[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING MERRITT ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL'S AFEX STUDENTS

  (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to 
visit Merritt Island High School to highlight their outstanding work 
being done in astronautics and flight exploration.
  The program is a 4-year program that prepares students for careers in 
aerospace, aviation, and engineering. It combines classroom instruction 
with hands-on experience, using the tools that are used in the everyday 
workplace.
  Programs like this show that success does not just follow one path. 
Not every student follows the traditional 4-year degree to build a 
strong future. Career-focused education gives students the opportunity 
to graduate with the practical skills necessary to step into aerospace 
jobs.
  On the Space Coast, where aerospace drives our economy, this program 
and others like it are essential. They connect students with real 
opportunities right in our home community. The students and educators 
at Merritt Island High School are building the workforce of the future. 
This is what education should look like--relevant, practical, and 
focused on results.


               Honoring Lieutenant Commander Mark Majcher

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
service of Lieutenant Commander Mark Majcher, United States Navy, 
retired. He proudly served our Nation as a naval aviator. His service 
reflects the discipline, courage, and commitment that define the very 
best of our military.
  Beyond his time in uniform, he remained a part of our veteran 
community, carrying forward the values of service and sacrifice that 
have guided his life.
  I had the privilege of meeting Lieutenant Commander Majcher on 
Veterans Day last year, and it was clear he took great pride in his 
service and the men and women who served beside him.
  I also recognize his loving wife, Fran, whose support and devotion 
were a constant in his life.
  Today, we honor not only a veteran but a life defined by service to 
others and a love of country. May we never forget his contributions or 
the example set by this remarkable American.


                 Highlighting Artemis II Mission sucess

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
successful mission of Artemis II, a defining moment in American 
leadership once again in space, as these four brave astronauts traveled 
further than any astronauts have ever traveled before, marking our next 
new era in space exploration.
  I also, of course, applaud our President, who has steadfastly 
committed to space as he has created the Space Force, and our amazing 
new NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman, who has brought new life to 
NASA as we are reaching further than ever.
  It confirmed the strength of American engineering, the precision of 
our NASA employees, and the skill of our amazing astronauts.
  Artemis II is more than exploration. It supports national security, 
drives our economy, and creates jobs across the country, especially on 
Florida's Space Coast.
  As we look ahead to future missions, we celebrate this achievement to 
reaffirm our commitment to space.
  Madam Speaker, America is going back to the Moon, and we are leading 
the way forward.


           Honoring Rita Vastano Simas on Her 100th Birthday

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable 
constituent, Rita Vastano Simas of Melbourne, Florida, as she 
celebrates her 100th birthday. Born on April 24, 1926, Rita's life is a 
testament to resilience, love, and devotion to her family and our 
country.
  During World War II, she married the love of her life, George Simas, 
in Italy before coming to the United States to build a life together 
based on faith, hard work, and opportunity. Her husband earned multiple 
Purple Hearts and served our Nation with pride, as they are part of the 
Greatest Generation. Together, they represent a generation that 
sacrificed, endured, and helped shape the freedoms that we enjoy today.
  Rita's life reflects the values of our Nation. Today, she celebrates 
100 years. I wish Rita a happy birthday.

                          ____________________