[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 183 (Monday, November 6, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H5407-H5408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REVEREND DR. NAOMI ROGERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend Dr. Naomi 
Rogers, a devoted Korean American.
  Reverend Rogers has devoted much of her life to the spiritual well-
being of Arkansans through her work as a pastor with the United 
Methodist Church.
  Her expertise in theology and love for Christianity have allowed her 
to become involved with multiple Methodist churches throughout our 
State.
  She also serves as the president of the Korean American Federation of 
Arkansas. Her work with the association was instrumental in the 
construction of the Korean War Memorial in Little Rock.
  Her work and leadership have made Reverend Rogers a marvelous role 
model and ambassador for Korean Americans not only in Arkansas, but 
across our country.
  I congratulate Reverend Rogers on all of her accomplishments and look 
forward to all that she will achieve in the future.


             Recognizing Lieutenant Colonel Larry Stricklin

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable 
accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Larry Stricklin. On 14 October, 
Colonel Stricklin and his colleagues celebrated

[[Page H5408]]

his well-deserved retirement after 30 years of selfless service to our 
Nation.

  Colonel Stricklin's career in the U.S. Army began in 1995 when he 
joined the 39th Infantry Brigade. Separating from the Army due to a car 
crash in 1996, Lieutenant Colonel Stricklin reenlisted in 1998.
  Since then, Colonel Stricklin has served his country in Iraq and has 
held a variety of other key positions around the globe. He recently 
assisted with the military response to one of the worst pandemics in 
our Nation's history.
  Throughout his remarkable career, Colonel Stricklin has exemplified 
dedication, resilience, leadership, and most of all, an unwavering 
dedication to our beloved country.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish him a happy retirement and thank him for his 
service and inspiration for the next generation.


             celebrating the life of william gary underwood

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I am sad to rise today, but I rise to 
celebrate the life of my dear friend, William Gary Underwood.
  His 47-year career in music, youth, and media ministry has brought 
joy and healing to numerous Americans and Arkansans, and Arkansas was 
fortunate to have him in our community.
  Gary's journey through ministry was plentiful. He was involved in the 
Elmdale Baptist Church in Springdale, Beech Street First Baptist Church 
in Texarkana, and he served as the interim minister at Perryville First 
Baptist Church. He was also instrumental as the chaplain of the Little 
Rock Touchdown Club.
  Gary was a member of the Southern Baptist Convention, and his passion 
led him to be heavily involved in the development and launch of ACTS 
Christian Television Network in Arkansas.
  Beyond the ministry, Gary and I became friends when he joined 
Governor Mike Huckabee's staff as his director of media operations in 
1996.
  Gary's passion for music, aiding youth, and the church has left 
Arkansas a much better place than when he found it. He will be missed 
by family, friends, and many others in our State. He lived a life to be 
celebrated.


         Celebrating the Life of Judge Floyd ``Buddy'' Villines

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of 
former Pulaski County Judge Floyd ``Buddy'' Villines.
  Mr. Villines graduated from Hendrix College in 1969 and afterwards 
would go on to serve in the U.S. Army during Vietnam where he earned a 
Bronze Star.
  Upon return to the United States, he graduated from the University of 
Arkansas at Little Rock's William H. Bowen School of Law. Mr. Villines 
would start a career in public relations with the management of his own 
firm.
  He won his first election in 1984, becoming a member of the Little 
Rock Board of Directors. He would then serve as vice mayor from 1987 to 
1988, and he became mayor in 1989, serving 1 year.
  In 1990, he was elected to be the Pulaski County judge, and he would 
serve in that post until 2014.
  Villines left his mark in central Arkansas through numerous bridge 
and trail projects, including the Big Dam Bridge, the Arkansas River 
Trail, Simmons Bank Arena, and the expansion of the Statehouse 
Convention Center.
  His impact on Pulaski County has been tremendous and his remarkable, 
lasting landmarks will stand as testament to his decades of leadership.
  Mr. Villines will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and all of 
us in Pulaski County.

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