André Carson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Professor Nathaniel Truedell, a devoted minister of music, educator, and mentor, in celebration of his 50th year of music ministry at Jones Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For half a century, Professor Truedell has lifted the hearts of the Jones Tabernacle family through praise and worship. His devotion, discipline, and dedication have made him a cornerstone of the congregation. Through changing times, technological shifts, and pastoral transitions, he has remained a steady and stabilizing presence. He has always turned the spotlight and applause away from himself and toward the glory of God.

Professor Truedell's influence reaches well beyond the church walls, leading the Broad Ripple High School Gospel Choir and the Ebony Majestic Choir at Indiana State University for years. 50 years ago, he founded the community choir Sounds of Aquarius. He also taught at Broad Ripple High School and Washington Middle School, where he shaped the lives of countless students--myself included--through his teaching of theatre, drama, and music.

Those who know Professor Truedell describe him as humble, kind, generous, patient, and always striving for excellence. He is a leader, a teacher, and a mentor whose impact is felt by the many people he has served throughout our community.

Mr. Speaker, Professor Nathaniel Truedell has spent 50 years using music to serve God and uplift others. As Jones Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church gathers to celebrate his ministry, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Professor Truedell's faithful service. musical excellence, and lasting legacy.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Bishop Leonard Scott, an Indianapolis native, pastor, recording artist, entrepreneur, and visionary whose lifetime of service has transformed gospel music and inspired generations of believers. Well-recognized for his extraordinary contributions to gospel music, Bishop Scott's influence extends far beyond the walls of the church and across the Nation.

Bishop Scott has faithfully led Tyscot Records, the Nation's oldest continuously operating Black-owned gospel record label, for over five decades. What began in 1976 as a small family endeavor, financed through his work as a practicing dentist, has grown into one of the most influential institutions in gospel music. Under his leadership, Tyscot launched and nurtured the careers of countless artists while preserving the rich tradition of gospel music for future generations.

Known to many as ``The Hymns Professor,'' Bishop Scott has dedicated his own musical ministry to keeping the timeless message of traditional hymns alive. He introduced a new generation to the songs of faith through his acclaimed Keep Hymns Alive series. His recordings have reached millions of listeners, while uplifting families and communities through the Gospel with his work as pastor of Rock Community Church in Indianapolis.

Bishop Scott's remarkable leadership has earned him numerous honors, including the Dove Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Stellar Honors Hall of Fame, and most recently, recognition from the Stellar Gospel Music Awards for his enduring impact on gospel music. His legacy is one of unwavering faith, entrepreneurial vision, and a steadfast commitment to ministry.

Mr. Speaker, Bishop Leonard Scott's life is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and service. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his extraordinary contributions to gospel music, ministry, and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor of Mary L. Aurtrey--a distinguished U.S. Army veteran, retired Sergeant Major, community leader, and tireless advocate whose lifetime of service reflects the very best of our Nation and the Hoosier state.

I established the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award to recognize extraordinary women veterans whose dedication and leadership have strengthened our communities and inspired future generations. It is my honor to recognize Mary Aurtrey for her exceptional service.

Mary served our country with distinction in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Sergeant Major. Following her military career, Mary continued her mission of service by supporting veterans, empowering women, and strengthening the organizations that serve our communities.

Throughout her years of civic engagement, Mary has been a steadfast advocate and mentor through her involvement with organizations including Women in Networking Indianapolis, American Legion Women's Post 438, Woman's Life Chapter 703, the National Council of Negro Women--Indianapolis Section, Sister Soldier Network, AMVETS Post 99, the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame, the Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, the Community Advisory Board for IU Memory University, and the Veterans History Project through the Library of Congress. Through these efforts, Mary has preserved the stories of veterans, supported families, and uplifted those around her. She represents the strength, resilience, and dedication of Hoosier women veterans who continue serving their communities long after their military careers conclude.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mary L. Aurtrey for her outstanding military service and her unwavering dedication to her fellow veterans and community. I thank her for making Indiana a stronger, more compassionate place through her lifetime of diligent service.