Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor O.V. Lewis of Blairsville, Georgia, for his 90th birthday on June 16. O.V. has dedicated the majority of his life to Young Harris College. He served as an instructor of accounting for 48 years, and registrar for 31 years at Young Harris College, and retired with the longest tenure of any previous employee. During his time at the school, Lewis had an unparalleled commitment to his students, both inside and outside the classroom, that has lasted well beyond graduation. Those who have been influenced by Lewis, such as myself, praise his positive impact on their education and career. Throughout his whole life, Lewis has been generous with his time, talent, and resources as he continues to devote his life to improving those around him. As a graduate of Young Harris College, I am proud to rise today to recognize O.V. Lewis's 90th birthday and lifetime of mentoring and inspiring our future generations. Celebrating the Life of Fritz Noack

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Harry Strack for his remarkable service to our country. Harry was drafted into the military in 1968, and completed his basic training at Fort Bragg. He served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Harry has become a recognized veteran in the Sea Isle community by sharing his story and honoring those who served alongside him. Since returning from Vietnam, Harry has been proud to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. During the Sea Isle Memorial Day ceremony, Harry received a Quilt of Valor to recognize his selfless service and sacrifice. Harry's pride in his service and duty to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice is extraordinary, and I am honored to recognize him today. I know that everyone in Georgia's First Congressional District thanks him for his service. Recognizing Reverend James Owens as a Provisional Elder

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Hugh Brown McNatt, who passed away on June 1, 2021. Hugh was known throughout Georgia for his remarkable career as a trial lawyer for over 50 years. Born on June 23, 1946, in Uvalda, Georgia, Hugh learned the importance of hard work, humility, and dedication to helping others. He flourished in law school and immediately began trying cases all over Georgia and throughout the southeast. After advocating for others his entire life, he won several awards, including the Tradition of Excellence Award and the Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism Award. Outside the courtroom, he was a member of many organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the International Society of Barristers. He left a lifelong impact on his community, Georgia politics, his countless friends, and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor former Chatham County Commissioner David Saussy of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on May 19 at the age of 86. Born the youngest of five children, David moved to Savannah in 1964, and lived the next 57 years in Ardsley Park. All who knew David remember his Savannah smile and his proud expressions whenever he talked about Savannah's accomplishments. David's countless friends and family members consider him one of the most generous people they knew. He was on the boards of the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless and the Coastal Center for Development Services, was a founding member of the St. David's Society of Savannah, and served two terms as a Republican County Commissioner. I am thankful for the immense impact he had on the Savannah community, and I know his legacy will remain. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the many foreign failures President Biden and the Democrats have made putting our national security and country at risk. When President Biden came into office, he and Vice President Harris invited people to come through our border. President Biden even stopped construction of the highly successful and necessary border wall. The Biden border crisis was preventable, and can be fixed if President Biden and Vice President Harris would visit the border like I have. President Biden has also been apologetic to our Nation's greatest foes. He refused for months to acknowledge the possibility that the coronavirus was man-made in the Wuhan lab. He let big tech silence those who spoke out about the evidence, despite leaked emails from Dr. Fauci that showed even he knew the lab leak theory was highly possible and likely probable. And now President Biden wants to hand our vaccine technology over to China free of charge. Members on both sides of the aisle recognize the dangers of this. Yet President Biden would rather side with the Chinese Communist Party than American innovators and American workers. And most recently, the Biden administration and my colleagues across the aisle won't condemn anti-Semitic comments made by Members of this Chamber. To conflate the U.S. and Israel with Hamas and Iran is disgusting. It is wrong. And it is an insult to the men and women who fought for our country and who still defend our country against terrorism. It is time for President Biden to put America first. President Trump did, and our country was stronger than ever before. Now it is time for President Biden to do his job and stand up for the U.S. and hardworking, patriotic Americans. You work for Americans, not for foreign countries.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Mary Lott Walker of Blackshear, Georgia, who passed away on May 12 at the age of 85. Mary loved her city of Blackshear, her State of Georgia, and her country, the United States of America, devoutly. After graduating from Georgia State College for Women, Mary began her influential career in public education. Mary was also involved in politics, becoming the first woman in Blackshear to serve as mayor pro tempore. Through her work in Georgian education, politics, and historical preservation, Mary inspired young people to achieve greatness. Above all, she devoted more than 67 years of membership and leadership to the Blackshear Presbyterian Church. Mary's profound community impacts will be felt for generations to come. My thoughts and prayer are with her family, friends, and all who knew her during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor retired Chief of Police Carl Hamilton Alexander of Brunswick, Georgia, who peacefully passed away at the age of 72. Chief Alexander was a man of strong character and deep devotion to his lifelong profession of public service. He began his career in public service with the Glynn County Fire- Rescue in 1970, and he would eventually rise through the ranks of the police department to become chief of police. Under his leadership, the Glynn County Police Department became the 14th nationally accredited agency in the State in 1994. Chief Alexander modernized the county emergency radio system and brought computer technology into police vehicles. Through every position he had, he worked to better his community and every life he touched. His commitment to Glynn County has changed countless lives, and we are forever grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Davion Mitchell for winning the 2021 NCAA men's basketball national championship with Baylor University. Davion has never been a stranger to achieving success and making an impact on his team. During his time at Liberty County High School in Hinesville, in the First Congressional District of Georgia, Davion led his team to their first State title in school history. As a junior at Baylor University, Davion led Baylor in an impressive season that resulted in a win over Gonzaga in the national championship game. Some of Davion's impressive accolades include the AP All-American Team, the All-Big 12 First Team, the 2021 All-Tournament Team, and the National Defensive Player of the Year. Davion's long list of accomplishments stems from his countless hours of work and his determination to win. I, along with the rest of the First Congressional District, congratulate you, Davion, on your achievements and know that you will continue to make us proud. Honoring Carl Hamilton Alexander

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Michael Mamalakis of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on May 16 at the age of 37. Michael was a lifelong resident of Savannah and a graduate of Jenkins High School. He had many passions in his life, but one of his greatest passions was the Savannah Country Day School sports teams. Michael spent 20 years inspiring athletes with his incredible spirit and unsurpassed devotion. He taught players and coaches alike that passion, effort, and dedication are far more important in sports than wins and losses. In 2014, Michael was honored as Savannah Country Day School's Best of Preps Unsung Hero. He touched many lives in the Savannah community, and his irreplaceable presence will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him, during this most difficult time. Congratulating Davion Mitchell

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Georgia Representative Mickey Stephens for his remarkable career in the Georgia General Assembly. Mr. Stephens is a native of Savannah and a proud graduate of Savannah State College. He served one term in 2002 and was reelected in 2014 to the Georgia House, representing the 165th District. As an educator, he was a great asset to Savannah High School, Shuman Middle School, and John W. Hubert Middle School. Additionally, he served on the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Public Education and the Savannah Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Stephens is known throughout Georgia for his civic service, including his commitment to the community and his efforts in supporting the education of youth and adults. Thank you, Mr. Stephens, for all of your hard work to make Savannah a better place to live. You are an inspiration to us all about giving back to your community. Remembering Michael Mamalakis

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor CDC's Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat for her outstanding career in medicine and public health. Dr. Schuchat joined the CDC in 1988 as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer. Since joining the agency, she has served as chief of the Respiratory Diseases Branch, director of the National Center For Immunization and Respiratory Diseases and as acting CDC director twice. Her contributions have been recognized by an election to the National Academy of Medicine, and she has received the United States Public Health Service's Distinguished Service Medal and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Lifetime Achievement Award, among many other awards and recognitions. Dr. Schuchat has dedicated her life to improving public health around the world and has inspired many young women to go into medicine and public health. As a lifelong healthcare professional, I congratulate Dr. Schuchat on her retirement and commend her for her hard work over the past 33 years.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Craig Nobles of Long County, Georgia, for his heroic actions saving 22 dogs on May 24, 2021. Sheriff Nobles was responding to a brush fire and discovered 22 dogs tied to trees in the wood line. After containing the scene, first responders successfully saved all 22 dogs that are now safe and healthy. The First Congressional District is fortunate to have Sheriff Nobles serving and protecting not only the people in the community, but man's best friend as well. After seeing the faces of the 22 dogs, I am thankful for the first responders who rescued these dogs that are now able to find a loving home. I am proud to rise today to congratulate Sheriff Nobles, the Long County Sheriff's Office, and the Long County Fire Department for their great work in saving these precious animals.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Jim Walters who passed away on February 22nd at the age of 83. Throughout his life, Jim was no stranger to making an impact and improving the lives of others. Jim moved to Gainesville, Georgia in 1971 where he raised his family and became a pillar of philanthropy and generosity in this community. He was a pioneer in the Georgia Industrial Loan Association, owning many loan offices and businesses throughout the state and country. Through his success, Jim gave back to his community in countless ways. He served on Georgia's Board of Natural Resources, the Georgia Ports Authority, and 40 different nonprofit organizations. He mentored, encouraged, supported and inspired all who met him, and Georgia will be forever touched by his legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Captain Stella Melanson for her remarkable career with the Hinesville Police Department. Captain Melanson began working at the Hinesville Police Department in 1976 and became Hinesville's first certified female peace officer. Over the past 43 years there has not been one area of the police department that Captain Melanson has not been involved in. She has served on patrol, within the Detective's Division, Administrative Services Division, and was a founding member of the Tri- County Protective Agency for domestic violence victims. Captain Melanson would humbly argue that she does not play a big role within the police department, but her lifelong service proves otherwise. During her time, she has provided the Hinesville Police Department with tremendous leadership and management. She has dedicated her life to protecting and serving others and I thank her for her 43 years of service.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain John Marshall Branch for twenty-six years of exceptional service to our country. Captain Branch was commissioned in 1995 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Management from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Since then, he has over three thousand and five hundred hours of flight experience, served at six air stations, and deployed to six of the seven continents. From 2016 to 2018, Captain Branch served as the Commanding Officer of Air Station Savannah, successfully supporting hurricane and disaster response, search and rescue, and law enforcement in the southeast, as well as airspace protection for the President and National Capital Region. Captain Branch has a long list of military accomplishments, including the Korea Defense Service Medal, two Commendation medals, the Antarctic Service Medal, and the Achievement Medal, amongst others. I am proud to rise today to honor Captain Branch for his leadership, and commitment to our country. I want to thank Captain Branch and his family for his service.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Mary Lott Walker of Blackshear, Georgia who passed away on May 12th at the age of 85. Mary loved her city of Blackshear, her state of Georgia, and her country the United States of America devotedly. After graduating from Georgia State College for Women, Mary began her influential career in public education. Mary was also involved in politics, becoming the first woman in Blackshear to serve as Mayor pro-term. Through her work in Georgian education, politics, and historical preservation, Mary inspired young people to achieve greatness. Above all, she devoted more than 67 years of membership and leadership to the Blackshear Presbyterian Church. Mary's profound community impacts will be felt for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who knew her during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Hank Huckaby, who passed away on April 14 at the age of 79. Hank was a lifelong public servant who served the State of Georgia in numerous capacities for more than 50 years. He held a number of top roles in Georgia government and education, including chancellor of Georgia's public colleges and universities, executive director of the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority, director of the Office of Planning and Budget, and in the Georgia House of Representatives. Put simply, Hank was devoted to serving the people of Georgia. His public service extended out of the workplace, volunteering his time and leadership in various civic and religious organizations throughout his life. Madam Speaker, Hank Huckaby was a graduate of Young Harris College, and I had the privilege of serving with him on the board of trustees of Young Harris College. He loved Young Harris College, and Young Harris College loved him. Hank was a strong leader, a source of strength, and a true friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Dr. Don Harp, who passed away on April 20 at the age of 82. Dr. Harp was born in Inman, Georgia, where he had a humble upbringing as a farmer. He went on to become a baseball star and student leader at Young Harris College and Huntington College. He was also dedicated in his pursuit of ministry, going on to earn a doctorate from the McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Dr. Harp's accolades are impressive, but his greatest legacy was his gift of connecting with people. He could always find good in any situation and gave unselfishly to his alma mater and friends. As a husband, father, and grandfather, many say that his greatest love was his family, and those who knew him best know his greatest love was also the Lord. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor and privilege of serving with Dr. Harp on the Young Harris College board of trustees. Don Harp loved Young Harris College, and Young Harris College loved Don Harp. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 145, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 146, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 147, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 148.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Gordon Saussy Varnedoe, who passed away on April 24 at the age of 82. Gordon was born in Savannah, Georgia, and was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia. Returning to Savannah, he became the director of the Waterfront Association; and a fundraiser for Armstrong State College, the Alzheimer's Association, and the Savannah Jazz Association. Gordon's accomplishments as an athlete and contributor to Savannah's sports community earned him an induction to the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame as the first recipient of the M.A. Spellman Special Award. Gordon's remarkable athletic accomplishments and contributions span multiple sports and decades. He walked on to the University of Georgia's football team as a fullback, founded the Savannah College of Art and Design rugby team, and the Savannah Scottish games. Madam Speaker, two months before he died, I got a postcard from ``Batman.'' It said: ``You have been getting some heat recently. Just so you know, I love you and always will.'' I love you, too, Batman. We are going to miss you.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Paul Charles Grassey of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on April 11 at the age of 97. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Paul joined the U.S. Air Force and was assigned as a pilot in the Eighth Air Force. He flew more than a dozen combat missions as a B-24 pilot. Paul's most treasured purpose was discovered when he became involved with the building, growth, and development of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia. He had a passion for sharing his stories about the courage and the sacrifice of the people he served with. He loved to sing, and he led us often in patriotic songs. In January of 2020, Paul was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his service and role in helping to free France from Nazi occupation during World War II. I am thankful for the immense impact that Paul Grassey had on our community, and I know his legacy will remain. We will all miss him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Martin Bell's remarkable career as general manager of the Okefenokee Swamp Park. For the past 26 years, Martin Bell has welcomed guests from around the world to experience the wonders of the Okefenokee Swamp. Known as an intensely creative and hardworking leader, Mr. Bell's accomplishments are impressive. Under Mr. Bell's management, many projects were completed to support the park's growth and sustainable future. Some of Mr. Bell's more notable accomplishments include the establishment of the Okefenokee Railroad, the launch of the holiday light show, the construction of the Cypress Cove annex and greenhouse, and the reopening of a water trail that had been closed for 40 years. Through his stewardship, Mr. Bell has exposed the beauty of the Okefenokee Swamp Park to visitors from across the globe and built the park into our State's most desirable ecotourism and educational destination. Mr. Bell's passion and leadership for the park will be missed by all of those, like me, who appreciate his steadfast stewardship.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor the former mayor of Thunderbolt, Jimmy Petrea, who passed away on April 24 at the age of 74. Jimmy spent his entire life serving others. After graduating high school, Jimmy enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve our country and went on to serve 3 years in Vietnam. Jimmy was elected mayor of Thunderbolt in 1981 and was reelected for multiple terms until he resigned in 2005. During his 24 years as mayor, Jimmy was highly regarded by his constituents as a person of unquestioned integrity and dedication. After a quarter-century of service to the town of Thunderbolt and the Coastal Empire, one cannot visit Georgia's First Congressional District without seeing the profound impacts Jimmy made for his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him, during this most difficult time. Recognizing Martin Bell

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Georgia Representative Mickey Stephens for his remarkable career in the Georgia General Assembly. Mr. Stephens is a native of Savannah and a proud graduate of Savannah State College. Mickey served one term in 2002 and was reelected in 2014 to the Georgia House, representing the 165th District. As an educator, he was a great asset to Savannah High School, Shuman Middle School, and John W. Hubert Middle School. Additionally, Mickey served on the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Public Education and the Savannah Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Stephens is known throughout Georgia for his civic service, including his commitment to the community and his efforts in supporting the education of youth and adults. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Stephens for all of his work to make Savannah a better place to live. Mr. Stephens is an inspiration to all of us about giving back to the community. Remembering James ``Jimmy'' Allen Petrea

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Donald Scott Overton of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on April 14 at the age of 89. Scott served our country in the U.S. Army and trained to be a pilot toward the end of the Korean war, giving him a love for flying that he would have for the rest of his life. Scott became an accomplished glider pilot and enjoyed building planes from a kit in his garage. Everyone who knew Scott recognized his giving heart and love for adventure. With his wife and friends, Scott cruised to all the continents except Africa. Professionally, Scott worked tirelessly as the president of the Arthur D. Crane Real Estate Development Company and owned numerous small water companies. I am thankful for the immense impact that Scott had on our community, and I know his legacy will remain. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him, during this most difficult time. Recognizing Mickey Stephens