antique and vintage memorabilia from around the city and state. Published: Fri, Nov 14, 2014