[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H4871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE COMMISSION OF THE USS ``FRANK E. PETERSEN, JR.''

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
South Carolina (Ms. Mace) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the historic 
commission of the USS Frank E. Petersen, Jr. The brave servicemen and 
servicewomen of the United States Navy are now in command of an 
impressive vessel with an equally impressive namesake.
  Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, Jr., was an all-American hero 
who served with distinction for 38 years. As the first African-American 
Marine Corps aviator and first African-American Marine Corps general 
officer, Lieutenant General Petersen went above and beyond the call of 
duty as a fighter pilot in over 350 combat missions in both the Korean 
and Vietnam wars.
  For this exemplary service, Lieutenant General Petersen was well 
decorated, receiving the Distinguished Service Medal, the Superior 
Service Medal, the Purple Heart, as well as numerous others. His 
service was exemplary, and the American people are eternally grateful 
to him and his commitment to our country.
  This vessel will be a mainstay of the U.S. Armed Forces and, as its 
namesake did, will overcome all in the pursuit of excellent. As 
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have done for generations, the 
crew members will continue to carry the torch of liberty and defend our 
great Nation.


           Congratulating the Parris Island Marine Corps Band

  Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lowcountry's 
best, the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, for their Emmy-nominated 
original composition called ``You Were There.'' This piece salutes the 
first responders who continued to work at the height of the pandemic, 
honoring their commitment to serve and their dedication to serve.
  This piece was inspired by Mrs. Lakin Pellon, the wife of the band 
director, Chief Warrant Officer Mark Pellon, who worked with COVID-19 
patients at the height of the pandemic in Los Angeles, Beaufort, and 
Hilton Head Island. Her bravery during the pandemic exemplifies the 
spirit of first responders across the Nation. Mrs. Pellon, as well as 
so many other first responders from communities just like the 
Lowcountry, made sacrifices every day for us, and we owe them an 
enormous debt.
  The marines who performed this touching piece are the first 
responders for the Nation when we have dangers abroad, but it is 
remarkable to see their tribute to our first responders at home.
  Congratulations on this tremendous honor.


               Recognizing a Tribute to First Responders

  Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a tribute to first 
responders in Charleston during National Police Week. Charleston Mayor 
John Tecklenburg partnered with visual artist Kelvin Blufton and 
numerous current and former law enforcement officials from across the 
Lowcountry for an unveiling of ``ESCAPE.''
  ``ESCAPE'' is an exhibit of original paintings of first responders by 
Mr. Blufton that is meant to educate young people in the principles of 
civil service and the subsequent responsibility of serving in our 
community.
  ``ESCAPE'' stands for East Side Civic Art Public Engagement and is 
tailored to encourage young people to aspire to be first responders in 
order to better serve the Lowcountry.
  Mayor Tecklenburg and Mr. Blufton are helping to raise the next 
generation of public servants, and we couldn't be more thrilled with 
the progress they are making. Congratulations to them both on this 
amazing unveiling.


     Recognizing Battery Creek High School Wildlife Habitat Program

  Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Battery Creek High 
School, a fantastic Lowcountry school in Beaufort, South Carolina, with 
an excellent wildlife habitat education program that has recently won 
the South Carolina State championship and will be sending four young 
men to the national competition in London, Kentucky.
  The Wildlife Habitat Education Program is a hands-on environmental 
education program that provides students an opportunity to test their 
wildlife knowledge. This knowledge is invaluable to young people, 
particularly in the Lowcountry, as they learn important lessons about 
wildlife management and conservation.
  Conservation is an important value we all share in our community, and 
these young men are helping to lead the charge in conservation efforts 
throughout the Lowcountry and throughout the State of South Carolina.
  This championship has meant a great deal to the Beaufort community, 
and we couldn't be more proud of our young students.
  Congratulations to Hunter Smith, Diego Vega, Hunter Hollingsworth, 
Tanner McCracken, and Ms. Beth Ann Melton. We wish all of them the best 
at nationals in July and August.


                 Recognizing Chris and Sheila Porzuczek

  Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the 
Lowcountry's businessowners, Chris and Sheila Porzuczek of Tortuga's 
Mexican Grill on Edisto Beach.
  Last week, Tortuga's donated a portion of their proceeds from an 
event which the Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project held during 
Cinco de Mayo called Tacos for Turtles.
  This event not only helped to raise money, but also helped raise 
awareness of the importance of turtle conservation and keeping the 
lights off at night to help prevent confusion for newly hatched turtles 
on their way into the ocean.
  Despite staffing shortages, which are affecting businesses across the 
Lowcountry right now, Chris and Sheila are known as hard workers and 
support local nonprofits in the Lowcountry often.
  Thank you to Chris and Sheila for their hard work and their 
contributions to the Lowcountry.

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