[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BENNY HAWKINS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Murphy). The Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Benny 
Hawkins for being named the 17th Annual PGA Tour Georgia Section Junior 
Tour Player of the Year.
  The PGA Tour includes the greatest professional golfers of all time, 
and the Junior League showcases the golfers of tomorrow. Winning the 
11-13 age division, Benny is well on his way to becoming an exceptional 
golfer.
  This outstanding program helps to develop and equip young golfers 
ages 11 to 18 for success in collegiate programs and beyond. 
Opportunities such as these are incredibly important for molding well-
rounded students like Benny. His success and commitment serve as an 
example to our younger generation.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this 
talented young golfer, and I congratulate Benny.


                 Honoring Representative Penny Houston

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my 
friend, Representative Penny Houston, on her well-earned retirement.
  Elected in 1997, Representative Houston has faithfully served 
Nashville, Georgia, as a State representative for 26 years. 
Representative Houston has been appointed to an extensive list of 
special committees, where she has helped ensure quality healthcare, 
agricultural prosperity, and a strong economy in her region of rural 
Georgia.
  Additionally, she currently serves as the chair of the Georgia House 
of Representatives' Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development 
and as an active member of Nashville United Methodist Church, Nashville 
Women's Club, Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes, and more.
  Representative Houston exemplifies what it means to be a public 
servant and to represent your community faithfully.
  Ready to spend more time enjoying her family, which includes three 
children and six grandchildren, Representative Houston has decided not 
to run for reelection. Yet, even in retirement, she plans to find new 
ways to serve her community.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating my friend and former 
colleague, Representative Houston, on her upcoming retirement.


                          Honoring Carol Bell

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. 
Carol Bell for being honored as Woman of the Year by the group United 
Way of the Coastal Empire.
  Born in Selma, North Carolina, Carol Evelyn Hodges Bell received an 
M.P.A. from the University of Georgia along with a B.S. in mathematics 
and a master's in divinity and Christian education from Shaw 
University.
  Ms. Bell's life of service began in 1976, when she was elected as the 
first African-American female manager for the city of Savannah.
  Ms. Bell has held many other leadership roles serving Savannah as 
well, such as being on the Governor's Children and Youth Coordinating 
Council, UNCF's telethon, and Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority. Moreover, she has served as mayor pro tem and 
alderperson-at-large on the city council.
  Presently, Ms. Bell serves as an alderperson at large, post 1, for 
the city of Savannah.
  Mr. Speaker, Carol is a true public servant, someone who is very 
deserving of this award.


                 Honoring the Life of Frank Vande Linde

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Frank Vande Linde, who passed away at the age of 99.
  Frank was a part of the Greatest Generation. He grew up during the 
Great Depression and graduated from Scott High School in 1943.
  After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he 
served on Liberty ships as a gunner, and he fought in the Allied 
invasion of Normandy and in the Pacific. His achievements earned him 
the rank of third-class petty officer.
  After the war, he went on to earn a bachelor's degree in forestry 
from West Virginia University, followed by his master's degree from 
Duke University.
  In 1950, Frank married Mona Kathleen Lynch and moved to Brunswick, 
Georgia, in Glynn County. Frank managed the nursery and genetics 
program at Brunswick Pulp and Paper as a senior research forester until 
retiring in 1989.
  After retiring, Frank went on to serve his community. He was an elder 
at the First Presbyterian Church, chairman of the city park and tree 
commission, and a member of the Manna House.
  Mr. Speaker, Frank will be remembered as a true patriot who served 
his country and community well.

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