Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Commander James P. Cose of Sneedville in Hancock County for his extensive service in the United States Navy. His military career began with his enlistment in September of 1969, where he volunteered for Nuclear Power Training and the Submarine Force.

After his training, he deployed to the U.S.S. Holland AS-32 in Rota, Spain as a Fire Control Ballistic Third-Class Petty Officer, but was soon transferred to the U.S.S. Thomas A. Edison SSBN 610, which made strategic missile patrols in the Mediterranean Sea. His next assignment was to the Naval Ordnance Test Unit at Cape Canaveral, Florida, where tests on the Polaris and Trident Fleet Ballistic Missiles were conducted. PO Cose then transferred for more strategic missile patrols on the U.S.S. Sam Rayburn SSBN 635, where he was commissioned as a Limited Duty Officer and sent to Officer Training School (OTS). After OTS, he deployed to the Alexander Hamilton SSBN 617 for more strategic missile patrols out of the North Atlantic, then transferred to the Officer Submarine Training Facility in New London, Connecticut, where he instructed Perspective Commanding Officers on weapons systems onboard the Nuclear Submarines. His next transfer was to the Naval Submarine Support Facility in New London, Connecticut to build torpedoes, as well as teach thousands of service members small-arms firearms training, as part of American nuclear weapons security.

His last command was to Commander Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT), at Norfolk, Virginia, where he served as a Chief Nuclear Weapons Inspector for all Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines in the Atlantic Fleet. He retired with nearly 25 years of exceptional service in the U.S. Navy, rising through the ranks from an enlisted recruit all the way to Lieutenant Commander.

Please join me in thanking American patriot, Lieutenant Commander James P. Cose for his leadership and lifetime of service to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vietnam Era veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, Haskel Joe Hill (1947 through 2022) for his distinguished service in the U.S. Army. Hailing from Harriman, Tennessee, Haskel Hill served in the Army from October 1964 to October 1973. He fought in Vietnam and was captured by enemy troops, being held as a prisoner of war. His bravery and heroism during the conflict and throughout his capture earned him the Purple Heart.

Haskel Hill also received the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, awarded to him by the former government of South Vietnam, in recognition of his valor in combat with the enemy. While he safely returned to America, he passed away due to complications resulting from exposure to Agent Orange during the conflict. Haskel Hill is survived by his proud daughters, Ida L. Hendrix of Jacksonville, Florida, Helana J. Cormier of Green Cove Springs, Florida, and Alice Hill of Kingsport, Tennessee. Vietnam Era veterans and their surviving family members deserve our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice, and it is long past due.

Please join me in remembering American hero and patriot, Haskel Hill for his strength, courage, and bravery. We are eternally grateful to him and his valiant military service to our great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor the late Corporal Danny K. Allen for his valiant military service during the Vietnam War Era. Drafted in 1970, Corporal Allen proudly served in the United States Army for 3 years, where he was assigned a tour of duty on the Korean peninsula.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Retha Allen; son, Andrew Allen; and 5 grandchildren, LeAnna, Maycan, Anaya, Clay, and Tayte. As a devoted family man, his children remember him for his kindness and down-to-earth nature. They fondly recall how attentive he was to his daughter, then only 13, when she was hospitalized for an entire month; how he would hike 3 miles through the wintry snow just to feed the livestock; and all the fun they shared on the family's one and only camping trip. Corporal Allen was a man of few words, but his words carried weight and respect from all who knew him.

Please join me in thanking Corporal Danny K. Allen for his distinguished military service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Richard Alan Danculovich of Jefferson City for his valiant military service during the Vietnam War. Following in his WWII veteran father's footsteps, EM3 Danculovich's dedicated service in the United States Navy began on November 29, 1965, at the RTC Great Lakes for Bootcamp and later EM-A School for electrician training.

Upon completion of his naval training, EM3 Danculovich served aboard the U.S.S. Piedmont (AD-17), ported out of San Diego, where he was assigned to the Electrical Repair Division. The U.S.S. Piedmont (AD-17) was a Dixie-class destroyer tender that served and maintained all ships engaged in combat operations during naval battles. While aboard the U.S.S. Piedmont, EM3 Danculovich conducted electrical repairs on ships in the Western Pacific region, including Pearl Harbor, the Subic Bay in the Philippines and Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and many of these ships previously spent months in service off the coast of Vietnam.

After 3 years of distinguished military service, he was discharged from Active Duty in November of 1968. He is proud to share that his grandson continues the family tradition of military service in support of our country.

Please join me in celebrating Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Alan Danculovich for his distinguished military service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Operations Specialist 5th Class Donald Wolf of Morristown for his courageous military service in the United States Army. Specialist Wolf joined the Army in 1968, and trained for the Quartermaster Corps after attending basic training at Ft. Campbell in Kentucky.

In 1969, SPC Wolf deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a clerk in Headquarters Company 266 Supply and Service Battalion. During his tour of duty, he earned the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone. Ultimately, he was honorably discharged from the Army following 2 valiant years of service.

Please join me in thanking Operations Specialist 5th Class Donald Wolf for his bravery and heroic military service to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Peter Glasser of Flag Pond in Unicoi County for his courageous military service during the Vietnam War. Sergeant Glasser served as an infantryman in E Company, 2nd Battalion 5th Marines regiment, then transferred to M Company, 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment, and finally transferred again to C Company, 1st Battalion 27th Marine Regiment. Upon completing boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina and advanced infantry training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina in 1966, Private Glasser was assigned his first tour of duty in Vietnam with the 5th Marine Regiment from California.

Upon their arrival, his company was tasked with helping guard a United States military airstrip in Chu Lai, but he was transferred to the 1st Marine Regiment, with which he participated in multiple operations between Chu Lai and Danang. In 1967, then Lance Corporal Glasser returned stateside and served in the Military Police at Parris Island until being transferred to the 27th Marine Regiment in Hawaii. However, his homecoming was short-lived, and he soon received another assignment to Vietnam.

During his second tour of duty, Corporal Glasser would fight in the historic Tet Offensive, one of the deadliest battles throughout the conflict. During a ``Search and Destroy'' operation on May 4, 1968, he suffered an injury from friendly fire, but returned to duty after just two weeks. He would finally return stateside in July of 1968 and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Sergeant Glasser was discharged with an Honorable Discharge on April 18, 1969.

Please join me in celebrating the courage and bravery of Sergeant Glasser and his valiant service to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vietnam Era Veteran, Senior Chief Petty Officer Paul Honea of Chuckey, Tennessee for his distinguished service in the United States Navy.

Senior Chief Honea served in stations across the globe, including Europe, North Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean. He also protected our Nation's homeland, serving on bases in San Diego (CA), Naples (Italy), Norfolk (VA), Charleston (SC), Louisville (KY), and Raleigh (NC)--to name a few.

Senior Chief Honea began his esteemed military career in 1974, where he found his passion as an Optical Repairman. During his tenure, the Senior Chief repaired not only U.S. Navy ships, but also restored local churches and orphanages while on deployment overseas. In 1994, Senior Chief Honea ended his accomplished military career of 20 years.

Following his retirement, together with his wife, Senior Chief Honea commissioned the inaugural Navy Junior R.O.T.C. Program at Sullivan East High School in Bluff City, where he educated aspiring students for another 3 years.

Please join me in thanking American patriot, Senior Chief Petty Officer Paul Honea, for his commitment and honorable service to our great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Marine Corps Officer, 1st Lieutenant Karen Louise Nunan from Russellville, Tennessee for her distinguished military service during the Vietnam War Era. 1st Lieutenant Nunan began her career in the United States Marine Corps in 1972, where she specialized in data processing. During her assignment at Camp Lejeune (NC), she served on the committee that designed the first, inaugural base-wide computer network. After four years of valiant service to our country, 1st Lieutenant Nunan was honorably discharged in 1976.

The 1st Lieutenant remains an active member within her community. As a veteran's advocate, she currently serves as Commander of American Legion Post 52 in Morristown, as well as Chairperson of the Women Veterans Committee for the American Legion 1st District and East Division.

Please join me in thanking 1st Lieutenant Karen Louise Nunan for her leadership and honorable military service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and recognize the extraordinary bravery and quick thinking of a precious young man, Mr. Rico Briggs of Bluff City, Tennessee.

On the morning of August 20th, at just 4 years old, Rico found himself in a critical situation that would test the limits of his courage and maturity. At approximately 6:15 a.m., a structure fire began at 4988 Bluff City Hwy. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they found residents of the apartment building outside, clutching their possessions, with smoke rising from the building.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that it was Rico Briggs who, upon seeing smoke in his own room, promptly alerted his mother, Ms. Moriah Briggs. Despite the overwhelming fear and chaos such a situation would induce, Rico's swift actions ensured that his mother could notify all the tenants in the building's other apartments, allowing them to safely evacuate. Their escape was particularly crucial given the failure of the building's smoke alarm.

It is no exaggeration to state that the actions of Rico Briggs were lifesaving. Without his immediate response, the outcome could have been gravely different. Such valor and presence of mind in a child so young are truly exceptional and worthy of the highest commendation.

Moreover, in acknowledgment of Rico's heroic act, the Town of Bluff City has proclaimed August 26th as ``Rico Briggs Day,'' as a testament to the profound impact of his actions on our community. On this day, every year, we will be reminded not only of the bravery exhibited by this young boy, but also of the importance of looking out for one another and the strength that lies in community bonds. It is sincerely my hope that as we celebrate Rico Briggs Day annually, it will inspire others, young and old alike, to act with the same courage and selflessness in times of crisis.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the courage of Rico Briggs. His actions are a testament to the spirit of our community in Tennessee and the values instilled in our youth. Today, we celebrate Rico, and may we all be inspired by his courage and the profound impact 1 individual can make, regardless of age.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a truly remarkable individual, Ms. Flo Bellamy, whose dedication, passion, and selfless service to the citizens of Johnson County, Tennesse, have left an indelible mark on our community.

I have personally witnessed Flo's unwavering commitment to the youth of our community. One of Flo's most outstanding attributes is the genuine love she extends to each child, and it is on display every day at the Community Center. This is a woman who, for three years, worked without a salary, driven by a vision to establish an afterschool and summer program for our youth. Her sacrifices, from collecting essentials for the disadvantaged to ensuring that many children receive their only meal outside of the school system, showcase her unprecedented dedication.

In addition to her work with the youth, Flo has been a beacon of hope for cancer patients, assisting them in navigating their journey, from finding care to arranging transportation to medical appointments. Her connection to this cause is personal and sincere. Having witnessed the devastating effects of cancer in her own family, Flo took the reins of the American Cancer Society's county-wide walk for cancer. Even as the names and structures of these efforts evolved, Flo's leadership remained constant, her shift from fundraising for research to directly benefiting local cancer patients made a significant difference in the lives of many.

Furthermore, Flo's teachings have sowed the seeds of understanding, tolerance, and unity. She taught respect for all, regardless of race, religion, or disability. Due to her influence, I firmly believe that the younger generation in our community now embraces differences more openly and warmly than ever before.

However, the testament to Flo's legacy isn't just in the programs she led or the funds she raised. It's in the heartfelt stories of grown adults, once children under her wing, who approach her in public to express their gratitude and love. It's in the newfound perspectives and attitudes she fostered in a community that has historically faced its own set of challenges.

As I stand here, my heart swells with gratitude for Flo Bellamy. Her decades-long service, from leading the Johnson County--Mountain City Community Center to being an unwavering advocate for the most vulnerable, has left a mark that will echo across generations. We all owe her an immense debt of gratitude.

I invite my colleagues and the citizens of Johnson County to join me in saluting our precious Flo. Her work and her spirit embody the very best of our community. We love and cherish her, and I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize her monumental contributions.

Mr. Speaker, Ronald J. Ottenwess enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1966. After recruit training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, he trained as an Aviation Electronics Technician at Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

Then-AT Airman Ottenwess arrived in Rota, Spain in May 1967--just in time for Israel's Six Day War--for his assignment to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2). During his assignment in Rota, he trained as an Electronic Warfare Operator and served as a Special Projects technician.

During his three-year tour with VQ-2, he deployed to five different aircraft carriers and a dozen countries. He amassed nearly 2,000 flight hours and completed over 400 missions in EA-3B and EC-121M aircrafts. On deployment in 1969, he received a temporary assignment to VQ-1 Detachment Bravo in Danang, RVN, where he flew more than fifty combat reconnaissance missions ``up North.'' He was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class in March, 1968.

After his release from active duty as a Petty Officer Second Class in February 1970, Mr. Ottenwess received Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Economics and Business. Following graduation, he spent the next forty years as a manufacturing systems engineer, executive, and consultant; and travelled to 45 U.S. states and ten foreign countries.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring him for his distinguished military service during the Vietnam war. He is one of the many American heroes that this great Nation is so fortunate to have.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend NHC Kingsport on their outstanding achievements in healthcare and their recent recognition as the 2022 NHC Center of the Year.

Located in Kingsport, Tennessee, NHC Kingsport is a vital 60-bed healthcare center that has steadfastly served the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities for many years. Their commitment to quality patient care and family support is a testament to the positive impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can make in the lives of those they serve.

Under the proficient leadership of Administrator Debbie Hubbard and Director of Nursing Eva Grapperhaus, NHC Kingsport has flourished. Ms. Hubbard and Ms. Grapperhaus have held their respective positions since the center's opening in 2014. Notably, Ms. Hubbard was also recognized as the 2019 NHC Administrator of the Year.

NHC Kingsport is distinguished as a CMS 5-Star Center, a prestigious rating that signifies it ranks within the top 10 percent of all skilled nursing centers. Additionally, in 2022, NHC Kingsport was recognized as an NHC 5-Star Center of Excellence, boasting an exemplary Consumer View score of 96.82 percent, a Patient Care Component of 96.75 percent, a pressure ulcer rate of only 0.59 percent, and a net patient satisfaction score of 68 percent.

Their consistency in excellence is demonstrated by NHC Kingsport being ranked among the top 10 in the NHC Center of the Year rankings for the past six years. Moreover, they have received numerous NHC Honor Club and Legends Awards, further solidifying their standing as a paragon in the healthcare industry.

National HealthCare Corporation, based in Murfreesboro, TN, operates 68 healthcare centers and nearly 8,500 beds across the Nation. Their comprehensive services include assisted living, home care, hospice, mentai health, pharmacy, insurance, and management services.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating NHC Kingsport for their unwavering dedication to providing the highest level of care to their patients. Their achievements are not only a credit to the city of Kingsport, but a shining example for healthcare centers throughout our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Tennessee business as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Corporate Image in Bristol, Tennessee.

For three decades, Corporate Image has been a leading provider of public and media relations services to businesses on the local, regional, and national levels. They have assisted countless companies establish and grow their brand identity, develop effective communications strategies, and increase their visibility. The company's commitment to quality has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their reputation and achieve long- term communications success. The team at Corporate Image has steadily delivered exceptional results, and their dedication to their clients has been unwavering.

Corporate Image has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of businesses in today's environment. They have embraced new technologies and innovation, while also maintaining a focus

on the core principles that have guided their business for 30 years. As we celebrate Corporate Image's 30th anniversary, we should take a moment to reflect on the contributions this company has made to the business community.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Jon Lundberg and his entire team at Corporate Image. Their hard work, expertise, and commitment to excellence have been key to their success, and they have certainly set an example for other businesses to follow. Their willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies will ensure that they remain a leader in the marketing industry and continue to thrive for years to come.

I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Corporate Image team on their 30th anniversary. I wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent Lance Corporal John J. Huron of Bristol, Tennessee for his dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps.

LCPL Huron enlisted in September of 1968, and attended Advanced Infantry Training in Camp Pendleton following his graduation from Marine Boot Camp. After a brief leave, LCPL Huron then attended and graduated from Sea School in San Diego, CA, where he received training on the day-to-day operations of naval ships. After completing his sea training, LCPL Huron was assigned to the USS Long Beach, at that time docked in its home port of Long Beach, California. LCPL Huron's Marine shipboard duties included providing security for the ship's two missile houses and brig and acting as an orderly for the ship's Captain and Executive Officer.

In July of 1969, following his marriage that has lasted to this day, the USS Long Beach was deployed to Southeast Asia with its supply port at Subic Bay in the Philippines. Over the course of the next 9 months, the USS Long Beach and its 1,200 officers, men and Marines rotated on and off their duty station in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam, contributing significantly to the air control of Southeast Asia.

After nearly a year, LCPL Huron returned to the USS Long Beach's home port and proceeded north to Mare Island. In August 1971, his Sea Duty came to an end and LCPL Huron was reassigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego once more, where he concluded his service escorting prisoners as a Brig Chaser. Please stand with me to celebrate and recognize LCPL Huron's distinguished and heroic military service to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituents, U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Barry Rice from Jacksonville, Alabama, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Doris Kimery Rice, a native of Greeneville, Tennessee for their distinguished military and civil service. They both joined the Air Force at the end of the Vietnam War.

The couple met in technical school at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado in 1974. After technical school, they went to their respective assignments of Robins Air Force Base in Georgia and Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. TSgt Rice served as an avionics specialist, repairing radio and communication equipment; while SrA Rice served as a supply troop where she processed materials for arrival and departure.

They were married in November 1974 and after assistance from U.S. Senator John Sparkman of Alabama, they attained a joint spouse assignment at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. They then served together at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. SrA Rice completed her four years of enlistment and rejoined the civilian sector. She later pursued a vocation in elementary education when her children became school age. The family was assigned to Eglin AFB, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida where they worked and served for 14 years. During this timeframe, TSgt Rice pulled a remote assignment to Keflavik NAS, Iceland, and Saudi Arabia during the First Gulf War.

After TSgt Rice's retirement from military service, he worked as a computer specialist for a publishing company in Murfreesboro, TN. During the Yugoslav Wars, the couple served as relief volunteers, where they aided refugees resettling in Nashville. TSgt Rice then decided to join the U.S. State Department Foreign Service. The Rice family lived in the Washington, D.C. area with assignments to the countries of Zambia, Cyprus, Israel, and Lesotho, where TSgt Rice worked for the diplomatic corps, while SrA Rice volunteered at soup kitchens, unwed mothers' houses, crisis pregnancy centers, and local missions. They are now retired and continue to serve others in their hometown of Greeneville, Tennessee. Please join me in honoring TSgt and SrA Rice for their long careers of service to our Nation.