[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4309-H4312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE CAMDEN PHARMACY
(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Carter
of Georgia was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the
majority leader.)
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Camden
Pharmacy in St. Marys, Georgia, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary
on June 13, 2026.
For two decades, Camden Pharmacy has served the people of Camden
County with personalized community-focused healthcare. Located across
from Camden Medical Center, the pharmacy offers prescription services,
over-the-counter medications, wound care supplies, veterinary
medications, long-term care and hospice services, and much more.
Under the leadership of pharmacist Anthony Kicklighter, Camden
Pharmacy has built a reputation for exceptional service and a
commitment to caring for every patient who walks through its doors.
As a pharmacist myself, I understand the importance of forming a
reliable repute within one's community, and Anthony has done great work
for the people of St. Marys.
I am happy to congratulate Anthony and the entire Camden Pharmacy
team on 20 years of dedicated service to our community and wishing them
continued success in the years ahead.
Honoring Paul Watkin
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Paul R.
Watkin, as he retires from Federal service after an extraordinary 48
years of dedicated service to our Nation.
Mr. Watkin began his distinguished career in 1978 with Company C, 1st
Ranger Battalion, 75th Infantry Regiment, where he served with honor
and distinction in some of our Nation's most challenging operations.
While serving, he deployed in Operation Eagle Claw, the 1980 mission
to rescue 53 American hostages in Iran, and later participated in
Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada.
After earning both the Ranger and Special Forces Tabs and serving 7
years
[[Page H4310]]
in the special operations community, he became a senior
counterintelligence special agent and retired honorably from the U.S.
Army in 2000.
Mr. Watkin transitioned directly into Federal civil service, serving
in key security and intelligence leadership positions across the Army.
Mr. Watkin has served our Nation faithfully, and I wish him the best
in the next chapter of his life.
{time} 2000
Honoring Kennedy Ingram and Macie Phillips
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kennedy
Ingram and Macie Phillips. The two Georgia graduates have made history
as the first Black women to receive a bachelor of science in ocean
science from the University of Georgia.
The program provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding
of the structure and function of marine systems from global oceans to
local estuary environments and their interaction with the Earth-
atmosphere system.
The two were inspired to become pioneers in their field hoping to
have a lasting impact and inspire others like them to pursue
groundbreaking endeavors. I am proud to say that they were successful
in their goals.
Kennedy and Macie have become trailblazers, creating a tradition and
legacy of academic achievement in their school.
I thank Kennedy and Macie for their contributions to the scientific
community. I am excited to see the tremendous things they will
accomplish in the future.
Mashama Bailey, North America's Best Female Chef
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize chef
Mashama Bailey who is credited with reinventing Southern and Black
American food traditions.
Beginning her career, she worked as a private chef in New York City
and was later persuaded to undertake professional cooking. In 2014 she
entered a partnership to open The Grey in Savannah, Georgia. In 2019
and 2022, she earned the James Beard Award for her dishes that featured
history and culture through mixing traditional Southern techniques with
contemporary influences.
As chairwoman of the Edna Lewis Foundation, she preserves African-
American culinary traditions and develops educational opportunities in
cooking, agriculture, food studies, and storytelling.
Most recently, she was named to the TIME100 list of the most
influential people in the world as an influential culinary figure. She
received the North America's Best Female Chef Award for 2026.
Chef Bailey is paving the way for rising chefs and inspiring others
through her work.
Recognizing Dr. Greg Tanner
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr.
Greg Tanner, recently named South Georgia State College's president.
As interim president, he increased the college's enrollment in the
summer of 2023 by 14.7 percent, earning the Chancellor's Cup award for
enrollment growth. In 2025 he was presented with Phi Theta Kappa's
Paragon Award for New Presidents, honoring his dedication to the
college and its students.
More recently, he earned the Dr. Zeb L. Burrell MD Distinguished
Service Award for his contributions to a new emergency services
concentration in the college's School of Business.
The foundation of his career consists of a bachelor's degree in
education from Georgia Southern University, a master's degrees in
physical education and educational leadership from Valdosta State
University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and supervision
from Nova Southeastern University.
From a K-12 school principal to president of South Georgia College
illustrates his dedication to education and to leadership.
Honoring Gina Joy Rigby-House
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gina Rigby-
House for a remarkable career defined by hard work, faithful
leadership, and a genuine commitment to serving others.
Gina's journey began as a part-time employee at Aflac while she was
still a senior in high school in Columbus, Georgia. Through dedication,
perseverance, and an unwavering work ethic, she built a career spanning
nearly four decades and became one of the most respected leaders in
public policy and government affairs.
For more than 26 years, Gina represented Aflac in Washington, helping
guide the company through complex legislative and regulatory challenges
while earning the trust and respect of colleagues, policymakers, and
friends on both sides of the aisle.
Yet what sets Gina apart is not simply her professional success, but
the way she has invested in others. Through her leadership with the
University of Alabama's Blackburn Institute, she has mentored countless
young leaders, generously sharing her wisdom, encouragement, and belief
in the next generation.
Those who know Gina know her greatest joy has always been found in
her family, the relationships she has built throughout her life, and
her signature sense of style, notably shown through her shoes. Whether
as a mentor, colleague, wife, grandmother, or friend, she has led with
grace, humility, and a servant's heart.
I congratulate Gina on an extraordinary career. I thank her for the
countless lives she has touched, and I wish her and her husband, Mike,
every blessing in the years ahead.
Honoring Sandra Fryhofer
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr.
Sandra Fryhofer on becoming president-elect of the American Medical
Association.
Dr. Fryhofer is an Atlantic-based internal medicine physician who has
previously served in numerous roles in the AMA and has worked
tirelessly to advance the roles of both patients and physicians.
Following a vote by physicians and medical students at the AMA annual
meeting, Dr. Fryhofer garnered the support to begin her year-long term
stating in June of 2027.
Dr. Fryhofer spent numerous years as the AMA's liaison to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices. She contributed greatly to the development of vaccines
protecting against COVID-19, influenza, HPV, and many others.
Aside from the AMA, Dr. Fryhofer served as president of the American
College of Physicians. When she was elected in 2000, she became the
youngest person and the second woman to have served in the role.
I wish her the best of luck and sincere congratulations as she begins
her role.
Honoring Martha Zoller
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life
and legacy of my friend Martha Zoller, whose voice and service to
Georgia will be deeply missed.
For more than three decades, Martha informed, challenged, and
connected Georgians as a broadcaster, columnist, author, and political
commentator. She earned the respect of listeners across our State
through analytical, honest conversation, and an abiding love for
Georgia and our country.
I have had the privilege of joining Martha on her radio show many
times over the years. Our conversations were always thoughtful, candid,
and rooted in our shared commitment to serving the people of Georgia.
She had a remarkable ability to ask the right questions and to listen
carefully, offering valuable insights to listeners.
Martha embodied the gold standard of professionalism, always acting
quickly to offer her support as a mentor to countless people in
politics and journalism.
My prayers are with Martha's family, friends, and colleagues, and the
countless listeners whose lives she touched. Her legacy will live on
through them.
May God lift them up in His arms and help them find comfort in this
challenging time.
Recognizing Josh Brooks
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Josh
Brooks, who has been athletic director of the University of Georgia
since 2021.
He recently received a contract extension after back-to-back
Southeastern Conference championships in football and national
championships in women's tennis, women's track, and equestrian.
During his time as athletics director, the Bulldogs have earned 9
national championships, 14 SEC crowns, and 33 individual national
titles across 21 sports.
[[Page H4311]]
Many facilities upgrades were under his management and supervision,
including the new Lindsey Hopkins indoor tennis courts, improvements to
the south side of Sanford Stadium, a new men's and women's basketball
weight room, and more.
He demonstrates leadership as an active member on the SEC Executive
Committee and as vice chair of the NCAA Football Oversight Committee,
and chair of the NCAA Football Practice and Playing Seasons Committee.
Brooks' extended contract will allow him to continue making momentous
milestones for the University of Georgia.
Honoring Larry Walker, Jr.
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of
Mr. Lawrence Cohen ``Larry'' Walker, Jr. who passed away on June 9 at
the age of 84.
Mr. Walker was a lifelong resident of Perry, Georgia. He graduated
from Perry High School in 1960 and attended the University of Georgia
where he earned a bachelor's in business administration and a juris
doctorate.
In 1966, Mr. Walker was appointed Perry's first municipal court judge
and later as the city attorney, a role he held for 40 years.
Larry was later elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives
where he served for 32 years and became majority leader. While in the
State legislature, Mr. Walker played a key role in bringing Frito-Lay
and the Georgia National Fairgrounds to Perry, Georgia.
After his time in the State house, Larry was elected to the Georgia
Transportation Board and appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to the
Georgia Board of Regents.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Walker's family as they mourn
his loss.
{time} 2010
Honoring the Life and Service of Specialist Adrian Bonsey
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life
and service of Specialist Adrian Bonsey, a dedicated soldier of the
United States Army who tragically lost his life during a training
exercise earlier this month.
Specialist Bonsey answered the call to serve his country when he
joined the Army in 2023 and quickly distinguished himself through his
professionalism and selfless service.
As a combat engineer, he played a vital role in supporting our
Nation's military readiness. Prior to arriving at Fort Stewart,
Specialist Bonsey served at Fort Carson, Colorado, and deployed to
Poland in support of our allies and partners abroad.
During his service, he earned two Army Achievement Medals, reflecting
his dedication and contributions to the Army and his fellow soldiers.
While training, Specialist Bonsey made the ultimate sacrifice in
service to our Nation.
Mr. Speaker, we mourn this tragic loss; extend our deepest
condolences to his family, his friends, and his fellow soldiers; and
honor his memory with gratitude for his service.
Congratulating Dr. Angel Cabrera
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr.
Angel Cabrera on his appointment as the next president of the Aspen
Institute.
The Aspen Institute is a globally recognized nonprofit organization
dedicated to unlocking human potential, fostering understanding, and
creating new possibilities for a better world.
Dr. Cabrera currently serves as the 12th president of the Georgia
Institute of Technology. Since taking office in 2019, he has led the
university through a period of extraordinary growth and achievement.
Under his leadership, enrollment has grown by 55 percent to more than
56,000 students, while annual sponsored research awards have exceeded
$1.4 billion.
His impact has been felt far beyond campus, helping strengthen
innovation, develop talent, and drive economic opportunity across
Georgia and beyond.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dr. Cabrera on this well-deserved
appointment and wish him continued success in this next chapter.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Melinda Schneider
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life
and the legacy of Melinda Schneider, affectionately known as the Yellow
Bow Lady, whose dedication to service left an enduring mark on her
community and on our State.
Born in Savannah, Melinda spent decades serving others through civic
leadership, volunteerism, and unwavering support for veterans and
military families. She was a tireless advocate for veterans, holding
leadership roles with DAV Auxiliary Unit 46, Vietnam Veterans of
America Chapter 789, the Hinesville Military Affairs Committee, and the
Veterans Memorial at Bryant Commons.
Melinda also served as a member of the Liberty County Board of
Elections, secretary of the Liberty County Republican Party, and a
volunteer at Winn Army Community Hospital. Her devotion to the soldiers
and families of Fort Stewart earned her the affectionate title of
``Marne Rock Star.''
Mr. Speaker, Melinda leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service,
compassion, and community leadership. We extend our deepest condolences
to her family and honor a life well lived.
Honoring Miss Georgia and Miss Teen Georgia 2026
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recent
winners of Miss Georgia 2026 and Miss Teen Georgia 2026.
At the 81st annual Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition, Sophia
Wootten, representing northwest Georgia, was crowned Miss Georgia, and
Melony Tidmore, representing Capital City's Teen, was named Miss
Georgia's Teen.
The candidates competed for scholarships and the opportunity to
represent the State of Georgia in the Miss America and Miss America's
Teen competitions this September.
Sophia, from Peachtree City, is currently a student at the University
of Georgia, with her community service initiative focusing on
disability advocacy in education.
Melony, from Powder Springs, currently attends Liberty University
Online Academy, with her community service initiative being
``Initiative Dance: A Movement Toward Better Health.''
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate these young women and wish them the best
of luck in the upcoming Miss America competition.
Recognizing Dr. Willie Underwood III
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr.
Willie Underwood III, a distinguished urologic surgeon, educator, and
advocate, on his inauguration as the 181st president of the American
Medical Association.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud Dr. Underwood for assuming his presidency at a
defining moment for American healthcare.
Dr. Underwood is only the second urologist and third Black physician
to serve as AMA president, a historic milestone for American medicine.
A graduate of Morehouse College and SUNY Upstate Medical University,
Dr. Underwood brings more than 25 years of urologic surgery experience,
including 15 years specializing in robotic urologic oncology.
He is a proud prostate cancer survivor whose personal experience
deepened his commitment to closing gaps in care and ensuring every
patient receives the treatment they deserve.
Mr. Speaker, as a pharmacist, I look forward to working alongside Dr.
Underwood to build a healthcare system that provides more choices,
lower costs, and better outcomes for all Americans.
Recognizing Barrett Carter
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my
middle son, Barrett Carter, a proud southeast Georgia native and
accomplished PGA Head Golf Professional.
Barrett graduated from the University of Georgia before settling in
the New Orleans area in 2009, where he has built an impressive career
as a PGA Class A Professional. He has served at some of the region's
premier facilities, including TPC Louisiana and Metairie Country Club,
and now currently serves as head golf professional at Oak Knoll Country
Club in Hammond, Louisiana.
Barrett is passionate about growing the game through instruction and
by creating welcoming programs for golfers of all ages and abilities.
Although Barrett and his wife live in Metairie with their three
precious
[[Page H4312]]
daughters, the First District of Georgia is still proud to claim him as
one of our own.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my son on all he has done to inspire new
players and grow the game of golf. His mother and I are very proud of
him.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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