Steven Palazzo

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my Chief of Staff, Courtney Stevens. Courtney joined my legislative staff in Washington, D.C. in 2019. She was hired as a Senior Legislative Assistant and immediately displayed her aptitude with the Appropriations process and delivering district wins, resulting in a promotion to Legislative Director. In addition to her legislative portfolio, Courtney took on managing staff and running the day-to-day of the D.C. office and earned a promotion to Deputy Chief of Staff at the beginning of 2022. A few months later, I was glad to name her my Chief of Staff, given her commitment to my office, Mississippi, and public service. Courtney is a native of Northern Virginia. She graduated from James Madison University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a European Studies minor from the University of Antwerp. After college graduation, she knew her major wasn't her passion and leaned on her favorite experience--a Capitol Hill internship she did for two summers in high school for Congressman Pete Sessions. Courtney's career on the Hill started with an offer to join the Senate Appropriations Committee under the Leadership of the late Senator Thad Cochran, the senior Senator from Mississippi. During her time there, she built relationships and absorbed information from the pillars of the Committee. Courtney did what was needed, from planning Committee Christmas parties to working on both the Legislative Branch and Labor, Health and Human Services subcommittees. During the 114th Congress, the Committee Staff Director nominated Courtney for the Emerging Congressional Staff Leadership Program through the Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership. Additionally, she was selected to participate in educational programs through the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the MIT Security Studies program. The House Office of lnterparliamentary Affairs chose her to join the 2022 Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange. And most recently, Courtney was nominated and then picked by Republican Leadership to join the first-ever Level Up--Future Chiefs of Staff course created by Republican House Leadership. Courtney's diverse professional experience has been key to my success as she supported me and my Appropriations subcommittee assignments. She took on an array of district issues, such as working with USACE during the extended opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway and ensuring NASA continued its commitment to Stennis Space Center with the ``Green Run'' test for SLS. She learned about the U.S. Coast Guard's missions, the situation at the southwest border, and how to work with NOAA and state agencies to extend red snapper season for the Gulf Coast. Courtney sorted through and prioritized my office's community-funded project submissions, which resulted in $32.2 million in direct funds for projects across South Mississippi in fiscal year 2022 and $22.2 million in fiscal year 2023. While Courtney prepares for the next steps of her career on the House Appropriations Committee, it is my honor to recognize her public service to the Fourth Congressional District and all Mississippi constituents. I wish Courtney the very best.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a crucial member of my staff, Mrs. Michelle M. Donches. Michelle has dedicated herself for 31 years as a congressional staffer. I'm thankful that she has been with me for almost 12 years, since my first day in Congress on January 3, 2011. Michelle's career with the U.S. House of Representatives began in 1991 when the Office of the Clerk hired her to work as a Benefits Clerk in the Finance Office. Michelle was promoted to the Payroll Department, where she worked until 1999. Michelle transitioned from Payroll to her current position as a shared staffer, handling the office finances for multiple Members of Congress. Throughout her career, she has worked for 28 different Member offices and currently works for 9 Members. Michelle grew up in Bethlehem, PA. After she graduated from college, she married her best friend, Steve, and started working on the Hill just weeks later as Steve began law school. Now, Steve is a practicing attorney in Loudoun County, VA. Michelle and Steve have two exceptional children. Her daughter, Taylor, graduated from the University of Virginia in May as a Civil/Environmental engineer. Taylor currently works for Kimley-Horn in Reston, VA. Her son, Stevie, is a freshman at the University of South Carolina. Michelle's work ethic and expertise have been a true asset to my staff. I'm thankful for her tenure as a part of Team Palazzo, and I know all the Member offices who have worked, currently work, and those that will work with her are so lucky. Madam Speaker, I express my gratitude to Michelle for 31 exceptional years.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my key staff members, Michele Gargiulo. In 2011, I hired Michele to assist in opening my district office in Gulfport, Mississippi. As a military veteran, she performed constituent services specializing in military and veterans' issues. Because of her strong work ethic and dedication to serving the constituents of Mississippi's 4th Congressional District, she was entrusted with the role of Director of Constituent Services in 2012 and was promoted to District Director in 2017, serving as such for five years. Michele grew up in Huntington Beach, California, and graduated from San Diego State University, receiving her bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Commission as an Active-Duty U.S. Army Transportation Officer. While stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, she met her husband, Frederick Gargiulo. They married in 1988, and in 1992, Michele left the military as a Captain in the Louisiana National Guard. For the next 25 years, she focused on supporting military families and raising her three children--Danielle, Blaise, and Sydney. During this time, she ran a transition center for underserved teenagers in a local high school and oversaw family support groups for military families with service members that were forward deployed. Michele's accomplishments as a congressional staffer are both numerous and outstanding. Of note, she ensured several Vietnam War veterans received the Purple Heart medals they had earned in combat, she worked with key stakeholders throughout the district to ensure their concerns were heard and their needs were met, and she oversaw the successful resolution of over 60,000 constituent service requests. Beyond her work, Michele is a beloved mother, wife, sister, and grandmother--and in all of those roles, she truly excels. Additionally, she served as the President of the Board of Directors for CASA of Harrison County, was awarded the Yellow Rose of Texas by President George W. Bush and is an avid long-distance runner and tennis player. The signature block on Michele's email includes a phrase in Latin that means ``getting better, faster,'' and that epitomizes Michele's impact as a District Director. She led, mentored, and managed the district staff through multiple sessions of Congress, always intending to improve the team so that we could better serve the people of Mississippi's 4th Congressional District. She is relentless in her work ethic, dedicated to her cause, and positively impacts everyone she meets. For over a decade, Michele's organizational skills and tireless effort have enabled our staff to achieve real and lasting results for the people of Mississippi. I thank Michele.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my original staff members, Hunter Lipscomb, who started with me on my first campaign in 2010. I had just won my Republican primary, and I was focusing on recruiting and building my leadership team to take on a popular 10-term incumbent in the general election. Hunter was a graduate student, writing on political topics for his university paper and itching to get into a campaign fight to help win a Republican majority in the House of Representatives. As it turned out, Hunter and I had many common interests, including military service. I used to train with his older brother, Jamie, who was in the Army National Guard while I was in the Marine Corps Reserve. Hunter had dissected my campaign and helped craft a plan for the campaign's final months that worked against all odds. We won. Hunter served in various roles--he helped the transition. set up the office, and worked as a legislative aid and communications director before returning to the district to serve as my District Director/ Deputy Chief of Staff. We put south Mississippians first. In 2017, I asked Hunter to serve as my Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C. During his time as my Chief of Staff; Hunter focused on communicating with constituents and working on policy matters that impact the district. Always looking through the lens of how a policy might affect Mississippians, Hunter maneuvered our office to lead on keeping flood insurance available and affordable and making the Mississippi Sound whole from freshwater intrusion. Hunter took a particular interest in aligning and maximizing the needs of Mississippi's federal assets, including the Stennis Space Center, our military installations, and shipbuilding capacity. He also focused on ensuring these entities received the federal appropriations and policy support to remain competitive and vibrant. Most importantly, Hunter was responsive to constituent groups and elected officials, serving as their advocate on whatever issue they might bring, treating it as a top priority of the office, and more times than not, being successful on their behalf. I appreciate Hunter's tireless energy in working to make my office successful. I am proud of our time together and our enduring friendship. I thank Hunter for his 8 years of dedicated service to Mississippi's 4th Congressional District. Always Ready, Always There.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a former member of my congressional staff, Colleen Kennedy of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. For 5 and a half years, Colleen served as an essential member of my D.C. team, ending her time in my office as the Communications Director. Colleen has always had a passion for helping others, and it was through her experiences following Hurricane Katrina that she decided to pursue a career that allowed her to serve her home state of Mississippi Colleen arrived in Washington in 2016 to serve as an intern in my office. She was then hired as Staff Assistant. Colleen continued to get more involved in serving the state of Mississippi when she joined the Mississippi Society of Washington, D.C., as a board member, it was her way of bringing pieces of home to our nation's capital. Colleen was promoted to Legislative Assistant, where she volunteered to handle my office's flood insurance policy portfolio, a significant undertaking. Colleen led a coalition of Republicans in the House in stopping rate increases, defeating harmful flood insurance reforms in the House. Without her leadership, expertise, or dedication, nearly 65,000 south Mississippians would face more expensive premiums. Colleen stepped up to tackle a long-standing issue from the Affordable Care Act that would have negatively impacted hospitals in the state of Mississippi and the care available to Mississippians. Colleen was passionate about legislative issues, but her true talent was communications roles. From being a press assistant to ending as the Communications Director, Colleen thrived being the spokesperson for myself and south Mississippi. I am so grateful for all her great work for south Mississippi, from mailers, letters, meetings, tele-town halls, interviews, social media, and legislative portfolios. Colleen always served with integrity, loyalty, and passion, often sharing our inside saying of ``vote right'' as I left for votes. South Mississippi was her home for decades and will always hold a special place in her heart. And knowing her, there's only one way to conclude these remarks, vote right.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant First Class (Retired) Brenna Holder for her over 31-year career to the Mississippi Army National Guard where she served as an Active Guard Reserve Soldier (AGR). She has also served in my office for nearly 4 years as a Congressional Staffer assisting nearly 3,000 of my constituents. She comes from a long line of Patriots, most notably her maternal grandfather, Dominick Fenelli, a United States Marine Corps, World War II Purple Heart recipient. Like her grandfather, her service began when she was 18 years old. She enlisted as a Private attending basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. She served with the Installation Support Unit at Camp Shelby as an Administrative Specialist. She was mobilized in 1990 for Operation Desert Storm in support of Camp Shelby. She moved to Washington, D.C. in 1991 and served in the Special Actions Branch at National Guard Bureau. She served as a National Guard Support Coordinator handling logistics and administrative support for the Operation Desert Storm Homecoming Parades in Washington, D.C., and New York City. In 1997, she earned her diploma as a Licensed Practical Nurse while serving in the 108th Combat Support Hospital at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA. In 2000, she was hired AGR to serve as the Medical Detachment 6 NCOIC at Camp Shelby. She was mobilized again in 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of units mobilizing at Mobilization Center Shelby. She later served as the Human Resources Senior Noncommissioned Officer in the Personnel Section S1 at the 154th Regiment, Regional Training Institute. She was instrumental in her section receiving favorable results in multiple TRADOC inspections. She served a few years as the Mississippi National Guard NCO Association's Awards Chairperson. She received training as an Intelligence Analyst at Fort Bragg, NC, Emergency Medical Technician at Camp Shelby, and Army Instructor at the Regional Training Institute at Camp Shelby. Her military training culminated with her completion of the Master Leader Course. She was honorarily promoted to Master Sergeant in the State of Mississippi upon her retirement. She received many state and federal awards while in service. Most notably, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, and Army Achievement Medals. Brenna was also a former Miss Mississippi Petite and selected in the top ten at the National level. She earned her Associates of Applied Science degree from Delaware County Community College graduating with high honors in Surgical Technology. She worked in the Operating Room at Wesley Medical Center before returning to Active Duty. She also studied Management Information Systems and Applied Technology at the University of Southern Mississippi. Like many soldiers, she juggled it all while raising her family. She has two boys, and has been married to her husband, Josh, for over 22 years. She has been a compassionate, dedicated, and loyal member of my team. I am honored to recognize her for her outstanding service to my constituents of South Mississippi and her example as a true American Patriot.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my district staff, Ms. Debra Hembree, for her 11 years of dedicated service as a congressional staffer. In 2011, Debra began working in my Pascagoula district office as a Congressional Liaison providing casework assistance for constituents in several counties throughout the Fourth Congressional District. Debra is originally from Canton, MS, and is a lifelong Mississippian. She attended and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University, receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Master's in Elementary Education, respectively. Debra served the community, educating young children, the future leaders of our great state, during her 30 year teaching career in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District before her retirement in 2004. Shortly after her retirement, Debra continued her teaching career at the Murray School at Wilmer Hall in Mobile, Alabama. While there, she embraced this new and challenging opportunity as the resource teacher for children in grades 6 through 12. Debra's life was blessed 10 years ago when she met and married her husband, Tom. Together they share 3 children: Debra's daughter Anna, Anna's husband Chip; Tom's son Mitch, Mitch's wife Diana; and Tom's son Austin. They also have 2 precious grandsons, Jack and Hudson. The foundation of Debra's life is her faith and belief that we are here to serve others. She is currently a member of First Baptist Church of Vancleave. Through the years, she has been involved in various areas of church service, including the preschool ministry, the Girls' Auxiliary, the Women's Ministry team, and Vacation Bible School. She has also been a member of the choir, I genuinely appreciate Debra's years of service to the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District. She has always been a loyal team member who has worked diligently to assist constituents. Her positive attitude and exceptional work ethic are exemplary. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to express my gratitude to Mrs. Debra Hembree for 11 years of dedicated service.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my former staff, Jamie Miller, for his dedication to the state of Mississippi. Jamie was born in Gulfport, MS, and graduated from Gulfport High School. He has an associate degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he attended on a baseball scholarship, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South em Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Jamie has been married to his wife, Kelli, for 25 years, and they have 3 children. Their oldest daughter, Maddison Miller Cuevas, is a University of Southern Mississippi graduate and lives in Birmingham, AL. Their second daughter, Carson Miller, attends Mississippi State University in Starkville, and their youngest son, Landon Miller, is a freshman at Stanford University. Jamie began his career as a coastal ecologist working for the Department of Marine Resources in 1997. The City of Pascagoula hired him in 1999 as a planning coordinator and grant administrator, focused on downtown development and hazard mitigation. He worked his way to the position of Deputy City Manager before leaving for the private sector. After Katrina, Jamie worked with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to assist local communities with recovery efforts but joined Governor Haley Barbour's Office of Recovery and Renewal in April 2006. In 2011, Jamie joined my team, initially as the District Director but became Chief of Staff in my Washington, D.C. office. During his tenure, he worked to connect federal resources and legislative solutions to South Mississippi communities, businesses, and individual constituents. Jamie participated in the drafting and the RESTORE Act, which paved the way for billions of dollars to be directed to the Gulf States for recovery from the Deep-Water Horizon Oil Spill. He also worked on National Flood Insurance Program, Defense, and Commercial Space policy. Following his time as a federal employee, Jamie continued to serve the state of Mississippi. In 2013, Governor Bryant appointed Jamie as Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine resources. Then in 2018, Jamie received another Governor appointed leadership role as the Deputy Director of the Mississippi Development Agency. Jamie is currently the Chief Operations Officer at MDA and is responsible for all aspects of the agency's administrative, technology, and financial divisions. Jamie directly coordinates the staff assigned to the administration of the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund. Madam Speaker, it is with gratitude and appreciation that I honor this Mississippi native and my friend, Jamie Miller.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my district staffers, Mrs. Kathy J. Thomas. I met Kathy in 2019 and quickly brought her on staff as a Constituent Liaison in my Gulfport district office. During her tenure, Kathy has assisted nearly 3,000 constituents through casework with compassion and dedication. Kathy grew up in West Virginia in the small town of Follansbee. In 1988, she graduated from Brooke High School, and shortly thereafter, she married her high school sweetheart, Mark. After their wedding, she and her new husband moved to Biloxi, MS, where he served in the United States Navy Seabees. Her grandfather, Kale E. Wells, served in the United States Navy during WWII. Kale would have been proud of her decision to marry Mark as he rose through the ranks to retire after serving 30 years as a Command Master Chief. Kathy and her husband raised two beautiful, intelligent daughters, Taylor and Riley. Taylor graduated from Mississippi State and the University of South Alabama and works as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at USA Children's and Women's Hospital in Mobile, AL. Riley graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and recently started a job at the DuBard School for Language Disorders in Hattiesburg, MS. Kathy attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, earning an associate degree. Kathy volunteered for years as an ombudsman as her husband served and deployed with the United States Navy Seabees. While raising her daughters, she worked as a preschool teacher and assistant teacher. Her passion and dedication to helping others led her to work as a Congressional Liaison making a difference in the daily lives of the constituents of South Mississippi. Kathy has been a valued, loyal, dedicated, and compassionate asset to my staff and me. I am grateful for her positivity and can-do attitude over the years. Madam Speaker, I am honored to express my gratitude to Mrs. Kathy Thomas for her service to Mississippi and my constituents.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my district staffers, Mrs. Kathy J. Thomas. I met Kathy in 2019 and quickly brought her on staff as a Constituent Liaison in my Gulfport district office. During her tenure, Kathy has assisted nearly 3,000 constituents through casework with compassion and dedication. Kathy grew up in West Virginia in the small town of Follansbee. In 1988, she graduated from Brooke High School, and shortly thereafter, she married her high school sweetheart, Mark. After their wedding, she and her new husband moved to Biloxi, MS, where he served in the United States Navy Seabees and Master Chief to Command Master Chief. Her grandfather, Kale E. Wells, served in the United States Navy during WWII. Kale would have been proud of her decision to marry Mark as he rose through the ranks to retire after serving 30 years as a Master Chief. Kathy and her husband raised two beautiful, intelligent daughters, Taylor and Riley. Taylor graduated from Mississippi State and the University of South Alabama and works as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at USA Children's and Women's Hospital in Mobile, AL. Riley graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and recently started a job at the DuBard School for Language Disorders in Hattiesburg, MS. Kathy attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, earning an associate degree. Kathy volunteered for years as an ombudsman as her husband served and deployed with the United States Navy Seabees. While raising her daughters, she worked as a preschool teacher and assistant teacher. Her passion and dedication to helping others led her to work as a Congressional Liaison making a difference in the daily lives of the constituents of South Mississippi. Kathy has been a valued, loyal, dedicated, and compassionate asset to my staff and me. I am grateful for her positivity and can-do attitude over the years. It is my honor to express my gratitude to Mrs. Kathy Thomas for her service to Mississippi and my constituents.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding service of Captain Julian Plamann. CPT Julian Plamann currently serves as the House of Representatives Liaison Officer for the National Guard Bureau. She ensures the National Guard's prompt response to the House's 435 members and staffs by coordinating and conducting policy briefs, preparing senior National Guard leaders for Congressional hearings and engagements, and planning and leading Congressional outreach events on Capitol Hill. She previously served as the Intelligence Engagement Officer for Task Force Spartan--Jordan where she briefed host nation general officers weekly on the regional intelligence picture, helped develop training plans to strengthen partnership capacity, and coordinated tri-lateral meetings to enhance intelligence sharing. CPT Plamann is a proud member of the 34th Infantry Division Red Bulls. She has served at a variety of levels within the Division as Platoon Leader, Tactical Intelligence Officer, and ACE Targeting Officer. In 2015, CPT Plamann was chosen for the position of Aide de Camp to the Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Africa in Vicenza, Italy. In this capacity, she acted as the in-person staff representative for the General, traveled monthly to the continent of Africa to participate in training exercises with partner nations, and arranged routine meetings with Embassy staff, attaches, and Security Cooperation Teams in country. In 2019, CPT Plamann was selected for the Army Congressional Fellowship. As a Defense Fellow for Congressman Anthony Brown, she delivered clear military perspective on all proposed policies and covered the Department of Defense response to COVID-19. During the pandemic, she identified a policy gap for servicemembers and successfully added an amendment to the FY21 NDAA to ensure all Guard and Reserve members receive a good year toward retirement for the set duration of the presidentially declared emergency. CPT Plamann graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She holds a masters degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. CPT Julian Plamann is a true American who chose to answer the call to serve our country. It is an honor to recognize her incredible service history that is a true depiction of her dedication to the National Guard. I wish her the best as she begins her new role with the National Guard Association of the United States.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding life and legacy of Mr. Victor Vadrian Marvar, Sr. who passed away on September 3rd, 2022, at 96 years old. This great man left behind a powerful legacy as a businessman, philanthropist, and founder of the Mississippi Republican Party on the Gulf Coast. Born on July 27, 1926 in Biloxi, Mississippi. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He received a Commission as a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve. In 1950, he was called into the U.S. Navy to serve in the Korean War aboard the USS Paricutin. After his military service career ended in 1952, he began working the family seafood processing business. He was even elected President of the American Shrimp Processors Association. Mr. Marvar was dedicated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Republican party and served three terms as Harrison County Republican Party Chairman and one term representing the State of Mississippi on the Republican National Committee. He was a delegate to several county, state and national Republican conventions and was a Mississippi Presidential Elector for President Richard M. Nixon and President George W. Bush. Former Governor Haley Barbour awarded him the Mississippi Medal of Service in recognition of his work to improve the community and the state. Mr. Marvar was elected to the Hancock Bank Board of Directors where he served on several committees for 25 years. Victor was married to his wife, Gayle, for 64 years and together they had 6 children. He and his wife established a scholarship at the University of Southern Mississippi, School of Nursing. They also established scholarships at the Mississippi College School of law, Vanderbilt University MBA School, and West Virginia Wesleyan University. They established a fund to support the operation of the Learning Disability Department at Nativity B.V.M. Elementary School in Biloxi. Mr. Marvar spent a great many years contributing to his community as a businessman, philanthropist, and family man. He was an outstanding citizen of the Biloxi, Mississippi, and the United States, and his contributions stand as a reminder to all of us that it is better to serve than to be served. It is my honor and privilege to recognize Mr. Victor Vadrian Mawar, Sr. God Bless and Semper Fi.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, today I recognize William ``Bill'' Cotter, who will retire this year after 23 years of service to the economic development authority for Hancock County, Mississippi--home to Port Bienville, Stennis International Airport, and NASA's Stennis Space Center. Bill has served with the Port and Harbor Commission for over two decades in various roles, including Stennis International Airport Director, agency chief operations officer, and Chief Executive Officer since 2021. During his tenure as airport director, Cotter helped guide Stennis Airport's recovery from Hurricane Katrina and coordinated the airfield activities during the BP Deepwater Horizon response. Since 2005, he has overseen nearly $40 million in capital improvements at the airport, including the construction of the air traffic control tower, aircraft hangars, and the terminal building. As COO, Port Bienville Industrial Park's existing docks were refurbished and improved, and construction began on a new 600-foot dock, which will be completed later this year. Among other accomplishments, Cotter was instrumental in attracting a line of companies that resulted in Tyonek Service Group's operation in Hancock County. This Department of Defense contractor performs maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations for military aircraft. It is one of 30 companies at Port Bienville and the Stennis International Airport that together employ nearly 1,000 people, Upon retirement after a lifelong career in aviation and economic development, he and his wife, Suzanne Corso, plan on spending time with their three children William ``Billy'', Melissa ``Mimi'' and Nicholas ``Nick,'' and their seven grandchildren, Mera, Gencie, Graysion, William, Mia, Micah, and Kiara. Bill has continuously gone above and beyond to leave things better than he found them. Please join me in thanking him for his outstanding accomplishments and dedication to making Hancock County one of Mississippi's most treasured counties. On behalf of South Mississippi, we wish you and Suzanne a long and healthy retirement.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Joshua Rivera as a member of the United States Air Force Academy Class of 2022. Rivera graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy on Friday, June 17, 2022, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. His career in the service has just begun, but it is a testament to Rivera's unselfish devotion to the people of this great Nation. The challenges will be many and the time, although it may seem like an eternity, will fly by almost unnoticed. South Mississippi is proud of Rivera and his accomplishments, and we look forward to him continuing to represent not only Mississippi, but the entire Nation, as a United States Air Force Officer. As Second Lieutenant Rivera embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he may always recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, graduating from a program as prestigious as the Air Force Academy. I would like to send Rivera my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors, thank him for his service, and congratulate him on this momentous occasion. Semper Fidelis.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Jack Colmer as a member of the United States Merchant Marine Class of 2022. Colmer graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on Saturday, June 18, 2022, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserves. His career in the service has just begun, but it is a testament to Colmer's unselfish devotion to the people of this great Nation. The challenges will be many and the time, although it may seem like an eternity, will fly by almost unnoticed. South Mississippi is proud of Colmer and his accomplishments, and we look forward to him continuing to represent not only Mississippi, but the entire Nation, as a United States Naval Reserve Officer. As Ensign Colmer embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he may always recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, graduating from a program as prestigious as the Merchant Marine Academy. I would like to send Colmer my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors, thank him for his service, and congratulate him on this momentous occasion. Semper Fidelis.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Charles DeMetz as a member of the United States Merchant Marine Class of 2022. DeMetz graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on Saturday, June 18, 2022, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserves. His career in the service has just begun, but it is a testament to DeMetz's unselfish devotion to the people of this great Nation. The challenges will be many and the time, although it may seem like an eternity, will fly by almost unnoticed. South Mississippi is proud of DeMetz and his accomplishments, and we look forward to him continuing to represent not only Mississippi, but the entire Nation, as a United States Naval Reserve Officer. As Ensign DeMetz embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he may always recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, graduating from a program as prestigious as the Merchant Marine Academy. I would like to send DeMetz my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors, thank him for his service, and congratulate him on this momentous occasion. Semper Fidelis.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Rodney Bennett for his outstanding service as President of the University of Southern Mississippi. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Dr. Bennett, and his wife Temple have two adult daughters, Colby, and Logan. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Tennessee State University in Nashville and Specialist, Master, and bachelor's degrees from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. He served as Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Georgia before being appointed as the 10th President of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). President Bennett established his vision for The University of Southern Mississippi to become the model for public higher education across the country, with six key institutional priorities; ensuring student success; expanding enrollment strategies; enhancing academic instruction; fostering a greater focus on research; bolstering economic and community partnerships; and maximizing human potential. During his Presidency, USM achieved R1 status for research. Concurrently, USM reached significant fundraising milestones while enhancing community partnerships. The university expanded operations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast supported innovations in healthcare and invested in new faculty positions. His achievements include student success programming and executing nearly $300 million in capital improvements. Under President Bennett's leadership, USM became one of only 14 R1 institutions in the nation that competed at the NCAA Division I level and maintained accreditation in all four primary areas of the Arts. He worked diligently to position USM as a Top Ten Military Friendly institution that was ranked first in the southeast and third in the nation by Military Times (2021) by expanding programs and services for military veterans and service members. He was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa in 2019 and made history by becoming the first black president of a predominantly white Mississippi university and the first in USM's presidential lineage. Madam Speaker, I recognize Dr. Bennett today for his exceptional work and dedication to the USM Golden Eagle Community, my very own alma mater, and the institution of higher learning. May God Bless Dr. Bennett and his family as they begin their next chapter of outstanding service. ``Southern Miss to The Top!!!''

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished service of Clay Jones who will retire this year after over 29 years as a first responder and public servant in South Mississippi. Jones hails from D'Iberville, MS, where he lives with his wife, the former Tonia Bryant of Biloxi, and their children, Clayton II, and Connor. Jones received his Bachelor's Degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated from the University of Louisville's Southern Police Institute 129th Administrative Officers Course, the Law Enforcement Command College at the University of Mississippi, Leadership Gulf Coast, and Gulf Coast Business Council-Masters Leadership Class. Jones began his public service career in 1993 with the Biloxi Police Department as a reserve police officer and progressed to a full-time officer in 1995. During his tenure at Biloxi Police Department, Jones worked as a part-time instructor at the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy. In June 2000, Jones left the Biloxi Police Department to become a full-time instructor for the Harrison County Sheriffs Department's Law Enforcement Training Academy where he was promoted to the Director of the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute and secured $1 million federally earmarked for the Mississippi Rural Law Enforcement Mobile Training Program. In the latter part of his career, Jones joined the D'Iberville Police Department and served as a narcotics investigator, promoted to the rank of Captain, Operations Commander, Deputy Chief of Police, and City Manager. For his service, Jones has been awarded numerous prestigious awards including a two-time recipient of the Medal of Valor, the City of Biloxi Mayor's Commendation, Deputy of the Year, Officer of the Year, a two-time recipient of the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute's Outstanding Instructor Award, and a two-time recipient of the Police Star Award. Jones has continuously gone above and beyond to answer the call of public service. I am grateful for his service and dedication to South Mississippi. Most importantly, he embodies the virtues of integrity, hard work, and selflessness that South Mississippians expect from their government officials. Clay leaves the City of D'Iberville better than he found it. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Mississippi, I congratulate Clay Jones on his retirement.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Diamondhead, Mississippi on the 10th anniversary of its incorporation. Diamondhead received its charter as the 111th city in Mississippi by Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann on February 6, 2012. Much of the land that would ultimately become Diamondhead was purchased by Walter Gex Sr., in 1937 from the Gulf State Paper Company and the Easy Opener Bag Company. In the late 1960s, the Diamondhead Corporation, with interests in resort developments, developed Diamondhead on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with Diamondhead as its first project because the land is the highest point of elevation in the area. Therefore, the project was named ``Diamondhead'' after an iconic volcanic cone on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. On October 25, 1961, NASA announced the formation of the Mississippi Test Facility, now the John C. Stennis Space Center. The center would border the Pearl River in Hancock County. Along with the center's construction an influx of government workers and contractors moved into the area. The community experienced additional growth as other enterprises arrived including the Naval Oceanographic Office at Stennis Space Center and the Michaud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East. Diamondhead was initially organized as a property owners association (POA) but on January 1, 1985, the Purcell Company (formerly the Diamondhead Corporation) turned over the POA to a homeowners board of directors. Following Hurricane Katrina, the POA experienced hardships that led to the need for added federal and state financial resources. Therefore in 2009, a vote for Diamondhead to become a city was filed with the Hancock Chancery Court, and an election approved the incorporation. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the visionaries and homeowners of Diamondhead who worked tirelessly to bring Diamondhead to what it is today, ``a Community Where the Living is Easy''.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifetime achievements of Mr. Marvin LaCoste. Marvin is a lifelong resident of Kiln, Mississippi. He comes from a family with a long history of military service, beginning with a father who served in the Navy during World War I. Three of his brothers served in the Navy during World War II, three more brothers served in the Army, and one in the National Guard. Marvin's son followed in his footsteps and served in the Navy. At the young age of 17, Marvin continued that legacy of military service, joining the U.S. Navy, and was named a chartered member of the Hancock County Mississippi National Guard in 1954. Upon returning home from the U.S. Navy, Marvin worked for the Chevron Oil Company and the Global Marine Drilling Company as an electrician and in automation on offshore oil fields. In 1978, Mr. Lacoste founded Marvin Lacoste Repair Service, which has provided heating and air conditioning services to Hancock County for the last four decades. Marvin was one of the founding members of the Hancock County Republican Party. He contributed to the successful campaigns of many local, State, and Federal government officials. Marvin is an astute business owner, but he is also known for his tireless public service and commitment to the betterment of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For decades, Marvin has participated in local chapters of Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and several other community service-focused endeavors. Today, we recognize Mr. Marvin LaCoste for his outstanding service to the Republican Party, Hancock County, and the State of Mississippi.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding work and dedication of Mrs. Bobbye Maggio. Bobbye Maggio was born and raised in Batesville, Mississippi. She graduated from Saint Joseph Catholic School in Madison, Mississippi, and then attended the Providence School of Nursing in Mobile, Alabama. In her senior year of nursing school, she met the late Dr. Henry A. Maggio, whom she married upon her graduation. They were married for 58 years, and together they raised their four children--Shannon, Melissa, Stephen, and Michael--in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Today, Bobbye is the proud grandmother to 16 grandchildren and the great-grandmother to 4 great-grandchildren. Bobbye was instrumental in founding Our Lady Academy Catholic School in 1971, the only all-girls private school in the state of Mississippi. She deeply believed in the importance of Catholic education for girls so that they may learn Catholic Christian morals and values and achieve their full academic and personal potential. Bobbye has a long history of public and community service to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She was a founder of the Junior Auxiliary of Hancock County and is involved in local Bible studies, church groups, and youth retreats. Additionally, Bobbye is a member of the all-women Krewe of Nereids, which has grown into one of the largest Carnival organizations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast today. Bobbye is a longtime Republican activist. She has campaigned for local Republican government officials and participated in local elections. Today, we recognize Mrs. Bobbye Maggio for her outstanding service to the Republican Party, Hancock County, and the State of Mississippi.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished service of Chief Gary Ponthieux, who will retire this year after 28 years of service to South Mississippi. Chief Ponthieux, from Bay St. Louis, MS, currently resides in Pass Christian, MS, where he lives with his wife, the former Kacey Edwards of Bay St. Louis and their children, Luci (12) and Max (9). Chief Ponthieux obtained his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a double minor in Forensic Science and Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1994, Chief Ponthieux attended the Hattiesburg Police Department Law Enforcement Academy and received the highest academic award. Chief Ponthieux began his public service career in 1994 with the Gulfport Police Department as a police officer. Within a short period, he worked his way up to Narcotics Detective and served from April 1995 to January 2003. In January 2003, he was promoted to Criminal Investigations Detective Sergeant. He continued to serve the Gulfport community in this role until November 2017. Following his time as Criminal Investigations Detective Sergeant, he left the Gulfport Police Department to serve as Chief of Police of Bay St. Louis. Concluding his time in Gulfport, he spent a little over 23 years serving the Gulfport community and nearly five years serving the Bay St. Louis community. Chief Ponthieux has spent 28 years serving the people of South Mississippi. For his service, Chief Ponthieux has been awarded numerous prestigious awards, such as the top academic award as a graduate of the Hattiesburg Police Academy, being named outstanding officer by the Gulfport Rotary Club, Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, and many more. Upon his retirement, Gary took a position with the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, HIDTA, a DEA task force that targets high-intensity drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Chief Ponthieux has continuously gone above and beyond to answer the call of public service. I am grateful for his service and dedication to South Mississippi. Most importantly, he embodies the virtues of integrity, hard work, and selflessness that South Mississippians expect from their government officials. Chief Ponthieux leaves the City of Bay St. Louis better than he found it. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Mississippi, I congratulate Chief Ponthieux on his retirement, and may God watch over him and his family as he continues to serve and protect.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, today, we celebrate the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor at the University of Southern Mississippi. The Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor is a state-of-the-art facility that represents the University of Southern Mississippi's commitment to honor our nation's heroes. The dedication ceremony will honor Joe Quinlan, USM alumnus and lead benefactor for the Hall of Honor, as well as U.S. Army Major General (Retired) Jeff Hammond, USM alumnus and former Golden Eagles Football Team Captain and Quarterback. These two gentlemen have earned this recognition for their service to the Golden Eagle community. The University's Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families provides guidance and support to Student-Veterans in their academic and professional pursuits. Major General Jeff Hammond, who serves as the Center's Director, has led the University of Southern Mississippi to earn numerous prestigious recognitions, including the top Military Caring University across the State of Mississippi, designation as a Purple Heart Institution, and ranking No. 1 in the Southeast by Military Times in its ``Best for Vets: Colleges 2021 Rankings.'' The new Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor will provide more than 1,700 USM Military Students and Student-Veterans with a home of their own that is commensurate with the honor of which they are deserving. Today is a special day. The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor symbolizes the University of Southern Mississippi's continued commitment and gratitude to our nation's heroes for their unwavering dedication to our country. As a Marine veteran and USM alumnus, I want to thank the University's Administration, the USM Foundation, and the more than 150 USM alumni donors who made the construction of the new Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor possible for their commitment to honor those who serve.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. I thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to host this Special Order today. It was great to hear from each of my colleagues on the importance of our Guardsmen and Reservists. I thank all who participated, and I look forward to working together on the issues that lie ahead. Finally, I thank all our National Guardsmen, our Reservists, and their families. The work you are doing is making America better, you are making America safer, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, as a former Marine Corps reservist and current member of the National Guard, I am proud to represent my fellow Mississippi guardsmen in Congress. It is no secret that Mississippi has a continued history of support of our Armed Forces. The south Mississippi community understands what backing our military every step of the way truly means. I am proud to have been able to lead the way on a project that directly benefits the guardsmen in Mississippi and across America. The Mobilization and Annual Training Equipment Site, MATES, located at Camp Shelby, would update the current MATES facility that was built in 1984 and was designed to handle smaller models of armored vehicles. This new facility would construct 52,000-square feet of maintenance training bays and supporting facilities that are currently being utilized to maintain the equipment that supports the readiness of two heavy brigade teams. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am happy to have been able to assist our guardsmen in securing funding for this project in the fiscal year 2022 omnibus bill. The MATES facility at Camp Shelby is a crucial asset to south Mississippi and our national defense. These funds will make the work of our National Guard at Camp Shelby safer and more efficient as well as boost the surrounding economy. The National Guard and Reserve Caucus is committed to pursuing legislative and policy initiatives that ensure the National Guard and Reserve components have strong representation on policy, procurement, force structure, and utilization within the Department of Defense. This caucus is one of the largest and most bipartisan caucuses in the House. As co-chair of this caucus, I am excited to highlight a few of the caucus' legislative priorities and recent policy wins for our guardsmen. H.R. 3626, the National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay Parity Act was included in the final version of the NDAA and was signed into law on December 27, 2021. This legislation would require the military to provide Reserve and National Guard servicemembers incentive and special duty pay at the same rate as their Active Duty counterparts. I am also thankful for previous Co-Chair Tim Ryan's leadership on this bill that will ensure guardsmen are receiving pay parity. Additionally, I was proud to see current Co-Chair Kai Kahele's 1095 Rule Amendment Act included in the most recent NDAA that recently went into effect. This law will strengthen the National Guard and Reserve by increasing the maximum days reservists can serve on Active Duty. I thank Congressman Kahele for his steadfast work on this victory that directly benefits all guardsmen. Going forward, the caucus will continue to push on legislative priorities that will benefit our guardsmen and reservists. I encourage all of my colleagues to join the caucus and receive monthly updates on legislation that benefits the National Guard and Reserve components and also share with the caucus success stories of their own National Guard. Madam Speaker, I am about to close, but I have one more gentleman I would like to yield time to. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber). A Tribute to Mickey Gilley