Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor Air Force Major Alexander Davis of Goldsboro.

On June 15, our Nation mourned when a tragic B-52 mishap at Edwards Air Force Base claimed the lives of eight brave airmen.

Alex was among them, and his life was defined by selfless service. From earning the rank of Eagle Scout to his time at North Carolina State University and his distinguished military career, he faithfully answered every call to serve.

Whether flying missions, modernizing our Air Force, or encouraging those around him, he was dependable. He dreamed of one day becoming an astronaut, always reaching for the skies.

Eastern North Carolina will always be proud to call him one of our own.

To Doug, Karen, and his family, we grieve with you. We pray with you. We will forever remember Major Alexander Davis, a beloved airman, a beloved leader, and a true American hero.

Mr. Speaker, before there was the Declaration of Independence, there was Halifax, North Carolina.

More than 250 years ago, 83 delegates gathered in Halifax with the courage to take a bold stand. Through the Halifax Resolves, the first Colony officially called for independence from Great Britain. That is why North Carolina proudly carries the title ``First in Freedom.''

The journey of American independence traveled through eastern North Carolina, where brave individuals believed freedom was worth the risk. Their courage helped change the course of history.

As America prepares to celebrate 250 years, let's remember that every generation has a responsibility to protect the freedoms they fought to secure.

May God bless our wonderful country, the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, eastern North Carolina honored Currituck Jack, an experienced sailor and hero whose bravery during the American Revolution deserves remembrance.

His statue unveiling celebrates his legacy as an enslaved sailor who risked it all to reclaim his ship from British privateers in 1780 showcasing that heroes can emerge from hardship.

Currituck Jack's journey from enslavement to freedom, taking on the name John Jasper White, saw him become a respected captain and community figure.

His story highlights that ordinary people in eastern North Carolina can do extraordinary things.

Thank you to everyone who came out and to those who had a hand in sharing Currituck Jack's courage to inspire all generations.

Mr. Speaker, some restaurants serve more than good meals. They serve wonderful memories and rich traditions.

For 85 years and three generations, the Lovick family has opened Lovick's Cafe and welcomed the greater Kinston community.

From their famous dough burgers and pancakes to conversations shared across the table, this hometown treasure represents the best of eastern North Carolina.

Small businesses like Lovick's Cafe are where friendships are built, stories are told, and communities come together.

I congratulate Steve, Christina, the Lovick family, and their hardworking staff. Their dedication, service, and hospitality remind us that the best places are the ones that make us feel right at home.

Here is to 85 years of great food, great people, and great memories.

Mr. Speaker, Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of strength, faith, and perseverance.

Across eastern North Carolina, from our smallest towns to our most rural communities, we celebrated Juneteenth, honored history, and remembered the generations who kept believing in a brighter future.

Juneteenth reminds us that we must keep the American Dream within reach for everyone, which is possible when we stand together, work together, and believe together. We must remain committed to building communities where every child, every family, and every neighbor has the opportunity to succeed.

It is up to us to allow freedom to ring.

Mr. Speaker, I am so excited to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week and recognize the legendary Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City, a treasured tradition along our beautiful Crystal Coast.

For generations, fishing and boating have brought families together, supported small businesses, strengthened our coastal economy, and connected people to breathtaking waters that make eastern North Carolina so special.

The Big Rock tournament represents the very best of our maritime heritage, drawing anglers from far and near to experience world-class competition and the unmatched hospitality of our coastal communities.

Fishing, it is not just a pastime in the East. It is our way of life.

Mr. Speaker, as a co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus, I am so proud to support our boaters, anglers, captains, crews, and coastal businesses who keep these rich traditions alive.

Mr. Speaker, with great pride I recognize a truly historic moment in Greene County.

The class of 2026 is the final graduating class to walk the halls of a building that has shaped lives, strengthened our community, and carried the hopes and dreams of generations since 1962.

Greene Central High School has been far more than brick and mortar. It has been a place where friendships were formed, lessons were learned, championships were achieved, and young people prepared to make their mark on the world.

Within these classrooms and hallways are countless stories filled with Greene County pride. The building may change, but the memories and legacy of the Greene Central Rams will live forever.

We honor every educator, parent, class, and the community who helped build the proud legacy of Greene Central High School.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 20 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, for generations, the sound of a Harrier over eastern North Carolina meant one thing: Marines were ready.

As Marine Attack Squadron 223, the Bulldogs, completed a Harrier sundown ceremony, the final operational flight of the AV-8B Harrier II, at Cherry Point on June 3, we honor decades of service, sacrifice, and excellence.

The aircraft made history, but the marines behind it built the legacy. To every Bulldog who wore the patch, turned a wrench, launched a mission, or brought a Harrier safely home, I thank them. Their service is forever part of Cherry Point, eastern North Carolina, and Marine Corps history.

Mr. Speaker, it is a proud history, a new beginning, and a brighter future for eastern North Carolina.

After closing in 2009, the historic Eastman School in Halifax County is reopening its doors as Eastman Leadership Academy. From its humble beginnings in 1894, serving generations of families, to closing due to consolidation, Eastman's story has always been about community.

Soon, students will fill these hallways again: learning, growing, and writing the next chapter of this incredible legacy.

With the dedicated vision of Superintendent Cunningham, the Halifax County Board of Education, and the Board of Commissioners, the school will serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Eastman's reopening is a reminder that when communities invest in education, they are investing in new opportunities, leadership, and the future.

Mr. Speaker, faith, service, and community came together in a truly powerful way at Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, where love was not just spoken; it was put into action.

Men on a mission traveled from across the country, answering the call to help build a new church home for the Walnut Grove church family. Volunteers set aside their time not for recognition but because they believe in the power of serving others through Jesus Christ. With skilled hands and servants' hearts, these volunteers are using their talents and Christian faith to make a lasting difference. When people come together with willing hearts, incredible things happen.

Thanks to Pastor Arrington and through faith and teamwork, Walnut Grove's next chapter is being built one act of service, one prayer, and one brick at a time.

Mr. Speaker, Martin General Hospital was Martin County's only hospital until financial distress forced its closure, leaving thousands without nearby emergency care.

Since then, local residents have been forced to travel 20 to 30 minutes or more to see a doctor in emergencies. When seconds count, those delays can be fatal.

The hospital's closure didn't just hurt our health but also the county's local economy, costing over 180 jobs and pulling $33 million from the community each year.

I believe in practical solutions, which is why I am fighting to bring our hard-earned tax dollars back home to work for us.

Mr. Speaker, I have sent President Trump a letter as I advocate for $175 million in Federal funding to reopen Martin General Hospital. Eastern North Carolina families deserve healthcare close to home.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor the enduring legacy of the Johnson Hill School and the Eastman School, and I recognize the continued commitment of Halifax Country Schools to educational excellence, community empowerment, and opportunity for future generations.

The story of Eastman began in 1894 with the opening of Johnson Hill School, a modest one-room wooden schoolhouse located along a rural road in Halifax County. Though small in size, the school stood as a powerful symbol of hope and determination for Black children seeking access to education during a time of limited opportunity.

Under the leadership of the school's first principal, Miss Frankie B. Myrick, Johnson Hill School became the foundation of a proud educational tradition. Her words still reflect the spirit of the Halifax County Schools today: ``We simply worked it up from the ground and prayed it down from the skies.''

In 1920, through the combined efforts of local families, community leaders, public support, and philanthropic contributions, Eastman School was established. Support from George Eastman, Julius Rosenwald, and the Black community helped create one of the region's most significant rural Black schools. As enrollment and community pride grew, Eastman expanded into a center of learning, culture, and leadership.

Under the leadership of Principal W.A. Holmes beginning in 1934, Eastman entered a period of extraordinary growth. New classrooms, vocational facilities, teacher housing, and beautification projects transformed the campus into a model of rural Black education in North Carolina. Enrollment eventually grew to nearly 600 students with a faculty of 14 teachers.

Though the historic school closed in 2009 following consolidation, the spirit and legacy of Eastman endured within the Halifax County community.

That legacy entered a new chapter in 2016 under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Eric Cunningham and the Halifax County Board of Education. Through years of planning, community engagement, and investment, the vision for Eastman Leadership Academy became a reality when Halifax County Schools was awarded the needs based public school grant. In December 2022, Halifax County Schools broke ground on a $52.9 million state-of-the-art Pre-K through 8 facility dedicated to preparing students for future success while honoring the school's historic roots.

On June 2, 2026, that dream will become a reality and the community will gather once again to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Eastman Leadership Academy and the school will open for students August 24, 2026.

We honor the generations of educators, students, families, and community members whose faith and perseverance made this moment possible. May Eastman Leadership Academy continue to stand as a symbol of resilience, excellence, and opportunity for Halifax County and for generations yet to come.

Mr. Speaker, far too many Vietnam servicemembers return home without the honor and recognition their sacrifice deserved.

As Memorial Day nears, we remember brave servicemembers from eastern North Carolina who made the ultimate sacrifice, such as:

Lieutenant Eric Parker Brice of Rocky Mount was a Navy pilot flying dangerous combat missions over Vietnam. On June 4, 1968, he went down after his F-4 Phantom II was struck by enemy fire.

Army Sergeant Willie Farmer, Jr., of Pinetops, was only 21 years old when his life was tragically cut short after being struck by fragments from a downed helicopter rotor blade during combat operations on September 29, 1967.

Mr. Speaker, the stories of Lieutenant Brice and Sergeant Farmer reflect enormous sacrifice. We must always honor and remember our Nation's heroes.

Mr. Speaker, Marshall Paige Valentine is a devoted community, civic, and church leader, whose service and leadership have had a lasting impact across eastern North Carolina and beyond.

She has dedicated decades to mentoring, faith-based service, civic engagement, uplifting individuals, and strengthening communities throughout our region, State, Nation, and the entire world.

She served as the 25th Grand Worthy Matron for the Grand Chapter of North Carolina and the first from Greene County, focusing on charity, loving-kindness, and fellowship. Her legacy is truly remarkable.

Mr. Speaker, she is a shining star from Greene County. It is an honor to recognize such an extraordinary daughter of eastern North Carolina and a great American.