[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2102-H2103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          MARK BURNS INDUCTED INTO LIVING LEGENDS OF AVIATION

  (Mr. Carter of Georgia was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, on his 
induction into the 23rd annual Living Legends of Aviation.
  Founded in 2003, the Living Legends of Aviation awards recognize 
individuals who have significantly impacted the aviation industry. This 
includes entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, astronauts, 
record setters, pilots turned celebrities, and celebrities who have 
become pilots.
  A Savannah native, Mr. Burns earned his bachelor's degree in 
mechanical engineering from Georgia Southern University and began 
working at Gulfstream Aerospace in 1983. Over the course of more than 
four decades, he has served in numerous leadership roles across the 
company, including engineering and customer support.
  In July 2025, Mr. Burns was named president of Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation, proudly leading the organization since then, contributing 
significantly to its growth and success.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Burns on his leadership in both the 
aviation industry and his induction into the Living Legends of 
Aviation.

                              {time}  1030


              Honoring Former UGA President Michael Adams

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life and legacy of Michael Adams, the former president of the 
University of Georgia.
  Unfortunately, Dr. Adams passed away on January 25 at the age of 77.
  From 1977 to 2013, he served as the University of Georgia's 21st 
president, transforming our State's flagship university into one of the 
Nation's most prominent public institutions.
  Under his visionary leadership, enrollment grew from nearly 30,000 to 
35,000 students, Federal research expenditures nearly tripled, and the 
endowment more than doubled.
  Dr. Adams oversaw more than $1 billion in campus construction and 
renovation, creating vital facilities for teaching, research, and 
student life. His success as a university administrator was recognized 
by more than 50 higher education awards. He deeply believed in the 
transformative power of higher education, and his stewardship directly 
strengthened Georgia for generations.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Adams has left an enduring legacy that will forever 
touch the soul of our beloved State.


              Honoring Colonel Stephen ``Tracker'' Thomas

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel 
Stephen ``Tracker'' Thomas, who is retiring from command of Georgia's 
Combat Readiness Training Center at Savannah Air National Guard Base.
  Since assuming command in 2023, Colonel Thomas has led this premier 
training hub with unmatched commitment and devotion.

[[Page H2103]]

  Drawing on nearly two decades of combined Active-Duty and Air 
National Guard service, he elevated the CRTC's role in preparing 
warfighters for great power competition.
  Under his leadership, the center continued hosting quarterly large 
force exercises, training specialists in theater-deployable 
communications, and delivering exclusive cross-demand training from 
Charleston to Orlando.
  His vision has solidified the CRTC as a vital national asset for the 
Air Force, Air National Guard, Reserves, and other partners.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Colonel Thomas for ensuring global air readiness 
and dominance. We wish him and his family a fulfilling retirement.


               Honoring the Memory of George Whittenburg

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory 
of George Whittenburg, a bright young man taken from us far too soon 
following a tragic car accident on January 30.
  George was a 21-year-old student at the University of Georgia from 
Austin, Texas. He was a beloved son, brother, cousin, and friend whose 
infectious spirit touched countless lives.
  Through his involvement in Sigma Phi Epsilon and Cru, a religious 
organization at the University of Georgia, George exemplified faith, 
leadership, and kindness. His friends would describe him as smart, 
confident, and a source of comedic relief, a Christlike man who 
overcame personal struggles to inspire others toward ministry and 
service.
  George's personal growth and friendship have left a lasting impact on 
the Athens community, with thousands praying for him following the 
accident.
  Mr. Speaker, our hearts ache for this loss. I pray for the 
Whittenburg family and all who knew him. May God's perfect plan bring 
them comfort.

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