Jimmy Patronis

Mr. PATRONIS

Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Chair, obviously, my colleagues are not familiar with northwest Florida and what we call the Gulf of America range. This is a place where we train our best and brightest who are defending our country around the globe. Unfortunately, in order to have access to a range like that, you are going to have installations that are going to be on the Gulf of America as they train. As you have anywhere along the United States, coastal cities are going to exist. They are not going away. Unfortunately, electric and hybrid vehicles and saltwater do not mix. I understand the point my colleagues want to make about tactical vehicles, but they are not seeing the big picture. These particular vehicles cannot sustain any type of saltwater flooding. They create a thermal runaway. Fortunately, they may not have experience with what a thermal runaway is where they live, but these are catastrophic events that ultimately affect not just that vehicle but everyone around that vehicle. It ties up precious resources babysitting a fire that does not need to exist in the first place if we ensure that these vehicles are never part of the military missions of the United States of America and the Department of War. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PATRONIS

Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to honor a true statesman, a patriot, and a proud son of the State of Florida, Speaker John Thrasher. Speaker Thrasher's story is a kind that people don't see anymore. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, a lawyer, a leader, and someone who never forgot where he came from. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential public servants the State of Florida has ever known. As speaker of the Florida House, he got our State through challenging times with courage and principle. As a State senator, he fought for Florida's families, stood up for what was right, even when it wasn't easy. As president of Florida State University, he poured his heart into shaping the lives of young people, lifting up the next generation with the same integrity and drive that defined his own life. To those who knew Speaker Thrasher, it was more than a resume. When he walked into a room, he had room presence. He was respected. He was loyal, tough as nails when he had to be, but always with a servant's heart. I was proud to call him a friend, a mentor. I admired the way he led with grace under pressure and with an unshakeable love for Florida and our country. This Congress and the State of Florida mourns with his wife, Jean; their children; their grandchildren; and we thank them for sharing their John with us. He made our State stronger, and Florida will carry forward the values that he lived by. Paying Tribute to the 250th Anniversary of DAR and SAR

Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our Nation's 250th anniversary of two distinguished societies that are crucial to our many activities in Florida which celebrate our founding. The national, State, and local members of both the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution are direct blood descendants of patriots who fought and aided our American Revolution or held political or civil positions in our very first government. Back at home in the district, the Emerald Coast Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution have been busy gearing up to honor the great men and women who gave their all to establish our country. I had the honor to join DAR Regent, Daquiri Champion, and SAR President, the Honorable Graham Fountain, at the Fort Walton Chamber of Commerce as they honored the chamber membership with the DAR America 250! Commendation and Medal for their campaign of remembrance of America's War of Independence. Another upcoming event which highlights the women who served in the war is in the Okaloosa's Women Veterans Day ceremony which will be held at Women Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island. One of the eight bronze statues in the park pays tribute to Mrs. Margaret Corbin, who fought alongside her husband, who was a Continental Army artillery officer. While assisting her husband in the Battle of Fort Washington, New York, she took over firing the cannon after he was killed by grapeshot fired by British cannon fire. She also received serious injuries of her own to her shoulder, chest, and jaw, but continued loading and firing the weapon. On July 6, 1779, Congress awarded Margaret a lifelong pension for her Revolutionary War service. This was also the first time America officially recognized a woman's military service. I urge all Americans to join the DAR and SAR members in paying special tribute to this incredible woman whose courage, strength, and patriotism rivaled many of her male counterparts. In April, a member of the SAR Emerald Coast organized a major workday at Old Stewart Cemetery in Laurel Hill, cleaning up the cemetery around the grave of Okaloosa's own Revolutionary War soldier, Private Horne, giving and paying tribute to Private Horne for his service in the founding of the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, as I close, I extend a heartfelt thanks and admiration to those faithful patriots of our American Revolution who fought and died for our great Nation and to their descendants, the members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, who keep our American spirit alive and well today.

Mr. PATRONIS

Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, in honor of National EMS Week, I rise today to thank the great men and women of the emergency medical services. As the former CFO and State fire marshal for the State of Florida, I saw these men and women firsthand in action during major events, such as during the aftermath of Hurricanes Michael, Ian, Idalia, Helene, and Milton, and, of course, the tragic building collapse of Champlain Towers in Surfside. The mental and physical fortitude that these heroes display daily is inspiring. It is a testament to who they are as individuals. The theme for National EMS Week is ``We Care for Everyone.'' God chooses special angels among us to serve, to heal, and to care for those who are sick or injured. They rush into danger at a moment's notice without hesitation, giving hope to those who need it the most. These heroes work 24/7 365 days a year, missing holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions to ensure our communities are safe. On behalf of a grateful nation and myself, I thank EMS workers. I thank these Americans in the EMS field for all that they do. As long as I have a voice in Washington, D.C., I will always support our EMS professionals and every first responder working to serve our local communities, the State of Florida, and our great country. Recognition of Judge Remington

Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I end on a solemn note as we honor the life of Honorable Circuit Judge Tom Remington, who passed away on May 7, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Tom dedicated over 60 years of his life serving our Nation and our State, first as an artillery and infantry officer in Vietnam, where he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with Valor, and the Silver Star. His service was featured on the History Channel and in books like ``Hill 875'' and ``Dak To.'' After his military service, Tom graduated from Florida State University College of Law, joined the Florida bar in 1971, and gained courtroom experience as both a public defender and as assistant State's attorney. In 1995, he became a partner in the renowned law firm of Smith, Anchors, and Remington, serving as general counsel to longtime Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Gilbert. Tom was appointed to the circuit court by Governor Lawton Chiles and served over 20 years in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. He held numerous leadership roles, including chief judge and officer in various legal organizations. Known for his humble and principled approach to justice, Tom was deeply respected and affectionately called ``T.R.'' Mr. Speaker, on behalf of northwest Florida, my wife, Katie, and I offer condolences to his wife, Dinah; the Smith Remington firm; and children, Scott, Mary, and Sara. I urge all in Florida's District One to join us in honoring Judge Remington's remarkable commitment to service.

Mr. PATRONIS

Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I wish a good morning to northwest Florida and rise to offer a special congratulations to the Northwest Florida State College women's basketball team. On April 1, 2025--actually the same day that I was sworn into office--the Lady Raiders took on Alabama's Shelton State Buccaneers, and took home their third national championship in 5 years, with a final score of 62-53. Their overall record this season was 32-3, which is amazing, with a conference record of 10-2, and a proud 13-0 record at home. It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to make it to the top. Having a heart for the game and for your fellow teammates goes a very long way. I am very excited about the victory of this team and how they brought it home to northwest Florida. Congratulations to Coach Bart Walker and his coaching staff for all their hard work and leading the team to victory and instilling in them the heart of champions. I congratulate the Northwest Florida State College State championship basketball team on a job very well done. Their incredible win is inspiring. They have made their community and the State of Florida very, very proud. God bless. Go Raiders. Remembering Captain Allen Colby Brady

Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent more than 75,000 veterans that I represent in my district in northwest Florida. Florida serves as one of the most veteran-friendly States in the entire country. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow today that I acknowledge the passing and honor the memory of one of those great heroes, Captain Allen Colby Brady of Pensacola and his outstanding service to the United States. Captain Brady lived as a resident of Pensacola off and on for nearly 50 years, becoming a permanent resident in 1994 after marrying his wife, Dianne, in 1994. Born in 1929 into a naval family, Captain Brady committed to attend the Naval Academy and become a pilot at just 8 years old. He fulfilled that vow after graduating from Annapolis in 1951 and earned his wings in Pensacola 2 years later. He flew combat missions in Korea, survived nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific, participated in Cold War operations during the Taiwan Strait crisis, and then played a secret role in the Bay of Pigs invasion. He flew defense of freedom throughout the world. However, his most harrowing test came in January 1967, when he was shot down over North Korea. Allen was captured and spent more than 6 years--that is 2,237 days--as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, enduring brutal torture, unimaginable conditions, and profound isolation. He never broke. He returned with honor. After his release in 1973, Allen didn't retire quietly. He returned to Active Duty, ultimately commanding a major Navy training wing. Upon retiring in 1979, after 32 years of service, he set sail, literally, cruising the Florida coast, living out the promise that he and his fellow POWs made to embrace life fully if they ever got home. However, Allen's service didn't stop there. In 1980, he made a daring, unauthorized voyage to Communist Cuba to rescue refugees during the Mariel boatlift, an act of moral courage that risked his freedom once again. In later years, Allen became a speaker, mentor, and educator. He published a book of POW stories for schools, and he made personal classroom appearances. He also authored a memoir, ``Witnessing the American Century,'' sharing insights from a life lived at the crossroads of world events. Even in his nineties, Allen embraced new adventures as he continued to inspire students and veterans alike. Captain Brady exemplified the values of patriotism, courage, and honor. In his words: ``We will always need people who are willing to serve their country . . . willing to give their lives defending her.'' Allen Brady was not just such a person, he embodied that call. God bless Captain Brady and his incredible life of service and sacrifice. Katie and I, all Floridians, and this Nation offer our thoughts and prayers to the Brady family as they celebrate his life. May he rest in peace.

Mr. PATRONIS

Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, this morning, I rise with a heavy heart over the loss of one of Florida's finest. On Wednesday, April 2, Walton County Sheriff's Deputy William May responded to a local disturbance where he was fired upon by an armed suspect. As Deputy May returned fire, he was wounded by the assailant and subsequently died. Due to his bravery, Deputy May was able to end the potential threat to the community before succumbing to his injuries. Deputy May served the Walton County Sheriff's Office for more than a decade, beginning his career as a communications officer in 2014 before taking the oath of office in 2019 as a deputy sheriff. During his time in law enforcement, Deputy May earned lifesaving awards and multiple letters of commendation. Today, the Walton County Sheriff's Office mourns the loss of a fellow deputy. The State of Florida mourns the loss of this hero. A wife mourns the loss of her husband, and four beautiful children mourn the loss of their father. Unfortunately, Deputy May's story is one of many first responders around our country sacrificing their personal lives working 24/7/365, missing birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions in order to keep our American neighborhoods safe. It is an honor to represent parts of Walton County and share that responsibility with Congressman Neal Dunn, who joins me in this prayer for the members of our local law enforcement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to honor Walton County Deputy William May for the ultimate sacrifice he made for our communities.

Mr. PATRONIS

Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here representing the men and women of Florida's First Congressional District. As a lifelong native of the Florida panhandle, I am ready to get to work to support President Trump's agenda to make America first, to protect our southern border, to make groceries affordable, to strengthen our military, and to provide much-needed support to our veterans. Without my family, I wouldn't be here today, so I give a special thank you to my beautiful wife, Katie; my boys, Johnny and Theo; and all of the great friends and supporters who made the trip to our Nation's Capitol. Mr. Speaker, with a Republican majority here in Congress and President Trump in the White House, we have got an opportunity of a lifetime to fix this country so that our children grow up in a nation that is safe and full of opportunities. So I am ready to get our fiscal House in order. As the former chief financial officer for the State of Florida, I oversaw the State's budget for nearly a decade. I know what it takes to make sure we have a growing economy with a stabilized budget. I have always believed that people of America spend their money better than Washington, D.C. does. In fact, it is just a fact that we cannot achieve greatness when we are saddling our children with unbearable amounts of debt. The President's efforts to root out fraud, waste, and abuse is critical to restoring trust in our Nation's government. For far too long, Americans have sent their hard-earned tax dollars to Washington without really feeling like they were getting anything from it. Frankly, Washington has been indifferent to the needs of families throughout the country, and we have got an opportunity to fix a lifetime of issues for the better. As I have said, I am a workhorse; not a show horse. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues and this country together to get this country out of the ditch and return it to greatness. May God bless America.