[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 212 (Tuesday, December 16, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H5902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
THE SPIRIT OF GEORGIA
(Mr. Carter of Georgia was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
extraordinary effort that brought the Spirit of Georgia, a B-2 stealth
bomber, back to operational flight after a serious incident more than 4
years ago.
During a hydraulic failure, the aircraft skidded along the runway and
sustained major damage. Many questioned whether it would ever return to
the skies. Instead of retiring the aircraft, airmen, engineers, and the
B-2 program team came together with a goal to save it. Their work
represented perseverance and belief in the mission.
The team removed the bomber from hazardous conditions, transported it
for repair, and worked through design challenges and restoration steps.
Their determination saved taxpayers millions and returned a strategic
asset to service.
Mr. Speaker, on November 6, 2025, the Spirit of Georgia lifted off
once again, proving what is possible when people work with purpose.
This successful return is a tribute to American skill, teamwork, and
resolve. The Spirit of Georgia lives on.
Celebrating Two Outstanding Athletes
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate two
outstanding student athletes at Augusta University.
Elyse Autrey, a sophomore women's basketball guard from Fairfax,
Virginia, has been named Georgia's Own Student-Athletes of the Month
for November. Over four games last month, she averaged 16.5 points, 5.8
rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Her leadership helped Augusta secure a road
win over number two Coker, among other strong performances.
On the men's side, senior golfer Stefan Jacobs, from Johannesburg,
South Africa, earned the same honor. Jacobs turned in a stellar round
at the Pearl at Kalauao Invitational, finishing third out of 108
golfers in a final round of 5-under par. His strong showing helped the
Augusta squad place third in team standings, with a collective 7-under
finish.
Mr. Speaker, these two represent the very best of Jaguar athletics:
dedication, discipline, and excellence on the court and course. They
prove that student athletes can achieve both athletically and
academically while contributing pride to their school.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Elyse Autrey and Stefan Jacobs
for their achievements and congratulate Augusta University for
fostering such talent.
Tybee Island Best Fishing Spot
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tybee
Island, which has just been named the number one winter fishing spot
for 2026 according to FishingBooker.
FishingBooker created the top 10 ranking with factors such as winter
fish activity and species variety. It also looked at popularity,
tourism, and insights from locals. Tybee Island topped the list, even
beating out larger cities such as Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Tacoma.
Just east of Savannah, Tybee Island is a barrier island with relaxed
charm, wide beaches, and scenic Atlantic coastline. With the cooler
temperatures, redfish, black drum, and speckled trout make their way to
shallow waters, creating plenty of opportunity for inshore anglers.
Nearby, rocky structures attract sheepshead, a favorite for kids.
Tybee Island offers more than just fishing with an iconic lighthouse,
local seafood, and scenic beaches. Even in the heart of winter, the
island retains its coastal energy, inviting tourists and anglers to
spend the season there.
Recognizing Colleen Lindholz
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colleen
Lindholz, a fellow pharmacist and the president of Kroger Health, the
healthcare division of the Kroger Company. This year, Ms. Lindholz is
celebrating 30 years of service with the company.
After joining Kroger as a pharmacist for the Cincinnati-Dayton
division in 1995, she quickly rose through the ranks to lead Kroger's
more than 2,200 pharmacies and 220 retail clinic locations across 35
States, including 334 pharmacies and 18 clinics in Georgia.
Ms. Lindholz is the lead architect of the company's efforts to
integrate pharmacy, clinician, and dietician services into grocery
offerings. She focuses on food as medicine, which Kroger Health defines
as a dedicated, educated, and personalized approach to eating and
enjoying food.
This initiative helps customers live healthier lives and prevents
chronic diseases before they start.
In addition to her professional accomplishments on behalf of patient
health, Ms. Lindholz is an active philanthropic leader. She gives back
through leadership in many community organizations, including
Easterseals Redwood, the American Heart Association-Greater Cincinnati,
and the Joe Burrow Foundation, among others.
Mr. Speaker, from one pharmacist to another, I congratulate Ms.
Lindholz on 30 years of bettering the health and well-being of
Georgians and all Americans in the community Kroger serves.
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