[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.
____________________