Chris Pappas

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Barbara Kulig as she retires after twenty-six years of service with the Manchester School District. Barbara has dedicated her time as a Paraprofessional to making a difference in students' education and being involved within the community. As a lifelong Manchester resident, Barbara dedicated her career to public service and giving back to her community. She has spent twenty- five years teaching at Hillside Middle School, the same institution she attended for middle school, and she spent her final year teaching at Weston Elementary. She also previously served as a school bus driver in Bedford. She has left a lasting impact on the students she has worked with over the years and will be greatly missed by students and staff alike. Barbara is not only a diligent public servant but also an individual of outstanding character and passion. She committed tireless days to ensuring that the students of the Manchester School District were given the care and resources they needed to thrive and grow into successful young adults. In all, Barbara Kulig represents the very best of America's public servants--dedicated, thoughtful, and unwavering in her commitment to service to others. On behalf of a grateful district, I want to congratulate Barbara on a well-deserved and restful retirement.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Vernis Marie Miller Jackson of Portsmouth, New Hampshire--a pioneering educator, visionary community leader, and lifelong champion for civil rights, culture, and historical preservation. Born in Waycross, Georgia, Vernis' father, Bishop Clinton Miller, and mother, Lossie Butler Miller Randall, immediately moved their baby daughter to Savannah, Georgia, where she would grow up, attending Florence Street Elementary School and Savannah State College before receiving her degree from the University of New Hampshire. In 1963, Vernis and her husband, Emerald, a sergeant in the United States Air Force, relocated with their two young daughters from Savannah to Pease Air Force Base in Newington, New Hampshire, later moving to Portsmouth, where she would remain for the rest of her life. For 35 of those years, Mrs. Jackson served as a beloved teacher in the Portsmouth School Department, where her dedication to young people left an indelible mark on generations of students. Yet her contributions to our community extended far beyond the classroom. Vernis served on a task force for the Equity in Mathematics Education Leadership Institute, sharing the program citywide with students and parents. She helped charter an African American women's organization, named Kwanza, which provided scholarships for local students. She was also a charter member of The Greater Springfield, Massachusetts Chapter of The Links, Inc., a national women's organization, where she achieved Platinum status. Mrs. Jackson was a member of the Jonquil Garden Club, a lifetime member of the NAACP, the National Education Association, the New Hampshire Retired Teachers Association, the Crossroads Bridge Club, Friends of Portsmouth Library, and the Portsmouth College Women's Club. Vernis was a member of the Portsmouth Athenaeum and served a three-year term at the Currier Museum of Art and Seacoast Leadership Group. Vernis and her beloved husband, Emerald, also served together for 21 years on the board of the Salvation Army. In 2000, she co-founded the Seacoast African American Cultural Center (SAACC), an institution dedicated to celebrating and preserving the contributions of African Americans in the Seacoast region and beyond. Under her leadership as president and later president emeritus, the SAACC blossomed into a vital cultural hub, curating exhibitions, hosting performances and lectures, offering scholarships, and bringing generations together through history and art. Perhaps one of her most enduring legacies is her work at the Portsmouth African Burying Ground Memorial Park. After the discovery of the burial site in 2003, Mrs. Jackson became chair of the African Burying Ground Committee, guiding a multi-year effort to honor those interred in what is now recognized as New England's only known African burying ground dating back to the 1700s. Thanks to her leadership, the memorial park was completed and formally dedicated in 2015--a sacred space that invites reflection, remembrance, and justice. Mrs. Jackson continued her decades-long fight for equity, education, and civil rights, and her tireless work earned her recognition across the state, including as a ``Local Hero'' by New Hampshire Magazine, where she was praised for bridging generations and inspiring others through action and service. She has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, a Granite-Stater of the month, and has been presented with both the Martin Luther King, Jr., ``Living the Dream Award,'' and the ``Spirit of the Prince Hall'' award. She was also a recipient of the City of Portsmouth Mayor's Award for her 11 years of service on the African Burying Grounds Committee. Vernis Marie Miller Jackson passed away in February 2025 at the age of 92. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through the institutions she built, the lives she shaped, and the history she preserved for future generations. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Vernis Jackson for her extraordinary life of service and leadership. May we carry forward her example of dignity, compassion, and commitment to justice.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the HALT Fentanyl Act when it comes to the floor tomorrow. For the past 5 years, I have engaged with law enforcement, public health experts, and colleagues across the aisle to ensure the scheduling of fentanyl analogues doesn't lapse and is finally made permanent. Permanent scheduling will ensure that law enforcement retains important tools they need to tackle the opioid crisis and hold traffickers accountable. These are tools that have helped drive down drug-related deaths in New Hampshire to the lowest levels in 10 years. This is thanks to New Hampshire's all-hands-on-deck approach, pairing enforcement with treatment to bring down both the supply of opioids reaching our communities as well as the demand for them. There is still work to be done, including getting this bill across the finish line and restoring vital funding that was cut by the current administration for treatment and recovery. I will continue fighting to ensure that our communities have the support that they need to save lives and confront addiction head-on.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 75th anniversary of the VA Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire and in celebration of 75 years of unwavering commitment to veteran health care. At the end of World War I, citizens of New Hampshire began advocating for a local veterans hospital in order to properly honor Granite Staters who bravely served their country. After an extensive and hard- fought campaign that made it all the way to Congress, the hospital was granted approval and opened its doors on July 2, 1950. For 75 years, the Manchester VA has provided compassionate care to countless veterans and their families. From physical therapy to mental health care, the Manchester VA's comprehensive services help many veterans to live happy and healthy lives. The dedicated VA staff create a supportive and encouraging environment where veterans feel empowered to seek the medical help they need. Guided by the needs of veterans and their families, the Manchester VA remains committed to holistic treatment. The Manchester VA's research program is internationally recognized for the study and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other serious mental health challenges. A renowned teaching hospital, the Manchester VA actively trains the next generation of caregivers to ensure that their important work continues for years to come. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Manchester VA on 75 years of devoted service to veterans and their families. We are grateful for your commitment to our community's veterans and I look forward to continuing to support this vital work.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the Republicans' budget scheme pushed through in the middle of the night last month is putting school meals for hungry kids and food assistance for working families at risk. A constituent of mine, Martha, from Somersworth is raising her 15- year-old grandson and battling breast cancer while living on a fixed income. Without SNAP, she wouldn't be able to keep food on the table. Another constituent, Catherine, is a veteran from Manchester who has type 2 diabetes. She wouldn't be able to afford the diet she needs to keep herself healthy without SNAP and fears losing her benefits could put her life at risk if she is unable to manage her blood sugar. People across my district, from Newmarket to Gilford, tell me they wouldn't be able to afford groceries without some help. It is a betrayal of working families for Republicans to take away food so they can give tax breaks to billionaires. My colleagues must continue speaking out against these cuts and do everything they can to stop a reckless, cruel budget from moving forward.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Hope Makris, a pioneering businesswoman and community leader from Laconia, New Hampshire. The matriarch of the NASWA Resort, Hope helped run one of the Lakes Region's most iconic establishments for more than 80 years as it grew from a few cabins to one of the region's major destinations. Countless visitors experienced her hospitality and generosity firsthand over the years, and they likely tried some of her signature baked goods, too. Along with her late husband, Peter, Hope made her mark on the community by supporting veterans, helping the fire department acquire new equipment, and being a leader in New Hampshire's tourist economy. New Hampshire owes Hope and the entire Makris family a debt of gratitude for the ways they have bettered our communities, particularly in the Lakes Region. Hope leaves a profound legacy after a century of life and hard work. I know that others will continue to be inspired by her dedication and compassion to all of those around her. Mr. Speaker, may her memory be eternal.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Gibson Center for Senior Services for serving their two millionth meal to seniors in the Mount Washington Valley. Founded in 1973, the Gibson Center for Senior Services provides a wide range of programs for residents of the Mount Washington Valley, including meal delivery, transportation. social programs, exercise classes, home repair, and even a thrift store that provides affordable adult clothing and housewares for persons in need. With the help of over one hundred dedicated volunteers, the Gibson Center serves 47,000 meals a year to seniors in the Mount Washington Valley. For many of these residents, these meals also provide an opportunity to interact with members of the community and give them the peace of mind that someone will be checking in on them regularly. The Gibson Center showcases exceptional care for the senior residents of the Mount Washington Valley. Every day, they provide invaluable services to those in need and make our Granite State communities better and stronger. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Gibson Center for Senior Services for achieving this incredible milestone. Granite staters are grateful for organizations such as the Gibson Center, and I wish them continued success in the years to come.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Patricia Ann Miller's outstanding service as a Surviving Spouse Liaison at the Military Officers Association of America. Pat has approached her work as a liaison with immense passion and commitment, exemplifying the virtues of service to her community and Nation. Pat has continuously shown the highest standard of care to veterans' surviving spouses, advocating for legislation that supports them, helping them access healthcare benefits, and reaching out on a routine basis to encourage them in their daily life. Pat has represented the MOAA on numerous occasions and spearheaded events to honor surviving spouses. In one case, Pat established a memorial fund that donated to family charities identified by each surviving spouse in memory of their loved one. Pat showcases exceptional personal care for the people she helps, immediately contacting newly surviving spouses to support them in their time of grief and inform them of available resources. Every holiday, Pat contacts each surviving spouse personally with well-wishes and comfort. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I thank Pat for her thoughtfulness and dedication to the surviving spouses she has supported. Granite staters are grateful that the spouses of our brave veterans may receive attentive care from professionals like Pat, and I wish her only the best in the years to come.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of David Caron as he retires after over eight years of service as Town Administrator of Derry. Throughout his tenure, Dave has been a tremendous public servant in his role, overseeing all the day-to-day operations of Derry Town Departments. Dave has managed numerous projects to improve the lives of Derry citizens, including renovating and constructing long-awaited roads, conserving land, and expanding police and fire stations. Throughout his 43 years of working in local government, David consistently ensured Granite Staters received the support they deserved, greatly helping residents across the state in Jaffrey, Londonderry, North Hampton, Belmont, and Gilford. Dave is not only a diligent public servant but a man of outstanding character and passion. His own family full of hockey players, Dave spearheaded the Belmont-Gilford cooperative hockey team, cultivating the 16-year-old program that put numerous players on the ice. In all, Dave Caron represents the very best of America's public servants--dedicated, attentive, and unwaveringly committed to the service of others. On behalf of a grateful district, I want to congratulate Dave on a well-deserved and replenishing retirement.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight because healthcare is on the line and so is the well-being and the dignity of the people I serve in New Hampshire. The phones in my office won't stop ringing because people I represent are beyond angry about the proposal to slash Medicaid. Last week, I sat down with a constituent of Laconia, Donka Facciolo, who lives with a disability. Thanks to Medicaid, she receives skilled nursing, transportation, and employment support. Because of that help she can live on her own. Another constituent whom I met, Kevin Brett, told me the same. Without Medicaid, he is not sure where he would go. Parents of individuals with disabilities have told me that they could lose in-home care for their kids, and in doing so, they would be forced to quit their jobs. What kind of choice is that for these parents? Slashing Medicaid is cruel. It would take away Granite Staters' ability to receive care and their chance to work, and it would rob them of their independence. We know it is all being ripped away in order to give big tax breaks to billionaires and the biggest corporations. I am a ``no'' on this reckless scheme, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' as well.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of David McCormack as he retires after 34 years of service to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency. Over the course of his tenure, David has been a tremendous public servant in his role as a district congressional lead. David has hosted numerous congressional outreach meetings to bring together staffers and federal agency representatives, to keep our government engaged at the local level with trends in immigration cases. Throughout the course of his career, David consistently ensured Granite Staters received the support they deserved and was able to help with any inquiries that came his way. David is not only a diligent public servant, but a man of outstanding character. For instance, when congressional liaison tragically passed in 2023, it was David who compassionately stepped in to coordinate communications to congressional staff and provide details regarding funeral arrangements. In all, David McCormack represents the very best of America's public servants--dedicated, thoughtful, and unwavering in his commitment in service to others. On behalf of a grateful district, I want to congratulate David on a well deserved and restful retirement.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because healthcare through Medicaid, covering more than 10 percent of residents and more than 30 percent of all kids in New Hampshire, is on the line. Their access to lifesaving preventative care, long-term care, and mental health and addiction treatment will be put at risk by the cruel and fiscally reckless budget being proposed by Republicans in the House. In addition, New Hampshire's Medicaid expansion, established on a bipartisan basis, would end with any decrease in Federal funds, leaving 68,000 Granite Staters uninsured and devastating our hospitals and community health centers. I have heard from literally thousands of Granite Staters on this issue, including a woman who contacted my office and shared her fears that cuts to Medicaid would leave her family homeless. She is a caretaker to two family members and worries they won't be able to survive on one income if they lose their health coverage. I will continue to do everything I can to stop a budget that places the burden of cuts on New Hampshire families like hers to finance massive tax breaks to the superrich. I urge my colleagues to stand up against this betrayal of working families and instead focus on how we can work together to make life safer, healthier, and more affordable for all Americans.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of APRN Janette Gibb of the Manchester VA Medical Center. Her commitment to going the extra mile and providing the highest standard of healthcare to veterans in Manchester exemplifies the virtue of service to community and country. One story in particular highlights Janette's positive impact. In August, 2021, a veteran was at the Manchester VA for routine cardiac tests, administered by Janette. During the tests, the veteran entered sudden cardiac arrest and collapsed in the hallway. A MERT team was called, but Janette immediately took action. She understood what the veteran was experiencing and administered CPR until the veteran started responding and the MERT team arrived. This veteran credits Janette with saving their life. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I thank Janette Gibb for her selflessness and dedication to the veterans she has cared for. By giving so much to those who served our Nation, she has made her community a better place. Granite staters are grateful that our brave veterans may receive care from professionals like Janette, and I wish her all the best in the years to come.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dinah Whipple of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in celebration of Black History Month Dinah Whipple was a monumental figure for educational equality in the State of New Hampshire. Dinah was enslaved until her emancipation at the age of 21. On February 12, 1781, Dinah married Prince Whipple, who for many years was enslaved by William Whipple, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Dinah Whipple conducted the Ladies African Charitable School for several decades, providing education for formerly enslaved people and their children. Over two centuries later, her legacy still lives on in New Hampshire with the Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy at the University of New Hampshire. This program offers underrepresented young teens of color the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and black history in America for no cost. In addition, the location of Dinah Whipple's trail blazing school is now a stop on the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I recognize Dinah Whipple for her selflessness to New Hampshire's community and history. Now more than ever, it is important to honor and celebrate the lives of individuals who gave back to our communities, and Dinah Whipple's legacy and memory must be honored.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Northeast Delta Dental and their achievement in receiving the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Northeast Delta Dental was founded in 1961 as a not-for-profit dental company administering care in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire. In New Hampshire, Northeast Delta Dental plays a crucial role in providing dental insurance to over half of insured Granite Staters. Additionally, through their Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, the organization supports various oral health initiatives, contributing over 1.3 million dollars in 2023 to programs that enhance community wellbeing. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality award is a recognition that honors businesses and organizations that have the highest standards of excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Northeast Delta Dental was recently recognized as a 2024 recipient, one of only five companies in the United States to receive the award and the first ever from New Hampshire. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Northeast Delta Dental for their remarkable achievement. This well-deserved recognition highlights their commitment to high standards of care and community involvement in the Granite State.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and career of Somersworth Police Chief Timothy J. McLin. After 33 years in law enforcement Chief McLin is embarking on a well- earned retirement. For more than three decades, he has served as a member of Somersworth Police department, rising from patrol officer to Chief of Police in 2022. Throughout his career Chief McLin has played a crucial role in supporting Granite Staters through the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT) and Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP). In addition to his decades in law enforcement service, Chief McLin is a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1984 to 1990 in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Upon his completion of military service, he returned to Somersworth where he began his 33 years of public service to his hometown. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I wish Chief McLin well in his retirement, thank him for his commitment to the people of Somersworth, and congratulate him on a job very well done.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Kentucky for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Medal of Honor Act. The Medal of Honor is our Nation's highest military decoration. It recognizes the extraordinary valor that distinguished men and women of our military demonstrated in critical moments during their service to our great Nation. There are 63 living Medal of Honor recipients, including heroes like Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts of New Hampshire, who served two tours in Afghanistan. During his second deployment, hundreds of insurgents attacked the Army base where he was stationed. Sergeant Pitts was badly wounded by a grenade but continued to fight with a tourniquet on his leg, singlehandedly holding his outpost for 2 hours. That battle is now known as the Battle of Wanat, one of the bloodiest battles of the war in Afghanistan. Thanks to the bravery of Sergeant Pitts, Americans were able to turn the tide in that battle and hold their position, leading Taliban fighters to withdraw from the area. As ranking member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am focused, with my colleagues, on how we can make good on our promises to our veterans and be worthy of their sacrifice. It is our responsibility as Americans to ensure that all of our servicemembers, veterans, and their families have the support that they earned and deserve. One way we can do that is by ensuring that veterans are financially secure when their military service is over. Medal of Honor awardees receive a monthly pension that has not been raised in 23 years. It is well past time to do the right thing and increase the pension for these distinguished American warriors. This bill ensures their extraordinary acts of bravery are not forgotten and that their sacrifices are valued by a grateful Nation. I have been really glad to partner with Congressman Nehls on this bill to introduce this legislation and get it to the floor today. I thank him for his determined leadership on this issue and hope that we can get all of our colleagues on board later today with a strong vote in passing this legislation over to the Senate and seeing it signed into law. Mr. Speaker, this is the right thing to do by our veterans and by our Medal of Honor recipients, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Floyd B. Severance of Concord, New Hampshire, on the occasion of his 101st birthday. A World War II Army veteran, loving husband and father, and lifelong New Hampshire resident, Floyd has exemplified the virtue of service to family, community, and country throughout his life. Drafted into the Army at 18 years old, Floyd was deployed to Europe in 1944 as scores of Americans bravely fought to protect our freedoms during World War II. Floyd saw action in the battles of Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland, some of the defining conflicts in the eventual triumph of the Allied forces. His courage and selflessness in defending his country speak to the strength of his character. He was honorably discharged in 1945 as a Private, First Class. His service during one of the darkest times in world history is a model of the power of sacrifice and devotion for future generations. Upon completing his service, he met his wife Judith Girard at the bowling alleys of Pembroke, New Hampshire. They settled in Allenstown, where they raised their seven children. He continued to demonstrate his dedication to public service in a distinguished career with the United States Postal Service. After retiring from the Postal Service in 1986, he renovated his childhood home in Pembroke, where he lived with Judith until 2014. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I thank Floyd B. Severance for his service to his community and Nation, and wish him a very happy 101st birthday. Granite staters will be forever grateful to Floyd for the impact he has made for our state, the country, and the world. I look forward to seeing what his next chapter holds, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor University of New Hampshire Police Chief Paul Dean and to wish him well as he retires from an impressive career in law enforcement. As a law enforcement officer for nearly 40 years, including the last 35 as a member of the University of New Hampshire Police Department, Chief Dean has worked tirelessly to make UNH and the State of New Hampshire safer and stronger. A testament to his commitment to the UNH community, Chief Dean was named the department's chief in 2011, continuing his excellent and important work. As Police Chief and Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Risk Management, Chief Dean guided UNH through the COVID-19 pandemic as the campus remained open for students, faculty, and staff and ensured UNH returned to normal activities as safely and as quickly as possible. A nationally recognized leader in campus law enforcement and public safety, Chief Dean is the Immediate Past President of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. Throughout his tenure at UNH, Chief Dean has been a champion of mental health training and accessibility for his officers and staff. Under his leadership, the UNH Police Department has remained fully accredited by CALEA and IACLEA during Chief Dean's tenure. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I extend my gratitude to Chief Paul Dean for his exceptional service as the University of New Hampshire's Chief of Police. I join all Granite Staters in thanking Chief Dean for his leadership, professionalism, and contributions to making the community safer. I wish him and his family all the best as he embarks on the next chapter in his career. I Congratulate Chief Dean on a job very well done.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I thank the chair and ranking member for bringing my bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation to designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 609 Portsmouth Avenue in Greenland, New Hampshire, as the Chief Michael Maloney Post Office Building. Chief Maloney was a dedicated public servant, community leader, and law enforcement professional who served his country in the Army Reserves and served his State as a police officer, rising to the rank of chief of the Greenland Police Department in the year 2000. Tragically, on April 12, 2012, Chief Maloney was killed in the line of duty, just 8 days before his retirement, while participating in a drug raid operation with the New Hampshire Attorney General's Drug Task Force. He was just 48 years old. Michael Maloney grew up in North Hampton, New Hampshire. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Reserves, graduated from the New Hampshire Police Academy, and began a 26-year career in law enforcement. Chief Maloney is remembered as someone who was bigger than life, who was always quick to crack a joke, and who always had a smile on his face, even on the worst of days. He is remembered as someone who cared deeply about his community and worked with purpose and passion each and every day to make it safer and stronger. When thinking about the impact he left on those he knew and worked with, one story, shared on the 10-year anniversary of his death, underscores his leadership and dedication carried by all those in law enforcement. After a long day that stretched late into the morning, responding to the death of their leader, mentor, and friend, the remaining members of the Greenland Police Department were told to stay home the next day. It is a credit to their commitment and resolve that by 8 a.m., they all returned to work. Twelve years have passed since the death of Chief Maloney, but his legacy lives on. It is a small token of our thanks and appreciation that we can name this post office in Chief Michael Maloney's honor to remind future generations of that legacy, his tremendous service, and the sacrifice he gave on behalf of the community that he loved. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the impressive and impactful career of Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg as he retires. Throughout his life, Chief Aldenberg dedicated his efforts to serving others. In a military career spanning 30 years, he commanded from the company to the brigade level and deployed in support of key operations to combat terrorism and protect our Nation after 9/11. He was awarded a Bronze Star medal for his service in Iraq from 2009 to 2010. As a law enforcement officer for 27 years, including the last four years as Manchester Police Chief, Chief Aldenberg has worked with officers, department staff, city leadership, and community members to make Manchester safer and stronger. His commitment to public safety and securing a bright and safe future for the Queen City is evident through his investment toward improving the Manchester Police Department. Through his leadership, Chief Aldenberg spearheaded the Manchester Police Department's strategic goals to focus on data-driven approaches to public safety, invest in high-quality training and development, put more well-trained officers on the street, and enhance community engagement. Under his leadership, Chief Aldenberg also strengthened the Manchester Police Department's Mental Health and Wellness Program, which serves as a standard bearer across New Hampshire for other departments to emulate. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to extend my gratitude to Chief Allen Aldenberg for his exceptional service in New Hampshire as a law enforcement officer. I join all Granite Staters in thanking Chief Aldenberg for his leadership, professionalism, and contributions to making the community safer. I wish Allen, his wife Emily, and his children all the best as he retires from a career in law enforcement. I congratulate Chief Aldenberg on a job very well done.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the impressive and impactful career of Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg as he retires. Throughout his life, Chief Aldenberg dedicated his efforts to serving others. In a military career spanning 30 years, he commanded from the company level to the brigade level and deployed in support of key operations to combat terrorism and protect our Nation after 9/11. He was awarded a Bronze Star medal for his service in Iraq from 2009 to 2010. As a law enforcement officer for 27 years, including 4 years as chief in Manchester, Chief Aldenberg has worked with his officers, department staff, city leadership, and community members to make Manchester safer and stronger. Madam Speaker, I wish him well in his next endeavor as the new chief military and veterans service officer at Easterseals Military and Veterans Campus. I join all Granite Staters in thanking Chief Aldenberg for his exceptional leadership and commitment to the people of Manchester and the State of New Hampshire. I congratulate Chief Aldenberg on a job very well done.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of New Hampshire's Deputy Adjutant General, Warren Perry, who is retiring later this year. For nine years, Warren has diligently served New Hampshire's Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services. In his role, he has played a key part in connecting military officials with the needs of New Hampshire and ensuring our veterans are receiving the support that they need. Warren served our country for 28 years in the United States Army, and for that we are incredibly thankful. He is a veteran of Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom where he fought to keep the United States safe from foreign threats. In service to his fellow Granite Staters, when he returned home, Warren went on to serve as the State Inspector General for the New Hampshire National Guard. Beyond national security, Warren has tirelessly served our communities on a local level. As Deputy Adjutant General, Warren has worked to strengthen the New Hampshire Veteran-Friendly Business Program and increase veterans' employment with our local businesses as they return from combat. As a decorated soldier, Warren has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and many other distinguished honors. As a community leader, Warren has aided our veterans in their employment efforts. And as a proud member of a military family, Warren knows the meaning of service and has always strived to give back to his community. Warren has dedicated his life to the security of our Nation and the betterment of our communities. On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I thank Deputy Adjutant General Warren Perry for his service and wish him a happy retirement. I wish Warren and his family all the best in the years to come.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of New Hampshire's 2025 Teacher of the Year, Candice DeAngelis. For 18 years, Candice has dedicated her life to being an educator and creating a real impact on the lives of students who come through her classroom. She represents all of what it means to be an amazing teacher: compassionate, friendly, and a lifelong learner. From the beginning of Candice's career teaching Spanish in Londonderry and Kingston to now at Bedford High School, she has always cared deeply about her students. Her students are always excited to go to her class because she makes learning a new language fun and exciting. She always has a smile on her face and is not only ready to teach her students but is also ready to learn from them. The care and dedication that Candice has for her students comes down to an individual level. She always makes an effort to get to know them beyond just learning their name. Understanding how each of her students learn is an important step in getting them to understand a new language. Candice also works to create lasting memories with her students that will stick with them long after they leave her class. On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate Candice for being named New Hampshire's 2025 Teacher of the Year. I wish Candice, her family, and her students all the best in the years to come as she continues dedicating her life to education.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hooksett Lions Club Citizen of the Year Richard ``Turk'' Bairam. For over 25 years, Turk has been dedicated to supporting Hooksett in any way he can. He continues to volunteer in his community to make Hooksett an amazing place to live and raise a family. A lifelong resident of Hooksett, Turk owned and operated his own auto repair shop for 36 years before retiring in 2006. A former member of the Hooksett Police Commission, Turk currently serves as Sewer Commissioner, Chair of the Central Hooksett Water Precinct, as a member of the Town Recycling and Transfer Committee, and on the Zoning Board of Appeals. In addition to his volunteer work, he has also dedicated his life to his family. Turk and his wife of 62 years, Mary, have raised their children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren in Hooksett. It is because of the hard work and dedication of community leaders like Turk that the Town of Hooksett continues to thrive. On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate Turk for being named the Hooksett Lions Club 2024 Citizen of the Year. I wish Turk and his family all the best in the years to come as they continue to work to make Hooksett a better place.