[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 158 (Friday, September 26, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MS. DEANNA PONDER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHUCK EDWARDS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2025

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
service and leadership of Madison County's Ms. Deanna Ponder in the 
immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
  When Hurricane Helene devastated our communities, access to fuel was 
critical to sustaining emergency operations. Without hesitation, Ms. 
Ponder stepped forward to operate the Madison County School Bus Garage 
fueling station, ensuring that first responders could continue their 
vital work.
  For 17 days following the storm, Ms. Ponder personally managed the 
fueling of essential vehicles and equipment including firetrucks, 
ambulances, county maintenance vehicles, law enforcement fleets, and 
mobile command centers. She gave tireless effort to her community, 
delivering more than 20,000 gallons of fuel to power generators 
supporting light towers, shower camps established by Samaritan's Purse, 
law enforcement operations, and other critical services. Her dedication 
kept recovery efforts moving day and night, under challenging 
conditions, and provided a lifeline for the community when it was 
needed most.
  Ms. Ponder's contributions went far beyond logistics. Her leadership, 
calm presence, and unwavering commitment inspired those around her. 
First responders and volunteers repeatedly praised her clarity, 
efficiency, and selfless dedication. Through her efforts, she helped 
create an organized and reliable system that allowed others to focus on 
saving lives, restore essential services, and begin the process of 
rebuilding.
  Her actions serve as a powerful reminder that leadership is not 
always about holding a title, but it is about stepping forward, 
recognizing a need, and acting with courage and compassion. Madison 
County, and all of Western North Carolina, are stronger today because 
of her extraordinary efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest 
appreciation of Ms. Ponder's outstanding service and unwavering 
dedication to her community. Her service embodies the very best of 
resiliency, selflessness. and dedication in the face of disaster, and 
she stands as an inspiring example for us all.

                          ____________________