[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 7, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING DEVYN MARTIN AND COACH TOMMY EGGLESTON

  (Mr. Burchett of Tennessee was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Devyn Martin and his 
coach, Tommy Eggleston. Both Devyn and Coach Eggleston have left an 
incredible, lasting mark, not only on West High School basketball but 
also on the entire community.
  Devyn is a heck of a ballplayer, Mr. Speaker, and this year he earned 
the title of Player of the Year for District 4-4A, averaging a double-
double, while being a key leader in the locker room.
  As Devyn heads off to college to continue his career, Mr. Speaker, 
please join me in wishing him good luck.
  Coach Tommy Eggleston joined West High School's faculty and coaching 
staff in 2011 and has always been a role model and tremendous leader 
for students at West High School. I have seen it firsthand, Mr. 
Speaker.
  This past year he was promoted to be the head coach of the basketball 
team. In his first season, Mr. Speaker, he led his young men to a 21-4 
record, finishing second in the district.
  On behalf of all the Members in this Chamber, I offer congratulations 
to Devyn and Coach Egg, and I wish them the best of luck in the future. 
I can't wait to see what each of them achieve.


                      Honoring Mary Frances Tucker

  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Frances Tucker 
for her service to the community with the Emerald Youth Foundation.
  Emerald Youth Foundation is a Christian ministry that has served 
young people in Knoxville for over 30 years, offering ministry, 
mentorship, and fellowship. The organization under Ms. Tucker's board 
leadership serves over 3,000 young people each year in urban Knoxville.
  Mary Frances Tucker has dedicated her life to Christ and serving the 
least amongst us. Her devotion to serving children in Knoxville started 
with raising four amazing children along with her late husband, Guy 
Tucker. I know her daughter very well. She is quite a lady.
  Mrs. Tucker has spent countless days selflessly volunteering to make 
sure that inner-city children and young adults have access to resources 
that are so vital to their success.
  Prioritizing education, healthy habits, and helping young people in 
their walk with Christ has allowed Mrs. Tucker to have a profound 
impact on countless generations of east Tennesseans. I have no doubt 
that every person who has been and continues to be touched by Mary 
Frances Tucker will go on to achieve great things and, most 
importantly, be good stewards of Jesus.

  I had the time of my life the other morning having breakfast with her 
when they were honoring her, and it was quite a deal. She is quite a 
lady. I am proud to know her.


                Honoring Miles Mencer on His Retirement

  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I am going to change sides here real 
quick. I rise today to honor a good friend of mine, a great Tennessean, 
my buddy Miles Mencer, who is finally retiring after five decades of 
hard work in east Tennessee. I am sure he will continue to be a thorn 
in my side, Mr. Speaker.
  Miles has worked his tail off for 54 years. He started working for 
his father when he was only 9 years old for Mencer's Tree Service in 
Knoxville, Tennessee. Miles eventually took over his father's beloved 
business, turning it into one of the most successful tree services in 
east Tennessee.
  If you know anything about Miles, you know the impact that he has on 
a room when he walks in. He is one of the most fun-loving, outgoing, 
and dadgummit, he is just hilarious, Mr. Speaker. He is also a little 
bit too loud for my taste, but that will go for some other time. He is 
just an incredible person.
  I always remember in junior high school, me and a friend of mine, who 
has since passed away, I was always the designated driver for obvious 
reasons, and we were going to a place out a ways, and Miles walked out 
disgusted. My friend remarked that we needed to turn around because 
Miles Mencer just got carded. He has been quite a friend of mine since 
then.
  Please join me in congratulating Miles on 54 years of hard work and 
dedication to his community in east Tennessee. I know Miles will enjoy 
having more time to spend with his amazing children and grandchildren. 
I am sure he will continue to be a thorn in my side. I am proud to call 
him a friend.

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