Mike Carey

Mr. CAREY

Mr. CAREY. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Ohio Tuskegee Airmen Day. Most know the Tuskegee Airmen as the first Black pilots in the military who overcame the headwinds of segregation and racism to achieve unparalleled success during World War II, flying nearly 1,600 missions and destroying over 260 enemy aircraft. What you may not know is their success continued after the war, both militarily and culturally, in Lockbourne, Ohio. In 1946, the Tuskegee Airmen arrived at the Lockbourne Army Air Force Base, where they operated the first and only Army Air Force base under the command of Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Segregation continued to hinder their opportunities off base, but Lockbourne overcame and was lauded as the best managed base in the Air Force. Their work led President Harry Truman to issue an executive order in 1948 that desegregated the military and mandated equal opportunity and treatment. I am proud to represent an area of such historical significance and to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Mr. CAREY

Mr. CAREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as our Nation faces major foreign and domestic challenges brought on by the weakness of the Biden administration. The border crisis, the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, the failure to hold China accountable, the green-lighting of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and ``minor incursion'' remarks have sent signals of weakness to our global adversaries. That weakness is now being tested as Russian aggression threatens the sovereignty of our strategic partners in Ukraine. This threat to Ukraine is also a threat to democracy. Ukraine needs our support to defend itself. That means sending a strong signal by supporting more military and security equipment, as well as immediate financial, economic, and energy sanctions against the Russians. At this time, our national sovereignty has been betrayed by the administration. Illegal immigrants and drugs are flowing across the southern border at a record pace. We must act to secure our borders and support Ukraine. Failure to do so will weaken our national security for years to come.

Mr. CAREY

Mr. CAREY. Mr. Speaker, as a Clinton County native, I rise today in honor of the 2021 Division IV Ohio high school football State champion, the Clinton-Massie Falcons. On December 3, 2021, the Clinton-Massie Falcons defeated the Youngstown Ursuline Irish in a thrilling comeback victory that one would expect to see in a movie. Trailing 28-7 late in the third quarter, the Falcons kept their poise and refused to be denied. They shut down the Irish offense while scoring on three straight possessions. The Falcon's final touchdown came on a fourth and goal from the 1-yard line with under 1 minute to play. With the score 28-27, the team didn't think twice when given the choice. They went for 2 points and the win to bring home the school's third State championship in just under 10 years. To Coach Dan McSurley and every player on the Falcon roster, congratulations. As a former captain of the East Clinton Astro football team, I understand the obstacles that you have had to overcome to earn this title. You have made our county proud and proven that hard work and determination truly pay off.

Mr. CAREY

Mr. CAREY. Madam Speaker, first, I am humbled to stand here today to serve in the people's House as a product of the small town of Sabina, Ohio. I thank my family: my wonderful wife, Meghan, who is home with our young son Conrad while we are preparing to welcome a new son into the world in just a couple of weeks; also, my incredible son Prescott; my brother Chad; and my loving mother, Debra, who are all here today in the gallery. To the people of Ohio's 15th District, from our smallest towns to our State capital in Columbus, I am truly honored that you have entrusted me with this solemn duty. Whether you work on a farm, own a small business, or are a large employer, I promise to fight for our district and to represent you all with dignity and respect. The problems facing our Nation today are great and consequential. Working families need this body to deliver solutions. Today, I am ready to work for the people of my district and for this great Nation.