Carl Levin and John Dingell 2015 Medal for Distinguished Public Service

Several publications highlighted the recipients of the 2015 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service at a reception held at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. June 1, 2015. The CHC, officially called the “National Republican Club of Capitol Hill” hosted the Foundation’s Annual Dinner for the first time since the 1980’s.

Pictured: Ford Family, Carl Levin, and John Dingell

The 2015 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service Recipients were former U.S. Senator Carl Levin and former U.S. Congressman John Dingell. Levin and Dingell are longtime Democrats that represented the State of Michigan for numerous terms. Levin is the longest serving U.S. Senator in Michigan history and was Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services. Dingell was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 59 years and is the longest serving U.S. Representative in United States history.

The Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service recognizes outstanding public contributions by individuals who reflect the qualities demonstrated by President Ford during his public service career: Strength of character, Integrity, Trustworthiness, Fidelity to principles in decision making, Sound judgment, Decisiveness (particularly during periods of crisis), Determination in the face of adversity, Diligence, Self-confidence balanced with respect for the views of others, Self-discipline in personal life. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the Ford Family were honored to present the award to two of Michigan’s finest public servants.

Both Levin and Dingell provided remarks which included thanking Susan Ford Bales, Mike Ford and Steve Ford who represented the Ford Family at the Dinner. Levin and Dingell stated how honored they were to receive the award, even with the event being held at a Republican Club. They also warmly remembered Gerald R. Ford and his legacy. Both acknowledged the historic impact on the nation when Ford put the country first in pardoning Richard Nixon even while he knew it may cost him his political career and wished that Washington, D.C. could see Gerald R. Ford’s example of compromise and bipartisanship as a means to solving the nation’s difficult issues.

The New York Times, Politico and WDIV Detroit amongst numerous others reported on the event and recipients.  The Associated Press distributed the group photo of Recipients Carl Levin and John Dingell with Ford Family members Susan Ford Bales, Mike Ford and Steve Ford (photo by Robert Humpries/Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation).