Rob Portman: “I wish to honor the life of Robert S. ``Bob'' Edwards, Jr. Bob was an Army veteran, a successful businessman, a…”

“I wish to honor the life of Robert S. ``Bob'' Edwards, Jr. Bob was an Army veteran, a successful businessman, a community leader, a friend, and an inspiration to us all. Bob was an advisor with AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company and before that a successful textile executive. Among his many business accomplishments, Bob received the Equitable's Centurion Award and several Legion of Honor President's Cabinet Awards. He also received recognition as Associate of the Year and as the agency's representative to the national agents. Bob was also honored with the Equitable's Community Leadership Award twice. A compassionate community leader, Bob served as chairman of the Board of the Freestore Foodbank and founded its most popular fundraiser, the Rubber Duck Regatta. Proceeds from this fundraiser have provided millions of meals to Cincinnatians in need. This past August, the Freestore Foodbank hosted the 20th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta. To celebrate this milestone, Bob set the ambitious goal of raising $1 million dollars, which equates to approximately 3 million meals for hungry children and families. With Bob's leadership, that goal was reached. In 2002 Bob received the Bengals Community Quarterback Award, the NFL league-wide volunteer recognition program, and in 2006 he received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Feeding America.…”