[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 57 (Thursday, March 31, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H4010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING CONGRESSMAN DON YOUNG

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of 
my political mentors, the dean of the House, Representative Don Young.
  I met Don on one of my first days as a Member of the House of 
Representatives. I walked into this Chamber and took a seat. Minutes 
later, some old guy starts digging his knuckles into my back. I 
couldn't believe that was happening. I had no idea what this guy was 
doing.
  You can imagine my confusion as I frustratingly found myself another 
chair, but you can also be assured that I never sat in that seat again. 
It wasn't until afterward that I learned that I had sat in his seat. I 
never made that mistake again.
  Knowing him, he has probably already picked out a seat in Heaven, and 
I pity the fool who tries to sit there.
  Don Young is and was a dear friend. At work, he was my mentor, 
someone whose stalwart belief system and passion for public service 
inspired me every single day.
  Don truly loved the great men and women of Alaska. That was obvious 
from his fearless advocacy for the Last Frontier up here in Washington 
and even more obvious on our annual fishing trip, where I got to see 
firsthand the State he loved so dearly.
  I was able to go with him on three separate occasions on that trip. 
Every one was a great experience. I will miss those annual fishing 
trips, not just for the sport of it, but for the comradery I felt with 
the amazing public servants who joined together to learn from one 
another.
  Luckily for Alaska residents and the Young family, Don was a better 
man and legislator than he was a fisherman.
  My prayers and support go out to his wife, Anne, his children, and 
everyone who was privileged to know this great friend, father, and 
public servant.
  It was an honor to gather and pay tribute to him yesterday. He made 
every second count and worked hard to leave this country better than he 
found it. He was the oldest Member of Congress, and I never let him 
forget that. I still feel like his time on Earth here was cut short.
  Don, your presence, your knowledge, and your leadership will be 
sorely missed, but they will never be forgotten.


                Remembering Mabel Josephine ``Jo'' Mason

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life 
of a woman dedicated to the service of her community, Jo Mason. 
Throughout her years, Jo remained involved in her community in as many 
aspects as she could.
  After graduating from Glynn Academy, Jo was active in The American 
Legion Auxiliary for 78 years, where she held several positions in the 
local, district, and State levels.
  The Saint Simons native enjoyed making the lap throws that The 
American Legion Auxiliary gave out to veterans and their spouses in the 
local nursing homes in Brunswick. Jo also volunteered at the fire 
department, helping to man radio station 2 and serving as treasurer for 
many years.
  She was involved with the Golden Isles Emerald Society, Elks Lodge, 
Golden Isles Retired Firefighters Association, Veterans Council of 
Golden Isles, and the Coastal Republican Women's Club. She set an 
example for all of us to follow.
  Her memory will be cherished by the many lives that she impacted, 
including her husband, Bill, who she met on a blind date in December 
1965 while he was serving in the Marine Corps.
  I am praying for her friends, her family, and her community during 
this very sad time.


                Recognizing the Life of Dr. Grover Bell

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life of a man dedicated to his community and to the people he served, 
Dr. Grover Bell of Savannah, Georgia.
  Dr. Bell was born in Sardis, Georgia, in 1928 and went to Georgia 
Teachers College, where he met his beloved wife, Lourdine.
  After determining that his calling was to join the ministry, Dr. Bell 
attended Emory School of Divinity, where he learned to be a shepherd of 
men.
  Throughout his career, he served almost 30 churches of the South 
Georgia United Methodist Conference, including my home church of Wesley 
Monumental.
  He was loved as a minister by those he served and truly embodied what 
it means to put others before oneself.
  Dr. Bell was also known for his gardening and for his southern, 
homestyle cooking, two of his passions. His love for daylilies and 
fried chicken were rivaled only by his love for God and his family.

  Leaving behind his wife, four children, eight grandchildren, six 
great-grandchildren, and countless others to whom he ministered, Dr. 
Bell has left a lasting impact on the community that he loved so 
dearly.
  His family and friends remain in my thoughts and prayers after this 
tremendous loss.

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