[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2239-H2240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM ``SKATE'' PARKS

  (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant 
Colonel William ``Skate'' Parks, an exceptional officer in the United 
States Air Force, who was awarded the Silver Star Medal, one of our 
Nation's highest honors for valor.
  In early 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Parks served as mission commander 
for a 21-aircraft strike package in the U.S. Central Command area of 
responsibility. He led four F-16 Fighting Falcons on a suppression of 
enemy air defenses mission, deliberately placing himself in range of a 
heavily defended air defense zone.
  For more than 15 minutes, with enemy missiles exploding mere feet 
from his aircraft and fuel below minimum levels, Lieutenant Colonel 
Parks flew defensive maneuvers, coordinated emergency refueling, and 
prevented the likely loss of multiple aircraft.
  His courage and leadership contributed to a larger operation that 
defended our allies and advanced United States' security interests.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Lieutenant Colonel William 
Parks for his extraordinary valor and dedicated service to our Nation 
as a member of the United States Air Force.


    Securing Funding for Sea Turtle Conservation on the Space Coast

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a meaningful 
investment in conservation on Florida's Space Coast.
  We recently secured $1.75 million in Federal funding for the Brevard 
Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center at Port Canaveral and in Melbourne, 
building upon the amazing legacy of the Bowen family and so many other 
families that have been generous to the zoo and our community.
  This funding will expand rescue and rehabilitation efforts for 
injured sea turtles and strengthen research and response capabilities 
along our Space Coast.
  Sea turtles face threats from boat strikes, fishing gear, and 
environmental hazards. The Healing Center provides critical medical 
care and returns these animals to the wild whenever possible.
  I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with some of these folks 
who care for our sea turtles just last week. This investment reflects a 
commitment to responsible stewardship and local priorities.
  I am proud this funding was secured to support marine life and the 
community that depends on healthy waterways for all.


        Honoring Brett Bolton and Team USA at Winter Paralympics

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, we all saw the exciting victory by the 
United States men's national ice hockey team securing a Gold Medal for 
the United States for the first time since the 1980 Lake Placid 
Olympics. Before that, the 1960 American team had won the Gold out in 
California. It was the first time we won it overseas, but there are 
still more Olympics to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding athlete from 
our district, Brett Bolton, as he prepares to compete in the upcoming 
Winter Paralympics.
  Hailing from Rockledge, Florida, Brett is a member of Team USA's Sled 
Hockey Team, which is pursuing its fifth Gold Medal. His dedication to 
the sport and his commitment to excellence represents the very best in 
American competition.
  Representing our country on the world stage is an extraordinary 
honor, and our community is proud to see one of our own chasing that 
historic achievement of a Gold Medal, potentially the fifth in a row.
  Hockey holds a special place in communities across our Nation as it 
builds upon resilience, teamwork, and character as also recognized by 
our women's team that also won in overtime earning the Gold Medal over 
the Canadians.

[[Page H2240]]

  Brett's journey reminds us that the sport can unite us and inspire 
the next generation to push beyond its limits. As Team USA takes the 
ice in March in the Paralympics, we will be cheering on loudly for 
Brett Bolton and his teammates as part of Team USA.
  Go USA!


            Recognizing a Manatee Rescue in Melbourne Beach

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated 
effort of first responders and wildlife experts who rescued a trapped 
manatee from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach.
  Local police officers, firefighters, and wildlife officials quickly 
responded to the call. Working carefully and patiently, they assessed 
the situation, monitored the animal's condition, and coordinated a safe 
extraction.
  This rescue highlights something special about our coastline 
communities. Floridians understand that protecting wildlife is part of 
protecting our way of life. Our waterways are home to remarkable 
species, and safeguarding them requires vigilance and teamwork.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the Melbourne Beach Police Department, local 
fire crews, and wildlife partners for their swift action. Their 
professionalism protected one of Florida's most cherished marine 
animals.

                          ____________________