A. Drew Ferguson IV

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Bishop, for those kind words. That was much appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1480, the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023. I was proud to join Representative Bishop in introducing the Beagle Brigade Act, which would provide permanent authorization for the National Detector Dog Training Center located in Newnan, Georgia.

The Beagle Brigade Act would permanently authorize the training center to ensure that America's food supply stays protected from potentially devastating foreign pests and diseases.

The National Detector Dog Training Center in Georgia's Third Congressional District does important work to properly train detector dogs to sniff out prohibited agricultural items in domestic and international trade.

I also thank Senator Joni Ernst and Senator Raphael Warnock from Georgia for their work on the Senate companion bill, S. 759. The bipartisan, bicameral effort in support of this legislation was important, and I look forward to the Beagle Brigade Act becoming law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Georgian, Mr. John W. Mixon. Mr. John has made almost an immeasurable impact on the State of Georgia.

After graduating from the University of Georgia, Mr. John went to work in the timber industry for the Great Southern Paper Company and then worked for the Georgia Forestry Commission.

For the next 34 years, John Mixon played the leading role in turning Georgia into the number one State in America for forestry. His work was both visionary and comprehensive.

Starting as a technician and rising to the director of the commission, he worked tirelessly toward his goal of making the Georgia forest industry into what it is today.

He started the Reforestation Commission that was responsible for planting a world record 600,000 acres of pine trees. He established Georgia's first forestry museum, an educational forest, and the Georgia Tree Coalition, which planted thousands of trees in the 1996 Olympic venues throughout the State.

John served and held leadership positions in numerous professional and civic organizations and received the Soil Conservationist of the Year award from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Mr. Speaker, perhaps the highest recognition of his professional contribution was receiving the Wise Owl Award from the Georgia Forestry Association. This significant achievement was well earned and deserved.

As a result of Mr. John Mixon's vision and hard work, literally thousands of Georgians work in the timber industry, and the industry has massively impacted the economic well-being of Georgia.

Just as importantly, Georgia's environment is better off, and the timber industry is environmentally sustainable. We all owe Mr. John Mixon a debt of gratitude for making our world a much better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 8919, which designates the United States Post Office in Peachtree City, Georgia, as the Sergeant First Class Shawn McCloskey Post Office.

After working in construction since graduating from North Cobb High School, Sergeant First Class McCloskey enlisted in the Army in response to 9/11.

Sergeant First Class McCloskey was killed in action on September 16, 2009. It was during his third deployment in Afghanistan when an IED struck his vehicle. He was conducting a mounted patrol in the Afghan city of Ghur Ghuri in support of operations while serving with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group.

Mr. Speaker, Sergeant First Class McCloskey earned the title of Green Beret as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Special Operations Diver Supervisor Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.

Sergeant First Class McCloskey left behind his wife, Jessica; his two children, Katie and Collin; as well as his parents, Patrick and Kathryn; and many other friends and family.

Although this Nation can never fully repay Sergeant First Class McCloskey for making the ultimate sacrifice, renaming this post office is a solemn tribute to his courageous service and ultimate sacrifice.