[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 19, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H1228-H1231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING FLORIDA'S THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 9, 2023, the Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida 
(Mrs. Cammack) for 30 minutes.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
submit extraneous material.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Schweikert). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.


                  remembering alphonso lee gordon, sr.

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a beloved and 
invaluable neighbor who will be remembered by our community for years 
to come. His name was Alphonso Lee Gordon, Sr., affectionately known as 
Mr. Al.
  Mr. Al passed away unexpectedly last year. He was an institution at 
the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and a proud Army 
veteran. He loved hosting annual banquets, bringing in cupcakes for 
coworkers and providing radio correspondence for emergency 
telecommunicators and public safety agencies during emergencies, 
including hurricanes and severe storms, of which Florida is no 
stranger.

[[Page H1229]]

  He was a friend to all who knew him, as he gave so much of himself 
every single day. He was a true public servant, and his loss came as a 
shock to everyone who treasured his friendship.
  Several members of our team worked closely with him in Marion County 
and remember him fondly for his smile and his helping hand.
  Thank you, Mr. Al, for having served our community. The lives you 
touched won't forget and can never repay your hand of friendship.

                              {time}  2015


                       Honoring Dr. Juan Gilbert

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of Gator Nation's 
very own Dr. Juan Gilbert. A professor from the University of Florida, 
Dr. Gilbert has his Ph.D. in and teaches computer science.
  On campus, he leads the Computing for Social Good Lab, dedicates time 
to the National Society of Black Engineers, and mentors students. 
Additionally, he has 17 publications and 40 awards and distinctions. It 
is impressive.
  His entire career is decorated with outstanding and admirable works, 
but today, there is one milestone in particular that I would like to 
recognize. Dr. Gilbert was awarded the National Medal of Technology and 
Innovation, the highest honor given only to trailblazers who have made 
technological advancements for the betterment of our Nation and fellow 
Americans.
  Applauded for his expertise in human-centered computing, he is the 
inventor of a universal voting system that revolutionized the 
accessibility and reliability of elections around the world.
  This honor is a tremendous one, not just for Mr. Gilbert but for the 
entire University of Florida community. Go Gators.
  I have never been shy about the accomplishments of our beloved 
university and the incredible talent that it brings to Gainesville and 
certainly the world. This is no exception.
  Thank you, Dr. Gilbert, for your commitment to serving our country. 
Go Gators.


                        Honoring Olajuwon White

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Olajuwon White, 
Florida's Third Congressional District Veteran of the Year for 2023.
  Mr. White currently serves as the director of veteran services for 
Levy County, Florida. In this role, he works to help veterans with 
casework related to compensation, pension, burial benefits, educational 
assistance, and so much more.
  His career began as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy. He 
certified as an independent duty corpsman and surgical technician.
  Following his military service, Ollie, as we like to call him, worked 
with Alachua County as a senior veterans claims counselor, working with 
hundreds of veterans to file claims and leading educational sessions 
for our local veterans and their dependents. He also has experience 
working with the VA as a field examiner in Tampa.
  Outside of his professional capacity, Mr. White works hard to engage 
veterans in Levy County and the surrounding area, turning what was once 
a quiet area for our heroes into a vibrant community where veterans 
know that they will receive the attention and support that they need at 
the Federal and local levels.
  It was an honor to recognize Ollie in our Gainesville district office 
in January for all of his hard work leading to this honor. He is a 
treasured member of our district veteran community and an irreplaceable 
leader in Levy County.
  Congratulations, Ollie.


                  Recognizing Rodney and Loretta Tyre

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize two constituents 
of mine, Rodney and Loretta Tyre, the owners of T&T BBQ and Southern 
Home Cooking in Jasper, Florida.
  As Hurricane Idalia made its way across north-central Florida, 
thousands of Floridians were left without power for days. The small 
community of Jasper, located just a few miles south of the Georgia 
border, is a tight-knit community, and, quite frankly, when disaster 
struck, they sprang into action.
  The owners of T&T BBQ worked to serve the community using a standby 
generator, providing fresh meals to all those whose homes and 
businesses had been damaged or lost in the storm.
  They worked out of the kindness of their hearts during a time of need 
for many. It is folks like the Tyree family who make north-central 
Florida the best place to live, work, play, and raise a family.
  Thank you, Rodney and Loretta, for everything that you do for our 
community.


               Honoring Fulbright Scholar Caleb Apperson

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an 
extraordinary student and scholar with ties to Florida's Third 
Congressional District, the Gator Nation, Mr. Caleb Apperson.
  Caleb is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois and a 
current Fulbright Scholar at the National Chengchi University, also 
known as NCCU.
  For his undergraduate degree, he majored in East Asian languages and 
culture, minored in political science, and earned a critical language 
scholarship through the Department of State.
  Studying in Mandarin, he is earning his graduate degree in 
international law and business to deepen his understanding of the 
cultural, religious, political, and historical identity of Taiwan.
  He dreams of becoming a language analyst with our national security 
agencies to facilitate productive conversations between the United 
States and Taiwan on the global stage.
  Caleb is using his skills and education to become a diplomatic 
problem-solver in our ever-modernizing and complicated world.
  We are especially proud of his work to continue the great 
relationship between the United States and Taiwan, one of our strongest 
allies in Asia.
  We will need skilled young men like him to serve as leaders, and I am 
proud to have someone with his intellectual curiosity and caliber 
willing to take on the challenge.
  Congratulations on your scholarship, Caleb, and we look forward to 
seeing all that is ahead in your career of public service.


                    Remembering Charles Chestnut III

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a beloved and 
invaluable neighbor who will always be remembered in our community for 
his servant leadership, selflessness, and good will to all.
  Charles Chestnut III was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and 
friend. As a young man, he served in the U.S. Army and attended 
Bethune-Cookman University and the Eckels School of Mortuary Science in 
Philadelphia.
  After returning home to Gainesville, he was elected to the Alachua 
County school board and worked for 16 years to represent all students 
and families.
  He was the first Black Alachua County school board member and went on 
to become a commissioner for the Board of Alachua County Commissioners. 
He was also recognized as a talented businessman, operating Chestnut 
Funeral Home for over six decades.
  In addition to his impressive career, he led the Alachua County NAACP 
Youth Council and was an active member in the Mount Pleasant United 
Methodist Church of Gainesville.
  He was a staunch advocate of civil rights, a believer in education, 
and a friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
  Mr. Chestnut was married to Gainesville City Commissioner Cynthia 
Moore Chestnut for more than 45 years and was the father to six 
children: Alachua County Commissioner Charles ``Chuck'' Chestnut IV, 
local businessman and attorney Christopher Chestnut, and daughters 
Pamela, Janice, Tia, and Candace.
  I thank him for his service to our country and our community. I am so 
grateful for the example that he set for generations to come. He will 
be missed.


                      Congratulating Susan Crowley

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and congratulate my 
friend Susan Crowley on her retirement from the University of Florida.
  Ms. Crowley retired in January from her role as assistant vice 
president for community relations after an impressive 17 years serving 
the Gator Nation.
  Her efforts to connect Alachua County and the university were felt 
across the last two decades and will undoubtedly impact future Gators.
  She has fostered a community of service and connection through her 
two signature programs, ``Discovery Breakfasts,'' of which I have 
attended many,

[[Page H1230]]

and ``Gators Volunteer,'' also a program I have been a part of. These 
programs have educated, connected, and served our neighbors in the 
greater Gainesville area, connecting UF students with surrounding 
communities.
  Susan also served as a point of contact and liaison between the 
University of Florida, local chambers of commerce, and local 
governments, and has spearheaded fundraisers for keystone 
organizations.
  She has helped raise millions of dollars for organizations, including 
the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida, Florida Wildlife Care, 
and the Lupus Foundation of America. She has also spearheaded the UF 
Campaign for Charities, an annual $1 million giving effort.
  Susan, your impact has been monumental in bettering the lives of our 
neighbors in north-central Florida. Thank you for everything that you 
have done, and we hope that you enjoy your well-earned retirement. Of 
course, Go Gators.


                   Honoring the Life of Joseph Fricks

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory 
of Joseph Eugene Fricks of Ocala, Florida, who passed away in December 
2023.
  Joe was a gifted aviator and a treasured family man. During his life, 
Joe had the honor of serving on the flight deck and transporting the 
Presidential press corps during the Presidencies of Nixon, Ford, 
Reagan, Bush Sr., and Clinton.
  Later in life, Joe proudly flew countless American troops home from 
the Middle East while transporting critical equipment and supplies.
  Whether it was fundraising by piloting airplanes at local air shows, 
transporting the Presidential press corps, or volunteering to clean the 
bathrooms every Sunday after Mass at Ocala's Blessed Trinity Church, he 
continued giving until the very end.
  He was considered an expert and an authority among his peers, a 
smiling face to his neighbors, a daddy to his children, and a loving pa 
to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family, friends, and 
community miss him dearly.
  Joe, you will be sincerely missed. Thank you for your service.


                   Recognizing UF Provost Scott Angle

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Scott Angle, 
the University of Florida's newest provost, appointed by President Ben 
Sasse.
  An author of over 300 scientific publications and holder of seven 
patents, Dr. Angle's knowledge is unparalleled.
  During his time as a professor with UF/IFAS, Dr. Angle's areas of 
expertise included management of natural resources, food sciences, soil 
sciences, and more.
  He most recently served as the senior vice president for agriculture 
and natural resources before transitioning to his role as current 
provost.
  As vice president of IFAS, he undoubtedly made the University of 
Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences a center of 
excellence and actively strived to improve the education of each and 
every student.
  In this role, he promised an immersive education, and he certainly 
delivered. His mentorship and example encouraged students to immerse 
themselves in internships, study abroad experiences, professional 
internships, competitive teams, leadership development, 
the ambassador's program, and the Leadership Institute.

  Of course, a first-rate university like UF would only have a first-
rate leader such as Dr. Scott Angle in the position of leadership to 
guide the next few years of this top five public university.
  Congratulations on your new and exciting role at the University of 
Florida, Dr. Angle. It is such an honor to know you and to have worked 
with you over the years. I have no doubt that you will continue to do 
amazing things. As always, it is great to be a Florida Gator.


                    Honoring the Life of Ward Scott

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a titan 
in conservative politics and thought in north-central Florida, Mr. Ward 
Scott.
  Ward graduated with a bachelor's of arts in English in 1966 and a 
master's of education in 1969 from the University of Florida.
  After his studies, he became a long-time Santa Fe College English 
instructor, from 1969 until 2007. He served as president of the college 
senate for multiple years in the early 2000s.
  He returned to Santa Fe as a professor emeritus in 2008 and received 
the Santa Fe Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
  Ward served the public in a variety of ways over the years, including 
on the city of Alachua's Affordable Housing Committee, the Economic 
Advisory Committee, and the Weed and Seed Grant Committee.
  He also served on the Alachua County Rural Concerns Advisory 
Committee and, in 2009, as the city of Archer's interim city manager.
  He was an avid tennis player, skier, and supporter of the arts. Most 
recently, in his retirement, Ward hosted the ``Ward Scott Files,'' a 
podcast/live show that he broadcast on Facebook to discuss local, 
State, and national issues.
  I was honored to join his show on a number of occasions after my 
election to Congress, and it was always wonderful to talk with him and 
hear his passion for our country and the issues that mattered the most 
to him.
  His loss is one that we will feel for a long time in our Gainesville 
community, and we send our condolences to Ward's wife, Barbara, and his 
family. His legacy will surely live on with those who had the honor of 
knowing him.
  Rest in peace, Ward. We will miss you.

                              {time}  2030


               Honoring the Life and Memory of Roger West

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and memory 
of Mr. Roger West, who passed away peacefully at home last month. He 
fought against a recent reoccurrence of lung cancer with great courage.
  Roger would say that he was a cattle rancher his entire life, 
learning about raising cattle from his grandfather in Polk County, 
Florida. He was the first in his family to attend college at the 
University of Florida, where he focused his studies on the cattle 
industry and agri-science research.
  While at UF, he met fellow Gator Ellen from Miami, who would later 
become his wife.
  Roger earned a bachelor's and master of science in animal science and 
later moved his young family to College Station, Texas, to attend Texas 
A&M University for his PhD in meat science and muscle biology.
  The West family then returned to Gainesville and UF shortly 
thereafter where Roger taught and did research before becoming a 
professor in 1983.
  After 20 years on the UF faculty, Roger retired as a professor 
emeritus in 2003 and spent his retirement doing what he loved most: 
spending time with his family and developing his cattle ranch.
  Roger served the ag community in Florida with gusto, serving with the 
American Meat Association, the USDA, NCBA, the Florida Cattlemen's 
Association, and the Florida Farm Bureau. He proudly supported FFA and 
young students interested in ranching and agriculture in the Sunshine 
State.
  Dr. West was an amazing husband, father, and friend to so many. I 
certainly considered him a friend of mine. His legacy will certainly 
live on in those who had the honor of knowing and working alongside 
him. He will be missed.
  Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman has 11 minutes remaining.


                   Recognizing Blackwater Restaurant

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chris and Ania 
Wakeman, the owners of Blackwater Restaurant in Yankeetown, Florida.
  Now, for those unfamiliar, Yankeetown is a very small town on the 
banks of the Withlacoochee River in north Florida. It is pretty rural. 
While it is just a small town to some, the Yankeetown community has 
always rallied in ways that many cannot imagine during times of need.
  Hurricane Idalia was no different.
  Last August, when power was still not yet restored and residents were 
working to pick up the pieces and survey the damage to their homes and 
businesses--heck, while many of their homes and businesses were still 
underwater--Chris and Ania opened their restaurant to anyone who needed 
a

[[Page H1231]]

meal or a place to spend time over the next couple days.
  While they were in no way obligated to serve their community, they 
stepped up to support their neighbors out of the kindness of their 
hearts, expecting nothing in return. They demonstrate the best of 
Florida's Third Congressional District and remind me why I am so 
terribly proud of our region and our district, especially our 
resiliency in the face of a natural disaster of this magnitude.
  On behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, I thank the 
Wakemans for embodying the spirit of service that we all strive to 
represent. We are grateful for everything that you do and the example 
that you set for others in the Sunshine State.


                  Hawthorne High School Football Team

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hawthorne 
Hornets on their State championship title in the 2023 Class 1R. With a 
22-13 defeat of Madison County, the Hornets took home the top spot in 
the class.
  The Hornets' varsity football team won 13 games in their season 
before going on to the State tournament where they won for a second 
year in a row.
  Their coach, Cornelius Ingram, a previous football player for the 
University of Florida and the NFL, turned the program around for the 
past few years and has led his student athletes to a series of 
impressive wins. In the wise words of Vince Lombardi: ``The measure of 
who we are is what we do with what we have.''
  These young men gave it their absolute best and have made their high 
school, their community, and our Congressional District so incredibly 
proud over these past 2 years.
  Congratulations to the Hawthorne Hornets and to Coach Ingram for 
taking home the football State championship. Go Hornets.


                   Bradford High School Football Team

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Bradford 
Tornadoes on their State qualifying football team.
  This varsity football team coached by Jamie Rogers won 14 games 
before going on to the State tournament where they played their 
absolute best and showed their school spirit.
  Bradford High School and the surrounding community is so proud of 
this football team and their hard work. I know I am.
  Congratulations again to this amazing team of talented young men on 
an outstanding season. Go Tornadoes.


                                 K9 Leo

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bravery and 
heroism of downed K9 deputy K9 Leo, a beloved member of the Marion 
County Sheriff's Office.
  K9 Leo was shot on Saturday, February 17, and died from his injuries 
on Tuesday, February 20. K9 Leo and his handler were responding to a 
battery and strangulation call when the suspect at the scene fired 
shots at K9 Leo and other law enforcement officers.
  The Marion County Sheriff's Office transported Leo to the University 
of Florida's emergency veterinary clinic where he was treated, but he 
ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

  Paying the ultimate price, K9 Leo did exactly what he was trained to 
do: serve and protect.
  My thoughts and prayers are with his handler, Corporal Justin 
Tortora, the Marion County Sheriff's Office, and the Ocala and Marion 
County communities.
  K9 Leo won't soon be forgotten, and we know that his legacy and 
superior training will be passed on to the next generation of law 
enforcement K9s in Marion County and in the Sunshine State.
  Rest in peace, K9 Leo. We have got the watch.


                         The Villages Wood Shop

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank The Villages' 
Woodworkers Club.
  For over a decade, these carpenters have been working to provide 
their community with handcrafted toys and other wooden products, 
including urns for our veterans.
  What began as a small group of people making Christmas toys for 
children in Florida's Third Congressional District grew into what is 
now an organization of more than 1,400 people making more than 6,000 
toys a year.
  While these woodworkers deliver Christmas joy throughout the holiday 
season, they also play an important role during other times of the year 
out of respect for our veterans in need of a dignified burial.
  All too often our veterans are forgotten when they return home, and 
this, sadly, is no different when they pass away. Inspired to provide 
beautifully made urns for veterans who do not have family or the 
financial means to afford funeral costs, our Village carpenters give 
veterans a beautiful--and a final--resting place.
  The Villages' Woodworkers Club works closely with six cemeteries in 
north central Florida to ensure that each cemetery always has 10 urns 
on hand. They have also donated 50 urns to the Missing in America 
Project.
  These patriots have selflessly given their time, expertise, and 
craftsmanship to ensure that our veterans are remembered and respected.
  I thank them for taking care of our own. We certainly are grateful 
for their service.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________