[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 16, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H136-H137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF WARD SWEAT

  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 
retirement of Ward Sweat, who is retiring after 54 years of working at 
Sweat's Furniture.
  Mr. Sweat was originally from north of Waycross where he spent his 
early years before moving to Brunswick with his family.
  He graduated from Glynn Academy in 1964 and the University of Georgia 
in 1968. Shortly after graduation, he completed basic training in the 
National Guard and started working at the furniture store located in 
Fitzgerald in 1969, which his dad and the Singletons owned, along with 
a second location in Brunswick.
  In 1984, his father bought out the Singletons, and Ward and his 
brother Dwight came to work there. The family business will continue to 
live on with Dwight's son Jonathan, who is taking over management 
there, which marks the third generation of Sweats in the store.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Sweat on his upcoming retirement. I 
thank him for his service to the community.


                        Remembering Bob Griffith

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of 
Bob Griffith, who passed away at the age of 79.
  Bob Griffith, Sr., was a longtime Effingham County football coach and 
was best known as a family man with dedication to his sport, his fellow 
coaches, and his players.
  Griffith was a former Virginia Tech team captain, having also coached 
at Effingham County High School, Appling County, and Colquitt County. 
He was also a member of the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall 
of Fame, and he was awarded both State and regional Coach of the Year 
back in 1987.
  Griffith worked for some time at Georgia Tech where he was honored 
with a scholarship established in his name, endowed by many of his 
former players.

                              {time}  1215

  However, coaching was about much more than any wins or awards. 
Friends of Griffith have spoken to his character, explaining how he was 
always helping out the Effingham program by showing up to spring 
practices and helping to raise money. Bob Griffith's legacy will be 
remembered by his teams, family, friends, community, and so many more.


                    Congratulating Ricciardi's Pizza

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a 
Georgia restaurant that has been recognized for making the best 
Chicago-style pizza in Georgia according to a Washington

[[Page H137]]

Post analysis. Ricciardi's Pizzeria and Bar in Richmond Hill, located 
about one-half hour from Savannah, was one of the six Georgia pizza 
spots highlighted by the national outlet for its Chicago-style pizza.
  The Windy City specializes in making delicious Chicago-style pizzas. 
The Washington Post used millions of Yelp reviews and have developed a 
formula to identify the best pizza options in each State, which led to 
Ricciardi's being ranked No. 3.
  Congratulations to Ricciardi's on this wonderful accomplishment. I 
wish them continued success in serving great pizza to the people of the 
First District.


                Chatham Emergency Services Firefighters

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of four 
Chatham Emergency Services firefighters who put their lives on the line 
to save others.
  The Savannah Exchange Club recently named Robert Bateman as the 
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, Donte Boykin as Rookie Firefighter 
of the Year, Dustin Turk as Professional Firefighter of the Year, and 
Lieutenant Ray Jennings as Paramedic of the Year.
  Chatham Emergency Services CEO, Chuck Kearns, spoke of the crews and 
community board saying they ``are some of the most dedicated and 
service-oriented professionals and volunteers'' he has encountered.
  As Chatham Emergency Services begins its 63rd year of service, I 
again thank Robert, Donte, Dustin, Ray, and all its members for their 
hard work to keep our community safe.

                          ____________________