[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 184 (Tuesday, November 7, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CORPORAL LEONARD TURNER

  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 celebrate the 
achievements of Corporal Leonard Turner who recently celebrated his 
100th birthday.
  Corporal Turner is a World War II veteran who was part of the revered 
Marine Raiders, an elite infantry group that took on the most dangerous 
tasks during the war.
  As his 100th birthday approached, his children decided to honor him 
and celebrate his very special birthday by inviting an array of 
veterans, generals, colonels, and dignitaries from the State.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Corporal Turner on reaching this 
incredible milestone of 100 years. His journey through life, including 
his valiant service during World War II, is an inspiration to us all.
  His dedication, courage, and sacrifices have left an indelible mark 
on history, and we will be forever grateful for his service to our 
country.


               Congratulating William ``Bill'' Easterlin

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Queensborough National Bank president William Easterlin on receiving 
the James Collier Award from the Georgia Bar Foundation at their annual 
grants meeting in July.
  The James Collier Award is reserved for individuals, lawyers or 
nonlawyers, who make exceptional efforts to advance the foundation's 
primary objective of providing legal assistance to Georgians in need.
  Mr. Easterlin has shown extraordinary support for the foundation 
through his counsel as a banker and dedication to assisting 
disadvantaged Georgians.
  From growing his family-owned bank's assets from $106 million to $2 
billion and expanding to 27 locations, he is committed to providing 
exceptional financial services and giving back to the community he 
serves.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill has done great work. I look forward to seeing what 
else he achieves.


                    Remembering Arlie Maxton McNeill

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of 
Arlie Maxton McNeill, a resident of Brunswick, Georgia, who passed away 
on August 16, 2023, surrounded by his family after battling cancer.
  Arlie was born in Seagrove, North Carolina, in 1936. He joined the 
U.S. Navy in 1955 where he became a dental assistant and soon realized 
he wanted to be a mortician.
  In 1961 he married his wife, Sheila McNeill, and the following year 
he graduated from John A. Gupton College mortuary school in Nashville, 
Tennessee.
  Arlie returned to Brunswick and started working at Edo Miller and 
Sons Funeral Home where he served for over 50 years and became part 
owner with Johnny Wilson.
  Arlie was a well-known auctioneer and a 50-year Mason at Lodge 214 
F&AM. In 1977 he became an ordained deacon at Norwich Street Baptist 
Church. He also served on the Georgia State Board of Funeral Services 
from 1998 to 2004. He was the area manager for the Loewen Funeral Group 
for 5 years and was a devout Christian.
  He will be remembered by all, including his family and the community 
that he served well.


            Honoring the Life of Mr. George Skarpalezos, Sr.

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Mr. George Skarpalezos, Sr., an American hero and a father to three 
children.
  Upon graduating from basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, First 
Lieutenant George Skarpalezos led a platoon of the U.S. Army's 82nd 
Airborne during the Vietnam war.

  After serving in the military, George returned to his roots of 
Brunswick, Georgia, to raise three children.
  Mr. Skarpalezos was also a musician. He performed at many local 
establishments on St. Simons Island. He also played in several bands, 
including the Ascots, the Gypsys, and The Fabulous Sixty Minute Men.
  He also found enjoyment in real estate, leading him to open his own 
real estate company called Skarpalezos Realty.
  While we are all sad that he is no longer with us, we will remember 
the life of Mr. Skarpalezos, his service to the United States, and the 
contributions to the State of Georgia.

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