gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin. On June 14, 2007, the Peace Corps announced its strong disagreement with the decision of Retzer to withdraw the authorization for Peace Corps Country Director Christine Djondo to remain in Tanzania and the adverse effects of Retzer's decision on the Peace Corps program in Tanzania. As a result, the Peace Corp minimized the incoming group of volunteers by half to ensure adequate support. On June 27 Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut put a hold on the nomination of Mark Green to replace Retzer as Ambassador citing Retzer's action as interference in the independence of the Peace Corps. Dodd asked that Retzer rescind his cable of no confidence of Djondo or that the State Department provide a written apology to her. On June 28, after he announced that he had received an apology from the State Department Senator Dodd released his hold on Green's nomination allowing it to go forward. Civic organizations In Greenville, Mississippi, where he has resided, Retzer has contributed to community growth by serving in many civic organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Industrial Foundation, and the South Delta Planning Council and Rotary Club. He was also a founding member of Delta Wildlife Foundation and the Mississippi Wildlife Foundation. He has also served as a trustee of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. Retzer Resources, Inc. Outside of his political career, Retzer is the head of Retzer Resources, Inc. He founded the company in 1973. In Partnership with his son Michael, they are the largest McDonald's franchisee owner in the United States. They currently operate 104 restaurants located in five states. One of his McDonald's franchises in Pine Bluff, Arkansas features the only remaining single-arch sign in Arkansas. It was approved and accepted by the United States National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Personal life Retzer has one son, Michael Retzer Jr. and one daughter, Kathryn Retzer He regularly supports the Republican party with political donations to multiple campaigns, both on a local and national level. References 1946 births Living people Ambassadors of the United States to Tanzania People from Bethesda, Maryland Politicians from Greenville, Mississippi United States Air Force officers Mississippi Republicans Mississippi State Republican chairmen