Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant for celebrating the 50th year since its founding. In 1970, the University of Georgia initiated a marine extension service program with startup funds to assist the Cooperative Extension Service provided to agriculture. Edward Chin led the original program, and also had responsibility for coordinating the university's marine programs on Sapelo Island and Skidaway Island. Today, the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides research, education, and training in science to assist Georgia in solving problems and recognizing opportunities for its coastal and marine environments. Because of all the exceptional work they have done throughout the years, they have helped promote the economic, cultural, and environmental health of Georgia's coast. They have also aided in preparing Georgians to become good stewards of coastal ecosystems and watershed resources. The Georgia Sea Grant College Program is part of a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, Lake Champlain, and Guam. This program is among a network of over 300 institutions involving more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, educators, students, and outreach experts. As the Representative for Georgia's coast, I can't thank them enough for the work they have done to help improve our environment to support Georgia's short- and long-term prosperity.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Becky Shea, who recently retired from the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Shea worked with the Chamber for over 7 years and served as the Office Manager and Membership Director. Although she was set to retire from the chamber last year, she decided to stay to help with the transition to the newest Chamber leader, who is now Andrew Cripps. Thanks to Becky's efforts to maintain the productivity and organization of the office as a whole, the Chamber was able to adapt to the leadership change and address the challenges from COVID-19 effectively. Throughout Ms. Shea's service to the Effingham Chamber of Commerce, she delivered exceptional results for all who worked with her. Becky approached every day with a can-do attitude and always went above and beyond to help make Effingham live up to its full potential. Her dedicated leadership set a positive example for all, and she will be greatly missed by the Effingham Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of John E. ``Jack'' Hardman of Glynn County. Jack was a loyal friend and leader who served others with selfless devotion. He attended college in France and New Mexico, where he served as class president. After he received his degree from The Hiram Scott College in Nebraska, he moved to Brunswick, Georgia and was employed in the radio broadcasting business for the Wiggins family. When he worked in radio, he was known as Jack Pride, and managed three different radio stations in Georgia and Florida. Jack worked for Nationwide Insurance starting in 1984, and he retired in 2018 after 34 years. He took his leadership skills to new heights when he served on the Glynn County Board of Commissioners for two terms, and he was appointed as Chairman in 1995. Jack was a founding shareholder of the Atlantic National Bank and served on the Board for the Georgia Underwriting Association for many years. He was also an accomplished fisherman and a Licensed Master Captain. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone 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 Emma Morel Adler, who passed away on July 12 at the age of 90. Emma was a native Savannahian and attended the Pape School, where she established a firm foundation in the Arts and Humanities as well as developing many life-long friendships. She later attended Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, where she received a BA in French in 1952. After returning back to Savannah, Emma was a reporter at the Savannah Morning News. She married her beloved husband, Lee, who was also a native Savannahian, in 1953 and they had two children. Lee and Emma were married for more than 50 years before Lee passed away in 2012. Emma loved her family with all of her heart, and was a faithful mother and wife. She also loved her city of Savannah, and was devoted to advocating for it and its preservation. Emma was a volunteer for numerous boards, including The Junior League of Savannah, the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Public Education, the Georgia Humanities Council, the National Federation of Humanities Council, Historic Savannah Foundation, the Telfair Museum, and the Ossabaw Island Foundation. She was also a member of the Georgia Historical Society and The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Emma was a natural born leader, and she served as President of the Friends of Massie Committee, Savannah's oldest public school. Her love for history, art, music, and her family made Savannah better. I am immensely grateful for all the work she did to preserve Savannah's beautiful history. She will be deeply missed.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Bruce Lambert Broadrick, who passed away on July 15 at the age of 68. Besides his years at the beloved University of Georgia, Bruce spent his entire life serving Dalton, Georgia. He was a pharmacist and State Representative whose passion was making lives around him better. Bruce owned his late father's pharmacy, Frank's Pharmacy, for 35 years until the pharmacy's closing in 2009. He took his leadership skills to new heights when he served as President of Georgia Pharmacy Association from 1995 to 1997. He also served as Vice-chair of the Whitfield County Board of Health. I had the honor of working alongside him for a few years when he served as a Georgia State Representative. Although pharmacy was his core focus, he loved his family more than anything. He was affectionately known as ``Papa Bruce'' to his 7 grandchildren, and was a dedicated father and husband, as well. As a pharmacist myself, I can attest to Bruce's heartfelt dedication to his work as a pharmacist. He truly cared about the profession, and served every patient with the best of his abilities. Bruce will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family, and patients during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Martin L. ``M.L.'' Coffer, who passed away on June 23 at the age of 83. M.L was a lifelong resident of Fleming who loved the Lord, his family, and farming with his whole heart. He was a faithful member of Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, and held several positions. M.L. always served others with such kindness and sincerity everywhere he went. He met his lovely wife, Beverly Black, in Clarkesville when he attended the North Georgia Trade and Vocational School in Clarkesville on a baseball and basketball scholarship. M.L. worked at Savannah Electric and Power Company for 15 years and retired from Coastal Utilities after 33 years of service. He was the first President and charter member of the Liberty Coastal Lions Club, First Citizens Bank Board of Directors, Soil and Water Conservation Board, Resource Conservation and Development Board, and Liberty Hunting Club. M.L. was also Chairman of the Liberty County Commissioners for 16 years and Secretary and Treasury of the Coastal EMC Board of Directors. He owned BevMar Logging and BevMar farms, as well. He was a fearless leader and a cowboy at heart. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on for countless years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Troy Bland with Bland Farms, LLC for being appointed to the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. He and 12 others join 12 other members who were re-appointed. The Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee advises the secretary of agriculture on issues that affect the industry. Headquartered in Glennville, Georgia, Bland Farms is the largest grower, packer, and shipper of sweet onions in the United States. They represent roughly one quarter of the entire Vidalia sweet onion volume and have the largest controlled-environment storage capacity in the industry. Additionally, Bland Farms was the first company in the industry to market sweet onions year-round. Troy grew up working the farm with both his father and grandfather and he knew from a very young age that his dream, like his father's, was to carry on the family business. He now serves as Chief Operating Officer, and works alongside his brother, Landis. His hard work, dedication, and commitment has allowed the family business to thrive. Congratulations, again. I wish Troy the best in his new position

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Paul Osterman of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away at the age of 58. Paul was born in Utica, New York, and earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music. He earned a degree in computer science from SUNY IT, Utica, as well. After school, he went on to work for General Electric, Utica, and the United States Air Force Research Lab. Music was the epicenter of Paul's life starting from a young age when he took his first music lessons. He brought joy, inspiration, and peace to everyone he performed for with his exceptional gift in playing the piano and organ. Paul was extremely dedicated to local and professional theatre groups, and even worked briefly in New York City where he worked with renowned musicians like Gene Simmons. He was also dedicated to serving the church as an organist for both the United Methodist Church in New Hartford, New York, and Wesley Oaks Methodist Church in Savannah. Paul met his lovely wife, Jacquelin Jones, through theatre, and they ran the Hartford Players Youth Theatre in Utica for many years. He was known for his encouragement of others, countless wry jokes, his love of crossword puzzles, and his optimistic view and love of life. Paul was a family man and loved his family deeply. Although he is not with us any longer, his light will continue to shine.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of my friend, Mr. Terry Durrence, who passed away on August 2nd at the age of 65. Terry and I graduated from the University of Georgia's College of Pharmacy together, and I was blessed to have him in my life. After pharmacy school, he went on to work for Revco, CVS, and Candler Hospital pharmacies, where he always served others with a kind and selfless heart. Terry took his heart for serving others outside of his work as a pharmacist, as well. He was an avid supporter of the Habersham YMCA where he volunteered as a lifeguard and was active in the Leadership Club. One of his greatest passions was scuba diving, and he went to some of the most incredible diving locations. I always loved hearing about his trips and discoveries. Terry was a true Georgia Bulldog fan throughout the years, and I was glad to have him by my side to cheer on the Dawgs together. He was also a member of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, and was a true leader in the pharmacy field. His lovely wife, Susan, two amazing children, Alexander and Addison, are especially in my thoughts and prayers during this time as they grieve the loss of such a wonderful man

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize PepsiCo for being awarded the Excellency in Disability Inclusion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor. They were given the highest level of achievement under this program-- the Gold Award. PepsiCo was chosen because it showed the company proactively recruits, hires, retains, and advances individuals with disabilities not only to comply, but excel by making this a part of the PepsiCo brand. They truly set a positive example for companies across the U.S. It is imperative that companies foster the spirit of disability inclusion, and I am encouraged by their efforts. This momentous achievement was made possible by ``Pepsi Achieving Change Together,'' or the PepsiACT. The PepsiAct is Pepsi's formal partnership with Disability Solutions at Ability Beyond, which is a nonprofit specializing in corporate disability recruiting programs. In the year ahead, PepsiCo will participate in a ``Year of Engagement'' program to share their best practices and encourage other employers to adopt them.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Frederick, or Fred, William Kramer III of Georgia's First Congressional District, who passed away on June 26th. Fred was a born and raised Savannahian who loved Coastal Georgia and spent as much time as he could on the water. Because he was the son of a veteran, Fred cherished the opportunities he had to travel post-war Europe as a boy and live in Zargoza, Spain. Fred turned down Ivy League colleges to attend the University of Georgia and become a Georgia Bulldog like his mother. After college, he received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia. He often spoke of his time in Athens--including walking to the Varsity, living in the Joe Brown dorm, and the fun times he had in college and in law school. Fred started his law career in private practice and then moved to the Chatham County District Attorney's office. He joined the esteemed Department of Justice in 1980. Fred was a leader in his practice of law, and trained many young attorneys in his role as senior litigation counsel. In recent years, he was a docent at the Mighty Eighth Air Force museum, and he deeply enjoyed educating the public about the experience of soldiers, the value of understanding history, and the value of a vote. He lived a life deeply caring for others, and was generous in caring for orphans and widows--and he did it humbly. Everyone who knew him will miss his sense of humor, eccentric ways, colorful stories, passion for learning, and encouragement. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue for countless years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two incredible teachers and mentors, Dr. Mulatu Lemma of Savannah, Georgia, and Ms. Megan Heberle of Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Lemma received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, or PAESMEM, and Ms. Megan Heberle received one of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, or the PAEMST. PAESMEM and PAEMST are both administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. These awards recognize outstanding teaching and mentoring efforts that enhance the participation and retention of individuals who might not otherwise have considered or had access to opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM. Each awardee receives a certificate signed by the President, a $10,000 award from NSF, and a trip to Washington, DC. Because of his wealth of knowledge, Dr. Lemma was designated as a Distinguished Professor through Savannah State University in 2011. In 2013, he received the prestigious title of Georgia Professor of the Year and recently became one of the most awarded professors in the state of Georgia. Ms. Heberle has also excelled at teaching science and coordinated the scientific research program at Islands High School for six years. Currently, she teaches Scientific Research and Zoology to 9th through 12th grade students. STEM fields are critical to our nation's health and prosperity, so it is imperative to have leaders like Dr. Lemma and Ms. Heberle guiding and supporting our leaders of tomorrow. They both have made an everlasting impact on countless students, and I know they will continue to inspire many more. I am thankful for Dr. Lemma and Ms. Heberle's steadfast commitment to their students. I wish them both the best of luck in the years to come

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in such a time as this, we need to honor and remember the people who have made our country great. Judge Asbury Quillian Baldwin Jr. of LaGrange, Georgia was certainly one of them. Judge Baldwin was a man of many gifts and talents. He was a highly respected attorney who eventually became partner and owner at the law firm Baldwin & Mallory in LaGrange. He was also named Juvenile Court Judge of Troup County. A lifelong love of law and politics culminated in his election to the Georgia State Senate where he held numerous important positions like assistant floor leader, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and vice chairman of the Rules Committee. Judge Baldwin was eventually appointed as Judge of the Superior Court for the Coweta Judicial Circuit. He was committed to every position he held--from judge and state senator to friend and loving family man. All the esteemed positions he held and his amazing accomplishments allowed him to positively impact many, but it was his impeccable character and heart for others that marked his life. His family, friends, and all those impacted by him will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the students of Georgia's First Congressional District who recently graduated. Social distancing due to the coronavirus led to most graduations being canceled, but there have been virtual, drive-through, and in- person ceremonies throughout the summer. I am especially thankful for the hardworking school administrators and teachers across the First District who have made sure students receive the recognition they so richly deserve. For example, Effingham County's school administrators went above and beyond in their efforts. They allowed for 380 high school seniors at Effingham County High School and 360 at South Effingham County High School to participate in a drive-through graduation that gave seniors the opportunity to drive through the campus and jump out of their cars, to have their photos taken, and receive their diplomas. Although students across the country have had to endure the many challenges which have come with this national pandemic and have been held back from high school and college traditions like graduation ceremonies, their resilience and perseverance will promise them success and a bright future.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of beloved Savannah architect Eric Meyerhoff, who passed away at the age of 91. Eric was a gift to the Savannah community, who blessed it with his gift of imagination. Eric helped create the Savannah Riverfront and more than 74 projects in the historic district, including the World War II monument titled, ``A World Apart,'' which is located on River Street. Eric played a large part in making the beautiful city what it is today, and he spent over 50 years bringing his vision for Savannah to life. Although Eric was extremely committed to Savannah's architecture, he was even more committed to his people. Eric and his family escaped Nazi Germany in the 1930s, so he had many impactful stories that touched countless lives. Eric was also a veteran. Eric served as a translator in the United States Army. Eric was a graduate of the University of Florida and was a huge Florida Gators fan. Although most in the Savannah community knew Eric as a renowned architect, he was also a devoted teacher, provider, husband, and father. I am thankful for the life Eric lived, and he will leave a lasting impact on Savannah with his architectural creations. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor my friend, Andy Eugene Quinney, of Georgia's First Congressional District who passed away at the age of 64. Mr. Quinney was born in Savannah, Georgia, and graduated from Robert W. Groves High School. Andy was a dedicated insurance agent, serving Chatham County and the Lowcountry of South Carolina for over 4 decades, most recently working with Jimmy Swain of James M. Swain & Associates. Andy took his leadership skills to new heights when he was the mayor of Garden City, Georgia, from 2002 to 2009. One of his goals as mayor was to ``put the garden back in Garden City,'' and that he did. He was blessed with a green thumb and could bring any plant or city back to life. Garden City thrived thanks to his devout leadership and commitment to improving the lives of its citizens. Andy was pivotal in making it the success it is today. Andy was a pillar for the Masonic Lodge through his service as Worshipful Master and was one of the founders of the Band of Brothers. Andy loved music, reading, and gardening, and he used all those gifts he was given for God's glory. Everyone who encountered him would be met with an infectious smile, and it was evident that the joy of the Lord was his strength. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with my brother in Christ's friends and family during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Savannah's E. Shaver, Bookseller, which was voted the South's Best Bookstore 2020 by the readers of Southern Living magazine. This cherished bookstore is Savannah's oldest independent bookstore, and it makes its home in a building erected in the 1840s by Eliza Jewett, one of the few female builders in the city at the time. Ed and Esther Shaver turned this space into a bookstore in 1975, after selling antiques for a short time, and it has been thriving for over 40 years. In 2015, Jessica Osborne took the helm in leading this special bookstore to make it the success that it is today. This bookstore is more than just a store. It is an important part of downtown Savannah's character and charm. I am thankful for Mrs. Osborne's commitment to keeping reading alive and well and for putting a smile on all faces that enter. During difficult times like these, it is imperative we support small businesses like E. Shaver now more than ever.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, in our lives there are people and places we remember. I will always remember John Lewis. There are some people that you feel especially honored to have met. You feel like you are one of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to hear their stories, to learn their convictions, and to feel their triumphs. I believe just about anyone who had the opportunity to meet John Lewis would agree that he is one of those people. He was born the son of sharecroppers. He grew up on his family farm, and he attended segregated public schools in Alabama. He told the story often, and I remember him telling us this story, about how he used to preach to the chickens. He went on from that humble beginning to be called one of the most courageous persons the civil rights movement ever produced, a title he rightfully deserved. John Lewis dedicated his entire life to securing equality and justice for all people, while remaining a devoted advocate for nonviolence. It must have been an incredible blessing for him to see how his fight changed our Nation and the entire world with his own eyes. For me, it was a blessing to know him. His office was over in the Cannon Building for many years, and my office was in the Cannon Building. And oftentimes, as we were walking over here, I would get to walk with him. I hung on every moment, on every word, just to have the opportunity to spend time with someone like John Lewis. I will always be grateful for those walks. Many of my colleagues in the Georgia Delegation have mentioned the time that he invited us to dinner at his home here in Washington. What great stories he told that night; truly, one of the greatest experiences I have had while I have been up here in Washington, D.C. John Lewis was a giant among men. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on forever.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's, or FLETC's, 50th anniversary. Since the Consolidated Law Enforcement Training Center was created in 1970 before becoming the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, they have continued the mission of safeguarding our homeland and serving as America's enterprise resource for Federal law enforcement training. In its first year, FLETC graduated 2,200 students. Last year, FLETC welcomed more than 67,000 students. They have grown to manage more than 850 training programs across the training sites, including one in Brunswick, Georgia. For the past 50 years, FLETC has been a critical program to ensure our officers of tomorrow receive the proper training to protect the communities in which they serve. FLETC has done a great job at adapting throughout their existence from hurricanes, government shutdowns, to a worldwide pandemic. Whatever they have faced, FLETC has done a remarkable job at getting invaluable Federal law enforcement personnel to the front lines. Now, more than ever, is an important time to honor their five decades as the Nation's producer, resource, and steward of Federal law enforcement training. Mr. Speaker, I thank all who work tirelessly at FLETC, especially those at Glynco in Georgia's First Congressional District. Remembering Kyle Steven Hugunin

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Major General Bill Bland of Georgia's First Congressional District, who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family at 84 years old. General Bland is the former Adjutant General for the State of Georgia and a beloved husband, father, and a good friend. He enlisted in the Georgia Air National Guard in 1958 and received his pilot's wings in 1962 at Moody Air Force Base. General Bland served faithfully in a variety of assignments which took him all over the world. He was a command pilot with more than 8,000 hours, flying in nine different types of aircraft. He also served in the position of Adjutant General until his retirement in 1999, after more than 40 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. I had the honor and privilege of attending church with General Bland and his lovely wife, Harriet, at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. It was evident Jesus Christ was the Lord and savior of Bill's life, and he used all the gifts God gave him to serve others and bring glory to God. He was an active and faithful member of the church, where he served on the board of trustees for 17 years. General Bland will surely be missed by his friends, family, our church community, and all who knew and loved him. His legacy of selfless devotion to our country and those in need will remain for countless years to come. Celebrating the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's 50th Anniversary

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. Kyle Steven Hugunin. Friends, family, and members of Kyle's community recently recognized the 1-year anniversary of his passing at the youthful age of 30. He was from Savannah, in Georgia's First Congressional District, and was an outstanding, kind, and loving individual, who was a friend to all. Kyle was employed by Industrial Conveyor Belt Services for 10 years and worked hard in all he did. While reminiscing on Kyle's abundance of joy that he brought to all family, friends, and others, they recalled that ``he had one of the best smiles ever.'' He represented what it looks like to truly live life to the fullest and not take any day for granted. Kyle was a 2007 graduate of Benedictine Military School and loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golf, and baseball. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved him during this difficult time. Congratulating Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Brunswick-Godlen Isles Chamber of Commerce for the U.S. certification at the highest five-star level. Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind. It defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. There are currently only 204 chambers across the country that have earned the accreditation designation, and only 128 are five- star. The Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of the business community and a leader among community programs. I applaud all members of the chamber for their hard work throughout the years to excel above other chambers throughout the Nation and their efforts to lead by example. In part due to the chamber's hard work and dedication, our community is an exceptional place to live, work, and visit. I look forward to seeing the positive future of the chamber and the communities they help serve and grow.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a champion. Ira Katz, a registered pharmacist and owner of Little Five Points Pharmacy, was recognized as Champion for Opioid Safety by the Georgia Pharmacy Association. He received this title after completing a series of educational programming aimed at reducing opioid-related overdoses. Everything began when he was connected to a local needle exchange operation and was made aware of the need to provide opioid education and Naloxone, or Narcan, to whoever needed it. Naloxone is a drug that reverses opioid overdoses. According to the CDC, overdoses involving opioids killed nearly 47,000 people in 2018, and 32 percent of those deaths involved prescription opioids. That number is far too high, which is why we desperately need people like Ira Katz fighting on the front lines to save countless lives for a more positive future. As the only pharmacist currently serving in Congress, I understand the importance of fighting the opioid epidemic and serving one's community with the utmost integrity. I applaud Ira Katz for his 39 years of hard work to serve the people of the Atlanta community, and I wish him all the best in the years to come.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Mr. Benjamin Tarbutton, Jr., who passed away peacefully on June 9, 2020, at the age of 90. A lifelong resident of Sandersville, Georgia, Mr. Tarbutton's ambition started at an earlier age when he earned the honor of Eagle Scout. He even attended the Boy Scout International Jamboree in Paris, France, in 1947. Mr. Tarbutton went on to attend Oxford College and graduated from Emory University in 1951 with a BA in economics. Following his studies, Mr. Tarbutton served our Nation in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955 and was a veteran of the Korean war. When he returned home, he began his lifelong career with the Sandersville Railroad Company. Mr. Tarbutton served as a director of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, which is now 127 years old. He dedicated 65 years to the company until the time of his death, serving as president, vice president, and director. His strong commitment to the railroad industry stretched beyond Sandersville Railroad Company. Mr. Tarbutton served as the director of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association and founder and president of the Georgia Railroad Association. While he found great success in business, Mr. Tarbutton is best known for his commitment to his family, his church, and his community and the State of Georgia. He will always be remembered for his tireless work to bring new industry and jobs to Sandersville. As part of this work, he served as the director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce for many years and was honored as Washington County's Citizen of the Year. But most importantly, Mr. Tarbutton was a family man. His friends and family remember him as a wonderful storyteller who entertained everyone around him with his colorful tales. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tarbutton family, especially his widow, Nancy, with a debt of gratitude for sharing Mr. Ben with all of us.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and to honor the life of one of my mentors and my very good friend, Georgia State Senator Jack Hill, who passed away on April 6 at the age of 75. I sat next to Jack in the Georgia State Senate for 5 years, and he was truly a mentor to me. Through listening and interacting with him over the course of those years up until his death, I understood what it really meant to be a dedicated public servant. Jack lived his entire life in Reidsville, and his love for his hometown and community was evident throughout his life. After he graduated from Reidsville High School and Georgia Southern University, he came back to his hometown and went into the grocery business as owner and operator of Hill Shopping Center. In addition to running his own successful business, Jack still found time to serve in the Georgia Air National Guard for over 33 years, both as a unit commander and a State inspector general. He was appointed to the board of directors at The Tattnall Bank in the early 1980s before heeding the call to public service. In 1990, he ran for and won his first term as Georgia State Senator for the Fourth District of Georgia. Throughout Jack's 30 years of steadfast service in representing the Fourth District, he served on many prestigious committees, including the Senate Rules Committee, where he was vice chairman, and chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. Both Jack and I liked to write columns. We would write weekly columns. Jack always chided me and said mine were very chatty. I always chided him and said his were very nerdy. He was a numbers cruncher. He knew the budget like no one in the State of Georgia knew it. He was always the last to leave the capitol each day because of how dedicated he was to serve the people of our State. Because of Jack's leadership, my colleagues and I were always driven to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and uphold our mission in all that we did to serve Georgians to the best of our abilities. Jack was a man of overwhelming integrity, compassion, and humility. He was a true statesman. While he certainly worked hard to be selected for this role, he never used his prestigious title to gain praise or acknowledgment. He was one of the few people who taught me the importance of placing people over the politics and praise. If anyone ever needed to talk to him, he was always available and listened to what you had to say no matter who you were. Jack also taught me the importance of humility and keeping a common, steady hand at the helm. I will always remember his immense dedication to everyone he interacted with. He made a huge difference in the lives of countless students, in the reputation of the university system, and in the holistic improvement of the State of Georgia. Jack's legacy will always be remembered, and those he knew will never forget the impact he had on the lives he touched. It is for these reasons that all 14 Georgia Members of the U.S. House, including myself, signed proposed legislation to name a post office building in Jack's hometown of Reidsville after him. Naming a post office after him will honor his remarkable contributions to our State for years to come, and we will work to preserve his legacy of public service for his fellow Georgians. Jack's advice has stayed with me throughout the years, and he helped make me the person I am today. I am forever grateful to have known Jack Hill, and I will never forget him. His family, friends, and those he worked with will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as we all mourn the death of a great Georgian and a great American. Honoring the Life of Benjamin Tarbutton, Jr.