Richard Hudson

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stag & Doe Restaurant and Tavern, located in China Grove, North Carolina, for its selection as the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2015 Chamber Champion Small Business of the Year. Stag & Doe is a fixture within Rowan County and this selection illustrates the profound impact the restaurant has had on our community for generations. Established in 1953 by Dan Morton, Stag & Doe was styled after an English Pub that would be dedicated to providing customers a welcoming environment where people could enter as strangers and leave as friends. While many things have changed at Stag & Doe since 1953, it has never lost its family-owned, hometown atmosphere. Stag & Doe is still known today as one of the best places in Rowan County to go to for a great steak or the freshest seafood in the region. In addition to providing a fantastic dining experience that attracts folks from all across the region, the restaurant's owners, the Morton family, have been actively involved in the community's development for decades. From opening up Stag & Doe for countless local events to being the driving force behind building support for a new interchange off Interstate 85 that would have a lasting impact on southern Rowan County, Gary Morton continues the legacy of community service that was started over 60 years ago. Stag & Doe is the embodiment of what a small business should be, and this award is truly a testament to the appreciation the restaurant has so rightfully earned from our community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Morton family and the Stag & Doe staff for earning this prestigious award, and wishing them well as they continue to serve the people of Rowan County, North Carolina some of the finest food our area has to offer.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Doug Croft for his 28 years of leadership to the city of Thomasville, North Carolina through his work at the Thomasville Area Chamber of Commerce. I have seen firsthand the positive impact Mr. Croft has had on his community, and I know I will not be the last to say how much he will be missed. Under Mr. Croft's exceptional leadership, the city of Thomasville rebounded from a period of manufacturing and furniture-building job loss during the recent recession. He successfully helped turn the city around and create a business-friendly and job-creating center within the state of North Carolina. In addition to his impact on the local economic recovery, Mr. Croft played a critical role in the City of Thomasville's selection as an ``All-American City'' for 2013, by the National Civic League. Mr. Croft has also been instrumental in the development and implementation of two key city-wide initiatives, the ``Envision 2020'' strategic plan and the ``Thomasville on the Move'' capital raising campaign. In fact, as a result of his hard work on the ``Thomasville on the Move'' campaign, Mr. Croft was recognized in 2011 as the Chamber Executive of the Year for North Carolina by the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Doug Croft for his successful tenure as President of the Thomasville Area Chamber of Commerce, and wishing him well as he begins the next chapter of his already distinguished career.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Joe Moose for his selection as the National Community Pharmacists Association's (NCPA) 2015 Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year. Dr. Moose and his family have been providing top of the line care to residents of the state of North Carolina for four generations, and this most recent honor illustrates yet again the profound impact he has had on our community. Since receiving his Doctorate of Pharmacy from Campbell University's College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Dr. Moose has dedicated himself to providing the best care possible for his patients while also focusing on helping future generations of pharmacists. Dr. Moose currently serves as the primary instructor at the University of North Carolina's Eshelman School of Pharmacy's Community Pharmacy Residency Program, while also volunteering his time to instruct future pharmaceutical students at his alma mater, Campbell University, as well as Wingate University's School of Pharmacy. Dr. Moose also serves on multiple committees and boards for the state of North Carolina, including the Medicaid Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee as well as co-chairing the Medicaid Drug Regimen Review Board. As a result of his tireless efforts, Dr. Moose has been the recipient of multiple awards and honors, with his latest being the NCPA's 2015 Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year. This award, according to the NCPA, recognizes an independent pharmacist for exemplary leadership and commitment to independent pharmacy and to their community. Dr. Moose received this award at the NCPA 2015 Annual Convention on October 11, 2015. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Joe Moose for receiving this prestigious distinction, and wishing him and his family well as they continue to serve the people of North Carolina with high- quality care and exceptional customer service.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Randolph County Sheriff Maynard B. Reid, Jr., who passed away on January 5, 2016 at the age of 69. We send our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, Sandra, and the entire Reid family. Sheriff Reid began his life of public service in the United States Marine Corps and served his nation during the Vietnam War. After returning from his service, Sheriff Reid joined the Asheboro Police Department and eventually moved to the Randolph County Sheriffs Office. In 2006, he was elected Sheriff of Randolph County and served in his post for 10 years. Under his leadership, there was a great emphasis on community outreach efforts and enabling those under his command to better serve the people of Randolph County. This could be seen through his efforts to modernize officer's patrol vehicles and the creation of a task force designed to combat internet predators that targeted children. Sheriff Reid was a 40 year veteran of law enforcement who spent nearly his entire life serving and protecting his community. He was an inspiration to all who had the honor of serving beside him and under his leadership. The Randolph County community will always remember the man he was and the legacy he has passed down to future public servants. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in celebrating the life of Sheriff Maynard B. Reid, Jr. and honoring him for his profound commitment to his country, his community, and the numerous lives he touched throughout his life.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Dennis Holloway for his selection as the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Citizen of the Year. Mr. Holloway represents the best our area has to offer, and this selection illustrates the profound impact he has had on our community. Mr. Holloway decided early in life to dedicate himself to helping others in need, and he has not stopped that mission since. Mr. Holloway served in the United States Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne until he was honorably discharged in 1967 after serious injuries he sustained during a training exercise hindered his deployment. After surviving this harrowing ordeal, Mr. Holloway worked in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for 30 years. The list of charitable acts Mr. Holloway has carried out and the number of leadership positions within several community service organizations he holds demonstrates the commitment he has made to serving those in his community, and beyond. As a recovery team leader for the North Carolina Baptist Men, a nondenominational organization dedicated to providing relief to those in need, Mr. Holloway and his team have done everything from traveling down to South Carolina to assist families recovering from the historic flooding that took place last year to building wheelchair ramps at the homes of disabled community residents. Mr. Holloway is an inspiration to all the Richmond County community and this award is truly a testament to the appreciation he has so rightfully earned. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Dennis Holloway for receiving this prestigious distinction, and wishing him well as he continues to serve the people of Richmond County, North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Gordon Snyder for being named by Music and Arts the 2015 National Music Educator of the Year. Music and Arts is a national retail chain dedicated to providing musicians with the instruments and products they need to enhance their musical talents. Mr. Snyder currently serves as Director of Instrumental Music at A.L. Brown High School, located in Kannapolis, North Carolina. He was nominated for the award by fellow educators, and had several students write letters of recommendation on his behalf This is a testament to the respect Mr. Snyder has earned from both his peers and his students, and I am extremely grateful for his commitment to ensuring our community's students receive a high-quality education. Although the National Music Educator of the Year award has been given for several years by Music and Arts, Mr. Snyder is the first recipient from the state of North Carolina. This is a particularly impressive accomplishment, as this year nearly 2,000 educators were nominated for this award. The winner of this award was selected for their ingenuity in their academic programs, and was also judged on the educator's impact in the community and their band's performance. Our community is fortunate to have Mr. Snyder dedicate his time and talents to educating our students. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Mr. Snyder for being named the 2015 National Music Educator of the Year and wish him well as he continues to make a positive difference in the lives of his students.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the inauguration of Mr. Harvey Godwin Jr. as Chairman of the Lumbee Tribal Council, which is being held at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke's Givens Performing Arts Center on January 7, 2016. After his inauguration as Chairman of the Tribal Council, Chairman Godwin has the honor of leading the Lumbee Tribe, which is headquartered in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. The Lumbee Tribe is the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River with over 55,000 members, and is the ninth largest tribe in the United States. Prior to his election as Chairman of the Lumbee Tribal Council, Chairman Godwin has been an active member of the Moss Neck community as a business leader and public servant. Chairman Godwin started his own business in the community, Two Hawk Employment Services, and currently serves on the Robeson Community College Foundation Board of Directors and the Lumber River Workforce Development Board. He also has previously served as the President of the Lumberton Rotary Club and was a past member of the Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors. This is an exciting moment for Chairman Godwin and the entire Lumbee Tribe as they celebrate the beginning of a new era in the Tribe's already proud history. Since coming to Congress in 2013, I have taken great pride in representing the Lumbee Tribe and I look forward to continuing this close relationship under Chairman Godwin. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Mr. Godwin on his election as Chairman of the Lumbee Tribal Council and wishing him well as he begins this new role.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I want to voice my strongest opposition to the Obama administration's continued assaults on our Second Amendment rights. After seeing his gun control agenda fail in the Democrat-controlled Senate, President Obama is once again trying to go around the will of the American people and unilaterally take action through executive fiat. This latest effort to unconstitutionally restrict one of our most fundamental rights has nothing to do with safety and security and has everything to do with government control. This is neither what the American people want nor deserve. In fact, the executive action the President announced yesterday would not have prevented the recent tragedies our Nation has experienced, including the San Bernardino attack. Instead, it would trample the rights of law-abiding citizens. It could actually have a chilling effect on people seeking help for mental illness. Nobody wants to see guns in the hands of someone who is dangerous because of mental incapacity, but we really need to look at the consequences of this type of action. It is just common sense. If folks believe that they could potentially lose their rights for simply seeking mental health, it is going to be a deterrent to folks actually seeking that help. Let me give you an example. In our country, we have an absolute tragedy of veteran suicide. If one veteran who returns home from the conflict doesn't seek help for issues that may have arisen from that service, then shame on the President for this action. If they are afraid that if they go seek help, that one day they could lose their gun rights the rest of their life, what a deterrent effect that might have on a population that desperately needs help. We will never regulate people's actions by regulating their freedoms. If that were the case, then the streets of Chicago would be some of the safest streets in America, because they have some of our strictest gun control laws. Rather than infringing on our Second Amendment and governing by executive fiat, this administration should work with Congress on commonsense reforms that would actually reduce gun violence, like confronting our mental health crisis and preventing criminals and terrorists from actually entering our country in the first place. Mr. Speaker, like many of my constituents back home in North Carolina, I am a responsible, law-abiding gun owner who cherishes our Second Amendment freedom. This right to keep and bear arms is a freedom by which we protect all of our other freedoms as a fundamental first freedom. For that reason, I encourage my colleagues in the House to stand with me against the President's proposed executive actions. I want to thank the gentleman from Indiana for organizing this tonight and bringing us together for this very important discussion.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 699, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 699, I was inadvertantly detained and missed the vote on H.R. 3750. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Mr. Robert Hyatt, Davidson County Manager. Mr. Hyatt has been a tireless advocate for the people of Davidson County, and has fully earned the admiration and gratitude of his fellow North Carolinians. Mr. Hyatt served as Davidson County Manager for over 16 years after being appointed to the position on May 24, 1999. Prior to his appointment as Davidson County Manager, Mr. Hyatt served as Assistant County Manager of Brunswick County, North Carolina, from 1995 to 1999; Town Manager for the Town of Clayton, North Carolina, from 1988 to 1995; and Town Manager for the Town of Wallace, North Carolina, from 1983 to 1988. This is an impressive record of service for any public servant, and is certainly worthy of the recognition and praise Mr. Hyatt has received during the later years of his service as Davidson County Manager. Recently, Mr. Hyatt was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award the Governor of North Carolina can bestow, on December 8, 2015. The Order was created in 1963, and has been presented to honor persons who have a proven record of service to the State of North Carolina. In addition to this prestigious honor, Mr. Hyatt received the ``Service to Agriculture and Extension Award'' from the Davidson County Cooperative Extension for his efforts in support of the local agricultural industry and for his representation in 2015 on the North Carolina State University Visioning Team. Mr. Hyatt was also recognized for his thirty years of service from the International City/ County Management Association on September 25, 2013. In addition to his service as Davidson County Manager, Mr. Hyatt has been an exemplary civil servant through his contributions to a number of other organizations. He has served on the North Carolina City/County Managers Association's Membership Support and Program Committees, and served a three-year term as a member of the executive board for the Boy Scouts for the Uwharrie District of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in thanking Davidson County Manager Robert Hyatt for his esteemed service to the state of North Carolina and wishing Robert, his wife Teresa, and their two sons, Will and Thom, well as they enter an exciting new chapter of their lives.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the successful tenure of Mr. Jeffrey Hay as President of the British-American Business Council of North Carolina (BABC-NC). For the past three years, Mr. Hay has provided exceptional leadership at the BABC-NC that has resulted in the reemergence of the BABC-NC as a premier chapter in the BABC and has strengthened the business relationship between North Carolina and the United Kingdom. The BABC is a transatlantic business network designed to give companies and individuals access to partner organizations, both domestic and foreign, in order to strengthen and improve their own businesses. As President of the BABC-NC, Mr. Hay is responsible for ensuring North Carolina businesses and individuals reap the full rewards of being BABC members and expand their presence in North Carolina and the United Kingdom. As a result of his efforts, the BABC- NC has been able to reach more businesses in the state, greatly impacting our state's economy. In addition to his business-related work within the BABC-NC, Mr. Hay's impact on our community can also be seen through his efforts to help our state's future business leaders. Mr. Hay was instrumental in raising the necessary funds to continue the annual British Studies Summer Program (BSSP), a program that sends a select group of students from the Charlotte area on a two-week travel and study experience to the United Kingdom. This program allows students to gain valuable educational and life experiences which will have a lasting impact on their careers. It is with this focus on enriching the lives of others, coupled with his keen legal and business insights, which made Mr. Hay so successful during his tenure as President of the BABC-NC. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Jeffrey Hay for his successful tenure as President of the British-American Business Council of North Carolina, and thanking him for his dedication to strengthening businesses across the state of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David W. Phillips of Concord, North Carolina, for his more than twenty years of service to our community on the Concord City Council. Dave was first elected to the Concord City Council in 1995 and has served on the Council five consecutive terms. During this time, he served two terms as Mayor Pro-Term. Born and raised in Concord, Dave has a history of service to our community, starting at an early age with his leadership in Boy Scouts. He graduated from Concord High School and continued on to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he attained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. After graduating, Dave worked for a short time back in Concord at Cannon Mills before starting a long and successful career at Duke Energy. Over the years, Dave has served his community in many different capacities. He is a member and former President of the Concord Rotary Club, a member of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association, and serves on the Boards of Directors for Historic Cabarrus Association, Inc. and Cabarrus County Community Foundation. Additionally, he formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Union County Chamber of Commerce and the Archdale-Trinity Chamber of Commerce. Dave's steady leadership has seen Concord maintain a low tax rate while its population has more than doubled from the 42,000 people who lived in the city when he was first elected in 1995. During a time that saw our area lose thousands of textile and manufacturing jobs while still increasing in population, Dave and the rest of the City Council were instrumental in continuing infrastructure development, growing city schools and recruiting new industry to Concord. Because of his hard work and dedication, Concord's future looks brighter than ever. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in thanking David W. Phillips for his esteemed service on the Concord City Council and wishing him well as he opens the next chapter in his storied life.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Union County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ben Bailey for his faithful service over the last 30 years to the citizens of Union County, located in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. Chief Deputy Sheriff Bailey will be stepping down from his position at the Union County Sheriff's Office in order to pursue a unique career opportunity as a Federal Bureau of Investigation Fellow at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Washington, DC. Chief Deputy Bailey has dedicated himself to serving and protecting his community throughout his 30 year career in law enforcement. Of those 30 years, he held the position of Chief Deputy Sheriff in Union County for the last 13 years, which makes him the longest serving Chief Deputy Sheriff in Union County's history. In this role, Chief Deputy Bailey served as the second-in-command to the Sheriff of Union County and was responsible for the management of a 300 member law enforcement agency. In addition to his responsibilities within the Union County Sheriff's Office, Chief Deputy Bailey has also been actively involved in the broader law enforcement community in North Carolina. In 2011, he was given the honor to serve as the North Carolina Chapter President of the FBI National Academy Associates Executive Board. He also serves on several community college boards, such as the Cybercrime Advisory Board at both South Piedmont Community College and Stanly Community College, as well as the Alumni Executive Board of the Justice Academy's Management Development Program under the North Carolina Department of Justice. Chief Deputy Bailey also participates in the FBI's Joint Terrorism Taskforce, the U.S. Secret Service's Electronic Crime Task Force, and is a Department of Homeland Security certified instructor in Weapons of Mass Destruction awareness-level response. Chief Deputy Bailey has been a devoted member of the Union County community, even when he is not in uniform. Chief Deputy Bailey is a state certified criminal justice instructor, using his gifts as an educator to teach students at South Piedmont Community College about the basics of law enforcement and how to effectively manage a law enforcement agency. He has also served on several local boards, including the Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross and the United Way. Our state and local community have greatly benefitted from his servant leadership, both as an officer of the law and as an extraordinary citizen. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in thanking my friend Chief Deputy Sheriff Ben Bailey for his outstanding service to the people of Union County and wishing him well as he moves on to the next chapter of his distinguished career.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James E. ``Jim'' Ramseur of Concord, North Carolina, for his more than twenty years of service to our community on the Concord City Council. Jim was first elected to the Concord City Council in 1995 and has served on the Council five consecutive terms. During this time, he served as Mayor Pro-Tem from 1997-99, 2007 and 2013. Jim is a native of Concord, graduating from Concord High School and attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Jim honorably served our nation for four years in the United States Air Force before going on to a successful business career, where he retired as CEO of Turner-Baxter, Incorporated. In a sign of things to come in his future community leadership, Jim joined the Concord Jaycees in 1973 and within the next year was appointed to the Concord Planning and Zoning Board. He eventually became President of the Concord Jaycees and received the Distinguished Service Award from the organization in 1977. Continuing to be an active member of our community, Jim has served on the Board of Directors of Concord Downtown Development Corporation, and Historic Cabarrus Association, Inc. As anyone who knows Jim is well aware, he is seen by most folks in Concord as one of the city's foremost historians. He was the Vice Chairman of the City's very successful 1996 Bicentennial Committee and has amassed an impressive collection of historic photographs of Concord that he regularly contributes to the Concord Independent Tribune. Additionally, Jim played a large role in the final design of the new Concord City Hall, which retains many qualities from the design of the 1902 city hall, including the unique tower with the words ``City Hall'' on the glass. Jim's steady leadership has seen Concord maintain a low tax rate while its population has more than doubled from the 42,000 people who lived in the city when he was first elected in 1995. During a time that saw our area lose thousands of textile and manufacturing jobs while still increasing in population, Jim and the rest of the City Council were instrumental in continuing infrastructure development, growing city schools and recruiting new industry to Concord. Because of his hard work and dedication, Concord's future looks brighter than ever. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in thanking James E. ``Jim'' Ramseur for his esteemed service on the Concord City Council and wishing him well as he opens the next chapter in his storied life.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend Howard Coble, who passed away on November 3, 2015. I join the countless North Carolinians who send our prayers and sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Howard was the embodiment of what it means to be a public servant and is a shining example for those who follow in his footsteps. He was a true Southern gentleman who genuinely cared about bettering the lives of those around him and dedicated his life to serving North Carolina. For his constituents, Howard spent every day of his 30 years in Congress ensuring their thoughts were clearly heard in Washington. What is even more impressive is that he consistently did so with the utmost honor, integrity and kindness. Howard was known as a passionate leader who was guided by his conservative values and principles. He made it his purpose to serve his constituents with a steadfast commitment to ensuring that government works for the people and not the other way around. Furthermore, Howard was never afraid to reach across the aisle and had many strong friendships with Democrats and Republicans alike. A beloved son of North Carolina, he will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, but we should find comfort in knowing Howard has found peace with our Savior. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in remembering the life of Congressman Howard Coble and celebrating his positive legacy that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on many generations of North Carolinians.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, America is a compassionate country. We are a good country. We have a long history of accepting refugees, people fleeing oppression and violence. But we also have an obligation to the American people. As we welcome people into this country who are seeking asylum, we owe it to the American people to know who these people are. And when you have got a terrorist group like ISIS, who has said that they will exploit this refugee crisis to infiltrate America--this is an organization that has said their goal is to come to America and kill Americans--I take them at their word. The number one responsibility of this body is to protect the American people. It is not me saying that we have challenges with the current vetting process; it is experts from President Obama's administration. I draw your attention to the first quote here from Jeh Johnson: ``It is true that we are not going to know a whole lot about the Syrians that come forth in this process.'' That is definitely a challenge. That is the Secretary of Homeland Security. I draw your attention to the next quote from Director James Comey of the FBI: ``We can only query against that which we have collected, and so if someone has not made a ripple in the pond in Syria in a way that would get their identity or their interest reflected in our databases, we can query our data until the cows come home, but nothing will show up because we have no record of that person.'' This is not me saying that. This is not Republicans saying that. These are officials in President Obama's administration saying that the current process is broken, that we are bringing in these refugees that we cannot properly vet. So our legislation simply says: Let's stop this flow unless and until the law enforcement experts that President Obama has appointed, the FBI Director, the Secretary of Homeland Security, can vouch for the fact that we have a process in place that they are comfortable with. How radical is that? This is common sense, and that is why our polls show that as many as 75 percent of the American people support this measure. Mr. Speaker, I know the President has issued a veto threat, but I hope that today in this House we can come together, Republicans and Democrats, and respond to the will of the American people and do our primary job to keep them safe so we can have a bipartisan vote that doesn't say no refugees, it doesn't say stop Syrian refugees, and it doesn't say don't ever let them in again. It says pause the program unless and until the law enforcement experts are comfortable that we have got a process. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Allen Thurman Small and to commemorate the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Bridge Dedication ceremony in his honor. This is a fitting dedication for a man who gave so much to the City of Concord and the state of North Carolina. Up until the day he tragically passed in 2006, Mr. Small was a public servant who deeply cared about his community. He served as a member of the Concord City Council from 1997 through 2006 and spent more than three decades in public education. During his public education career, Mr. Small was an educator and principal at three different Concord-area schools: Wolf Meadow Elementary School, Coltrane-Webb Elementary School, and Logan High School. Mr. Small, who was the first African-American to serve as principal of a desegregated school in Concord, was committed to ensuring every student received a high quality education that prepared them to be engaged citizens of the community. During his tenure on the city council, Mr. Small dedicated his time and resources toward bringing jobs back to Concord and growing the city's economy, all in the hopes of leaving the children he devoted so much of his life to with a better future than he ever had. Following his passing, Mr. Small's city council seat has been occupied by his wife, Ella Mae, who has served the City of Concord with honor and distinction, and has continued to build upon Mr. Small's legacy as a dedicated public servant. On Monday, November 9th, the North Carolina Department of Transportation held a bridge dedication ceremony for Mr. Small in his beloved City of Concord. The ``Allen T. Small Bridge'' is located on Cabarrus Avenue West over the Norfolk Southern Railroad, and serves as a gateway in to the heart of downtown Concord. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Mr. Allen Thurman Small for his service to the Concord community and his commitment to bettering the lives of everyone in his community, particularly those of our area's young students.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Purple Heart pinning ceremony for United States Army Sergeant Coy Thompson of North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. It is an honor to extend these remarks today and to thank Sergeant Thompson for his brave and selfless service to our nation. Sergeant Thompson served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War with honor and distinction through his support of ground forces during aerial missions. During the Tet Offensive, Sergeant Thompson was wounded in the line of duty after being hit with fragments of shrapnel from a near-by explosion. After returning to the United States, Sergeant Thompson was awarded with the Air Medal for his actions in support of operations against the enemy. Later, Sergeant Thompson was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars, as well as the Purple Heart. On Sunday, November 8, 2015, a special ceremony was held at the Enochville Church of God in Kannapolis, North Carolina to celebrate Sergeant Thompson and recognize him for his valor and service to our nation. Sergeant Thompson was surrounded by family and friends who gathered to witness this special ceremony in which he was pinned with his many medals. Fellow service members were also present and told stories of Sergeant Thompson's courage and love for our country. I am overjoyed that the Marine Corps League of Cabarrus County and his community recognized Sergeant Thompson for his valiant actions during the Vietnam War. The men and women in uniform who have answered the call to defend our nation represent the best our country has to offer and they deserve our continued admiration. Events like this special ceremony serve as a reminder that we must never take their service and sacrifice for granted, and that we as a nation must continually find ways to recognize these heroic patriots for their unparalleled dedication to our freedom. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in once again commemorating this very special occasion, and to thank United States Army Sergeant Coy Thompson for his service and dedication to our country.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor H. Clark Goodwin for his posthumous induction into the Jesse Helms Center Foundation's Charles A. Cannon Free Enterprise Hall of Fame on November 17, 2015. Clark Goodwin left a lasting legacy of service not only across Union County and North Carolina's 8th Congressional District, but across the entire state and nation. He was born and raised in Union County, attending Monroe High School and Wingate Junior College--Senator Jesse Helms' alma mater--before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After college, Clark began a career in banking that would last nearly 45 years and would see him become a leader in the industry. He began his career back in Union County, and eventually went to Albemarle where he became President of NC Federal Savings and Loan. Clark then returned to Union County in 1982 to start the Bank of Union. Aside from his success in business, Clark always stepped up to help his community. He served as Chairman of the Monroe Economic Development Commission for 17 years and was recognized as the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 2013 for his leadership and public service. Clark was a founding board member of the Jesse Helms Center Foundation, where he served for 25 years in various leadership roles. He also served on the Wingate University Board of Trustees for more than 45 years. In honor of his service, Wingate University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree in 2012. Clark Goodwin symbolized everything the Jesse Helms Center Foundation stands for--free enterprise and principled leadership through education, public policy promotion and historical preservation. His work and philanthropic endeavors helped enrich the lives of countless folks across the 8th District, and for that we all owe Clark Goodwin a debt of gratitude. I can think of no one more deserving of a spot in the Free Enterprise Hall of Fame than Mr. Clark Goodwin. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Clark Goodwin for his posthumous induction into the Jesse Helms Center Foundation's Charles A. Cannon Free Enterprise Hall of Fame.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on October 28, 2015 I was attending a family member's funeral and missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted Aye on Roll Call 577, Aye on Roll Call 578, and Nay on Roll Call 579.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Baptist Church of Kannapolis for their 100-year anniversary. Located in Kannapolis, North Carolina, First Baptist Church has been a staple of the community throughout their 100-year history. Under the stewardship of Rev. Dr. Claude Forehand II, First Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope in our community through service projects and events, and has provided the congregation with opportunities to develop as individuals through prayer, worship and educational workshops. On Friday, September 25, 2015, First Baptist Church of Kannapolis officially celebrated their 100-year anniversary with an event filled with fellowship and worship. The event included remarks from special guest speaker Rev. Dr. Haywood Gray, who serves as Executive Secretary of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. I would like to commend First Baptist Church of Kannapolis for their 100 years of service and dedication to our community, and I wish them well as they begin their journey towards the next 100 years. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating First Baptist Church of Kannapolis on the occasion of their 100-year anniversary.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the A.L. Brown High School Wonders football team for its victory over the Concord High School Spiders in the ``Battle for the Bell'' football game. In the 85th meeting between these two rival football programs, A.L. Brown earned a hard-fought victory over Concord by a score of 26-15. The Wonders took an early lead in the first quarter with a 24-yard pass from quarterback Damon Johnson to wide receiver Dominique Washington, but Concord answered in the second quarter with a Keenan Black one-yard touchdown run to tie the game up at the half. The two teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter, but the Spiders had the lead going in to the fourth quarter after a successful two-point conversion. However, the Wonders would answer in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns to recapture ``The Bell'' and take it back to A.L. Brown High School, located in Kannapolis, North Carolina. This is the first victory for A.L Brown over Concord in three seasons, with Concord holding the slight overall series edge at 42-39- 4. In addition to being the 85th game played between these two schools, this game made history by being the first ever game in the state of North Carolina to be televised live, according to the Charlotte Observer. Having gone to the game myself, I can confirm this was a game worthy of the distinction. Both teams played extremely hard, and both fan bases should be proud of the effort and skill displayed by both teams. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating the A.L. High School football team for its victory over Concord High School in the ``Battle for the Bell'' football game.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chris West of Concord, North Carolina, who passed away far too soon on August 22, 2015, after a four year fight with cancer. We send our prayers and sincerest condolences to his parents, Brian and Michelle West, the entire West family, his friends, and the Jay M. Robinson High School community. Born on August 19, 1998, Chris dedicated his short life to serving others, even in the face of battling such a horrific disease. During his four year fight with Hodgkin's lymphoma, Chris has made national headlines for his selflessness and his desire to care for others. A prime example of Chris' selflessness is rather than celebrating a successful bone marrow transplant in a personal way, like many of us would, Chris performed 100 random acts of kindness for others in his community. During his struggle with cancer, Chris was never known to ask for anything; that is until his 17th birthday. The only thing Chris wanted for his birthday were birthday cards, and the community he gave so much to responded by sending him more than 10,000 cards. In a recent People magazine feature about Chris' request for birthday cards, he was quoted as saying ``I like going to the mailbox. It's just an exciting feeling and it makes me feel special.'' I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that Chris was a special individual, and I hope he knew that every day of his life. Our community will greatly miss his kind heart and indomitable spirit, and he will be remembered as a shining example of the best among us. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Chris West, who in his short life taught us that no matter what difficulty life may throw at us, we should always take time to serve others.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Davis of Concord, North Carolina, who passed away on August 24, 2015. We send our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, Joan, and the entire Davis family. Born on November 7, 1944, Mr. Davis dedicated his life to serving our nation's students. After receiving his degree from Berry College, Mr. Davis taught high school English in a nationwide linguistic research and development project in Rome, GA. After completing this project, Mr. Davis transitioned to the field of higher education, where he served three decades as an admissions and chief development officer at several universities, including his alma mater. In 1998, Mr. Davis joined The Cannon Foundation, later becoming the Foundation's Executive Director in 2000. I had the honor of becoming friends with Mr. Davis during his time at the Cannon Foundation, and I was immediately struck by his humble attitude and sincere dedication to service to others and to improving educational opportunities for all students. Not only that, he inspired each of us to be better people and to give back to our communities through kindness, charity and service. I recently had the honor to present Mr. Davis posthumously with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award the Governor of North Carolina can bestow. The Order was created in 1963, and has been presented to honor persons who have a proven record of service to the State of North Carolina. While Mr. Davis made his mark in other states, like Georgia and Alabama, it seems like he always had North Carolina on his mind. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Frank Davis for his commitment to his community and the numerous lives he impacted throughout his life.