Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of William Franklin Thomas, Jr. of Pulaski, Virginia, who died on November 29, 2021 at the age of 87. Judge Thomas was a distinguished jurist who served for over two decades as a juvenile and domestic court judge.

Judge Thomas was born on January 2, 1934. He grew up in Pulaski and made it his lifelong home. After graduating from Pulaski High School in 1950, he attended Emory & Henry College and graduated from the University of Richmond. After earning a law degree from the University of Virginia, he began his legal career at the firm known at the time as Gilmer, Sadler, Harman & Thomas, mainly practicing real estate law.

In 1973, the Virginia General Assembly named him a Juvenile and Domestic Court Judge for the 27th Judicial Circuit. He sat on the bench until retirement on December 31, 1995, and served the Counties of Pulaski, Wythe, Carroll, Grayson, and Bland and the City of Galax. During his judicial career, Judge Thomas was widely respected for his commitment to the work and care for the children that came before him in court. As a symbol of the esteem in which Judge Thomas was held, the Pulaski County Bar Association commissioned a portrait of him, which now hangs in the county courthouse.

Beyond the bench, Judge Thomas found ways to serve his beloved Pulaski. He belonged to the Pulaski Jaycees, the Elks, and the Masons, and as a devout member of First United Methodist Church served on the Church Council. A keen interest in politics drove him to the 1960 Democratic National Convention as a delegate and to run in 2007 for the Virginia House of Delegates in the Sixth District.

Judge Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Davis Thomas; his parents, William Franklin Thomas Sr. and Virginia Saunders Thomas; and his sister, Elizabeth ``Betty'' Thomas Hicks. He is survived by a son, Lee Mason Thomas, and four nieces and nephews. I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of this good man and dedicated jurist.

Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks on behalf of Congressman Ben Cline and myself in honor of Randolph ``Randy'' W. Brinkley of Daleville, Virginia, who passed away on November 13, 2021, at the age of 51. Mr. Brinkley served the community as a long-time educator and scoutmaster.

Mr. Brinkley was born on January 12, 1970 in Covington, Virginia, to Robert Franklin Brinkley and Glenda Scott Brinkley. Following his graduation from Alleghany High School in 1988, he joined and served in the U.S. Army National Guard for the next eight years.

He received degrees from numerous universities including a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Mary Baldwin and a Post-Masters degree as an Education Specialist from the University of Virginia. He began his teaching career in Roanoke city. Over the years he taught at several schools throughout the state and helped them establish programs to foster STEM education for their students. For the last five years, Mr. Brinkley has been serving as the STEM instructor for Salem High School.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Brinkley spent much of his time serving as a scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Assistant Scout Master and High Adventure Coordinator for Troop 211, which met at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. He was also a Mason at a local lodge and a Shriner who advocated for the Shriner's Hospital for Children. He spent his life teaching and investing in the lives of youth in the community. His distinguished service and kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Brinkley's survivors include his wife of twenty-five years, Donna Lynn Brinkley; his son, Nathaniel Scott Brinkley; and many other beloved family and friends. We offer them my condolences on the loss of this great man and educator.

Madam Speaker, the Commonwealth of Virginia mourns the loss of Officer Michael Chandler of the Big Stone Gap Police Department. Officer Chandler was killed in the line of duty on November 13, 2021, at the age of 29. Though he was taken too soon, he lived a selfless life of service and commitment to the rigorous calling of law enforcement.

Officer Chandler was a native of Big Stone Gap. As a student at Powell Valley High School, he played football and scored the last touchdown in the school's history before it subsequently merged into Union High School. He graduated in 2011 and began service in 2015 with the Big Stone Gap Fire Department. In 2019, Officer Chandler joined the Big Stone Gap Police Department. He was a distinguished public servant who put his life on the line every day as he courageously served, protected, and defended those around him. While on duty on his 29th birthday, he gave the ultimate sacrifice. Officer Chandler was shot while performing a wellness check in Wise County. He was initially transported to Norton Community Hospital before being flown

to Johnson City Medical Center, where he passed away.

Officer Chandler was a loving father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Wayne Chandler, and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Natasha Chandler; his daughter, Kamryn Elizabeth Chandler; his mother, Rebecca Ann Tipton, and her husband Eddie; his brothers, Chris Chandler, David Chandler, and his wife Kisha, and Tyler Chandler; his sister, Amanda Herron, and her husband Troy; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other close relatives and friends.

The death of Officer Chandler is a grievous loss to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Wise County, and the Town of Big Stone Gap. I mourn his loss, yet I am grateful that he and the other men and women of law enforcement step forward to protect us knowing full well the risks they face. His bravery and selfless service will not be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of John Leeper of Dublin, Virginia, who passed away on October 2, 2021, at the age of 59. Mr. Leeper served his local community as a Police Officer with the Pulaski Police Department for over 29 years.

Mr. Leeper was born on December 25, 1961, in Washington, DC, to Walter Marue Leeper and Minnie Lamon Leeper. Before beginning his career with the police department, he served his country in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He recently retired after spending a career selflessly serving others. In his 29 years with the Pulaski Police Department, Mr. Leeper was a well-renowned leader on the force and in the community. He never met a stranger and welcomed all with a smile.

Colleagues and community members remember Mr. Leeper for his kindness and dedication to the safety and security of his community. He trained numerous other officers and many colleagues looked upon him as a mentor. His hard work and service will not be forgotten.

Mr. Leeper was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie Lamon Leeper. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Mills Leeper; his son, Austin Leeper and his fiancee, McKayla Huff; his step-daughters, Hunter Riddle and Laura Reece; and his father, Walter M. Leeper. I would like to offer my condolences to them and the people of Pulaski County on the loss of this dedicated public servant.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Thomas Junior Roseberry II of Bland, Virginia, who passed away on October 27, 2021, at the age of 74. Mr. Roseberry was a former Bland County sheriff and Virginia State Police trooper who made a tremendous contribution to the area.

Mr. Roseberry was born on December 18, 1946, to Thomas J. and Wanda Deck Roseberry in Pulaski, Virginia. His life was spent helping and defending those around him. He started his career with the Virginia State Police in 1968. He also worked as the Captain of Investigations for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and was elected twice as Sheriff of Bland County--once in 1988 and later in 2015. When he retired in 2019, he had cumulatively served and protected his community for a total of 51 years. In addition to his police service, Mr. Roseberry also served in the Army Reserves for 27 years and was a member of the American Legion for Bland County.

A man of integrity, Mr. Roseberry helped mentor numerous deputies and troopers not only in Bland County but all throughout the state of Virginia in both their law enforcement careers and in their personal lives. He was a man of God that led by example. He remains highly esteemed by those that know him and will be greatly missed.

Mr. Roseberry was preceded in death by his parents and one of his sisters, Carolyn Roseberry Elam, as well as her husband ``T''.

His survivors include his wife of 55 years, Rita T. Roseberry; daughter, Stina R. Wilburn and husband Mark; son, Thomas J. Roseberry III; daughter, Staci R. Leewright and husband Mike; son Seth E. Roseberry and finance Jody

Powell; ten grandchildren; two sisters, Pansy Pannell and Sandee R Janney; and Dot Kidd, who was like a second mother to him. I would like to offer my condolences to them on the loss of this great man.

Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of Naval Aircrewman 1st Class James ``Jimmy'' P. Buriak, who died on August 31, 2021, at the age of 31.

Mr. Buriak, of Salem, Virginia, was one of five sailors who died when their helicopter from the USS Abraham Lincoln crashed into the sea off the coast of southern California.

Mr. Buriak was born on May 9, 1990, to Jim and Carol Buriak in Salem. Jimmy graduated from Salem High School and Roanoke College. Jimmy joined the Navy in 2017.

During the last year of his life, Jimmy was honored for rescuing a man who was caught in a rip current off Guam's Gun Beach.

Mr. Buriak's thoughtful character far exceeded the parameters of his job. He always went out of his way to help those in need and to go the extra mile that others weren't willing to do. Jimmy was a great young man.

His wife, Megan, is starting the AWS1 James Buriak Foundation to continue honoring his legacy. The foundation will seek to improve financial shortcomings for Gold Star families with small children.

Mr. Buriak is survived by his wife, Megan; his very young son, Caulder; as well as his parents, Jim and Carol Buriak; his sister, Laura; and his brother-in-law, Erik Zickefoose.

Madam Speaker, I offer Jimmy's entire family my condolences on their loss. He was a great young man.

Madam Speaker, as an aside, Jimmy used to play water polo with me in the summertime.

Mr. Speaker, I offer these remarks today to honor the bravery and selfless service of the law enforcement officers and other first responders that worked to ensure the safety of the residents of Buchanan County during the horrendous flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the small town of Hurley, Virginia, on August 30, 2021.

Their efforts saved lives and were core to rescue and recovery following the destructive power of the flood. Particularly, I honor Buchanan County Sheriff John McClanahan, Deputy Raymond Webb, Deputy Lieutenant Brandon Hall, Deputy Lieutenant Ryan Mitchell, Deputy Billy Owens, Deputy Aaron Skeens, Deputy Andy Webb, Deputy John Hagy III, and Deputy Tasha Meadows.

The excessive rainfall resulted in blocked roadways, numerous landslides, and severe flooding in the town of Hurley. There were school closures from the storm as well. All of this caused devastating damage and jeopardized the safety of many.

In the face of danger, these officers and first responders of Buchanan County displayed great heroism by rescuing a number of citizens from harm's way. The storm caused a level of flooding in Hurley which has not been seen for nearly 20 years and matched any level of devastation from a natural disaster that I have seen in the Ninth Congressional District of Virginia.

Hundreds of residents had to evacuate their homes. As many as a thousand were left without power and drinking water, and I saw roughly 20 homes that had been uprooted from their foundations. But the terrible flood was also an occasion of heroism and helping others. Besides the deputies and the sheriff, around 500 volunteers lent their time to rescue and cleanup efforts.

Mr. Speaker, let me highlight one remarkable rescue from the flooding on Monday, August 30, 2021, involving a woman trapped in her home.

The woman's mobile home had been swept off its foundation, carried downstream, and when it crashed into a railroad trestle, the home, with the woman inside of it, was caught between the raging water and the train trestle. The home would have continued further downstream if it had not been trapped at the trestle. And as officers quickly arrived on the scene, her home was already little more than rubble.

As the water thundered by and the rain continued to pour down, the trailer, surrounded by water, was precariously positioned and appeared ready to collapse completely at any moment. Amid this peril, the officers showed no regard for their own safety as they came to the rescue.

Deputy Raymond Webb was first to arrive on the scene. He crossed the railroad tracks, climbed over to where the collapsed home remained, with water raging around, and was able to cut a hole in the roof of what was left of the house.

Shortly after, Sheriff John McClanahan and Deputies Skeens, Meadows, Hall, Mitchell, Owens, Webb, and Hagy arrived at the scene to assist with the rescue. Deputy Raymond Webb tied a rope around the woman, while the rest of the officers and personnel retrieved her and pulled her out of the trailer and up to safety. Thanks to the rapid response of these officers from the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, she was rescued from the battered trailer.

Mr. Speaker, this storm was devastating for the town of Hurley. In a time when the community was in great need, these officers courageously came together to do their utmost to ensure the safety and security of those who were in harm's way.

I offer my gratitude to the officers from the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, as well as all the community leaders and first responders that played a hand in keeping Hurley safe on that day and the days that followed.

Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of Kenneth Gene Fannon of Duffield in Scott County, Virginia, who passed away on October 10, 2021 at the age of 90. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Fannon. He was a veteran and a well-known community leader in Duffield.

Mr. Fannon was born in Lee County, Virginia on May 15, 1931. He was a graduate of Rye Cove High School and Whitney Business College. Mr. Fannon served in the United States Army as a Corporal during the Korean War. He later became the Commander of Chapter 250 of the Korean War Veteran's Association.

He was a trailblazer for community service activities and veterans' events in Scott County. Over the years, he also served as Scout Master and as a member of numerous local board of directors. He was often recognized for establishing Duffield Daze, Duffield's largest service event. He started it in 1981 as a way to give back to the community through a family-friendly affair that promoted town unity and local business support.

Every time I attended Duffield Daze, Mr. Fannon was there to welcome me. He often reached out to my office to advocate for veterans in the area. He greeted everyone with kindness and generosity. Mr. Fannon was a tireless volunteer that worked hard to make his community and country a better place. He was a staple of so many community endeavors. Mr. Fannon was esteemed by many and will be greatly missed.

Mr. Fannon was preceded in death by his parents, E.D. and Venus Fannon; brothers, Jack and Joe; and sister, Mary Allen. He is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Jack and wife Susan; daughter, Lori Green and husband Daniel; grandchildren, Ruston Fannon, Kevin Wade, and Leslie Guy; great-grandsons, Jackson Guy and Mason Wade; sister, June Fannon, and sister-in-law, Helen Lane. I offer them my condolences on the loss of this good man.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Naval Air Crewman 1st Class James ``Jimmy'' P. Buriak, who died on August 31, 2021, at the age of 31.

Mr. Buriak, of Salem, Virginia, was one of the five sailors that lost their lives when an MH-60S helicopter embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, crashed into the sea off the coast of southern California. At the time of the crash, the helicopter was conducting what the Navy described as ``routine flight operations.''

Mr. Buriak was born on May 9, 1990, to Jim and Carol Buriak in Salem. He graduated from Salem High School in 2008 and from Roanoke College in 2012. He joined the Navy in 2017 and served as a rescue swimmer assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight. He deployed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt for two consecutive tours before departing for the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Last year, Mr. Buriak was honored for rescuing a man caught in a rip current off Guam's Gun Beach. Though coral reefs surround the island, and the gentleman was weak from exhaustion, Mr. Buriak was still able to pull him from the current and bring him safely to shore. He was off duty at the time of the rescue and earned the Navy Commendation Medal for his selflessness and bravery.

Mr. Buriak's thoughtful character far exceeded the parameters of his job. He always went out of his way to help those in need and go the extra mile that others weren't willing to do. He was a charismatic and caring man. He valued his friends and time spent with his wife and son. He was esteemed as a hero. I offer my gratitude for his work and sacrifice for our great country. His selfless service will not be forgotten.

His wife, Megan, is starting the AWS1 James Buriak Foundation to continue honoring his legacy. The foundation will seek to improve financial shortcomings for Gold Star families with small children.

Mr. Buriak is survived by his wife, Megan, and young son, Caulder, as well as his parents, Jim and Carol Buriak, his sister, Laura, and brother-in-law, Erik Zickefoose. I offer them my condolences on their loss.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Clintwood, Virginia's mayor, Donald Baker, who died on October 7, 2021, at the age of 83. Mr. Baker was a dedicated and longtime public servant.

Mr. Baker served the town of Clintwood for over three decades. He was first elected to the town's council in 1980 and served as the mayor since 1988. He was spoken very highly of by his colleagues for his enduring generosity to the community. He was a great representative for the citizens of Clintwood. He was attentive to the community's concerns and addressed them with compassion and integrity.

During his time in service, he worked diligently to build coalitions to obtain grants and funding for community improvement projects. He was well known for governing by conservative financial values. During his 41 years of service, he kept the provision of affordable goods and services as a top priority for him. He was esteemed by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Baker was known as a friend to many and held a strong voice in the region.

Outside of his work in the public service, he worked and operated in the coal industry for many years. He also served as a Bank Director at several banks in the region up until his retirement. And he was a member of the Army Reserve Forces serving at rank of Sergeant.

Even in his free time, Mr. Baker still dedicated his time to helping others. For over 60 years he volunteered at every level of Little League baseball and softball. He tirelessly worked with school leaders and coaches to support Clintwood athletics and their children.

Mayor Baker was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ann Anderson; his parents, James Garfield Baker and Nell Arrington Baker; and his brothers, Harold Baker, Carl Baker, and Marvin Baker.

He is survived by his two sons, Greg Baker and his wife Lora, and Mike Baker; his granddaughter, Emily Ann Baker Dressner; grandson Thomas Gregory Baker; and one great-grandson, John Mark Dressner. I offer my condolences on the loss of this good man and great leader.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Thomas Michael Hufford, who passed away on August 29, 2021, at the age of 86. Mr. Hufford was a prominent business owner and community leader in the Roanoke area.

Mr. Hufford was born on August 14, 1935 in Huntington, West Virginia to Genevieve Eloise Kirley Wippel Hufford of Huntington and Anthony Wippel. He graduated in 1953 from St. Joseph High School in Huntington, West Virginia where he served as president of his class. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia, graduating in 1957. Following college, he was in the army reserves at Fort Knox.

Mr. Hufford was an insurance agent by trade and owner of Hufford Insurance in Roanoke, Virginia. For all his life, he sustained a strong voice in politics and his community. He served as the Planning Commissioner of Roanoke County for several years. He also ran for State Senate and Congress of Virginia in the 1970s. His civic service through business and leadership made a profound impact on his community and those around him.

Mr. Hufford was preceded in death by his wife, Ada D. Hufford. He is survived by his two daughters, Karen Hufford and Jill Hufford, and his younger brother, Frederick M. Hufford. He also has two granddaughters, Morgan Dilling and Samantha Hufford, and a great-granddaughter, Melah Grace Dilling. I offer them my condolences on their loss.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Melvyn Jay Huber of Blacksburg, Virginia. At 92 years of age, this Marine Corps veteran is not done serving his country or looking out for others. Mel has been troubled by the divisions too often found in our country and the despair it has created for some. For them, he has a simple message: your life matters.

``Your life matters'' is how he greets people. It is what he writes on the lowest left of every envelope that leaves his mailbox. He purchased 100 yard signs with this message, and since he is currently in hospice care, others have come by to pick up the signs and put them on display. Currently, the signs can be found in six counties and two independent cities of Virginia's Ninth Congressional District, which I represent, as well as three northeastern states.

For someone in trouble, hearing from another the simple words ``your life matters'' can be tremendously reassuring. I commend Mel Huber, a resident of the Ninth District, for sharing his healing message.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Leon J. Arp of Blacksburg, Virginia, who passed away on July 23, 2021, at the age of 91. Mr. Arp was a veteran and businessman who greatly contributed to the Blacksburg community.

Mr. Arp was born in Norway, Iowa on June 30, 1930, to Hugo and Leova Arp. After graduating from Walford High School in 1948, he spent four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, serving in air reconnaissance. He married his wife, Kathleen Schulte, in 1955.

He went on to earn his Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Mr. Arp later moved to Virginia to serve as a professor emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech Blacksburg where he taught for 25 years. In his time there he earned various distinctions and honors for his teaching and research.

Mr. Arp is best known for developing the Arp Respirator in the late 1960s. This design was created to aid infants facing respiratory distress syndrome--at the time the leading cause of infant death in the first week of life. This device is responsible for saving hundreds of infants' lives.

A 1970 Life Magazine profiled this life-saving tool. The article notes that Mr. Arp designed a respirator that could handle the delicacy of premature infants after nearly losing one of his own children to respiratory syndrome. This machine attended an infant's gasp for breath more sensitively than any device in existence at the time. Mr. Arp had continual innovation throughout his career and retained more than 25 patents.

Mr. Arp was preceded in death by his son, William. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Kathleen; his children, Nicholas, John, and Joseph; and eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. I would like to extend to them my condolences.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Vernon Ray Hancock, who died on June 19, 2021, at the age of 94. Mr. Hancock served nearly 30 years as the Math Department Chair at Emory & Henry College and made a remarkable impact on the students and the university.

Mr. Hancock was born on July 10, 1926, in Baltimore, Maryland to Wheeler Hancock & Rebecca Helm Hancock. In 1943, Mr. Hancock enlisted in the United States Army. After graduating high school, the Army sent him to Virginia Polytechnic Institute for engineering classes. Following WWII, he went on to work as a clerk typist in France and was later honorably discharged in December 1946 with the rank of Tech 4. Mr. Hancock received his graduate degree in math at Johns Hopkins University and his doctorate at Tulane University. Years later, Mr. Hancock returned to the Commonwealth and settled in to make Virginia his life-long home.

Mr. Hancock married Ruth Eileen Farnham in 1950, and the two of them were inseparable as they volunteered together in their community. Throughout his life, both Mr. and Mrs. Hancock were active members of the United Methodist Church. From his appointment at Emory & Henry in 1963 until after his retirement in 1991, Mr. Hancock remained an active member of the academic and service community. He saw his life mission was to serve those around him and he found great joy in this selfless service to his community. Together with his wife, they served with the Boy Scouts of America, chartered the Pi Omicron chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity at Emory (of which I was Member), and they were also heavily involved in the Washington County Republican Party. I personally knew Mr. Hancock when he was my Faculty Advisor to the Emory & Henry College Republicans and through his decades of work with the Republican Party.

Mr. Hancock is survived by his 2 sons; Dale and his wife Nancy, Clark and his wife Frances; his granddaughter, Bethany; and numerous nieces and nephews. I offer them my condolences on their loss.