Jack Bergman

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Thomas Ranta for being named the 2026 Marquette County Veteran of the Year. I thank him for his decades of dedicated service to our Nation, our Veterans, and the Marquette County community.

Tom learned the importance of helping Veterans from his father, a man who proudly wore the uniform during World War II. After spending 13 years in the United States Army and National Guard, Tom continued his commitment to Veterans through his work with the American Legion and other Veterans organizations.

Tom's involvement in his community began with his own experience as a 1967 American Legion Boys State delegate. He later became the Boys State Chairman for ten years, helping send 56 young men to the Boys State program and preparing them for the experience.

Tom has dedicated countless hours to honoring our Nation's Veterans. Since 2010, he has spearheaded the ``Flags Over School Program,'' coordinating Veterans Day programs at nine schools and two nursing homes. Each year, he leads efforts to display 143 American flags at Harlow Park and coordinates the placement of approximately 1,400 flags at Veterans' graves in Park and Holy Cross Cemeteries. For nearly a decade, Tom has coordinated Memorial Day ceremonies at both cemeteries. After learning that some residents at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans could not attend, Tom established a separate Memorial Day ceremony there so Veterans and their families could participate in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Tom has held numerous leadership positions with American Legion Post 44, including Post Commander and Boys State Chairman, and is also a member of VFW Post 6 and the Marquette County Veterans Alliance. He also served as a Lieutenant with the Michigan State Police for 33 years.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Thomas Ranta. I thank him for a lifetime of dedication to our Nation, our Veterans, and the State of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye and to extend my congratulations to the people of Turkiye and to Turkish Americans in Michigan and across the United States.

On October 29, 1923, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk proclaimed the Republic of Turkiye, launching a new era of national sovereignty, modernization, and reform. Over a century later, Turkiye still sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, a location of real strategic consequence.

The relationship between our two nations rests on diplomatic, economic, cultural, and security cooperation. Those ties have endured for generations, and they continue to open doors for greater collaboration and mutual understanding.

Turkiye is a steadfast NATO ally, anchoring the Alliance's southeastern flank. In 74 years of membership, Turkiye has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States and our allies, and in 2026 it hosted the NATO Summit in Ankara. Turkiye remains central to collective defense, regional security, and the pursuit of peace.

That friendship is strengthened by the Turkish American community. Across Michigan, Turkish American physicians, educators, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, and civic leaders make our communities stronger and add to the economic and cultural vitality of our state.

As Turkish Americans gather to celebrate Republic Day, we honor their heritage, their accomplishments, and their commitment to building stronger ties between the American and Turkish people.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating the people of Turkiye and Turkish Americans in Michigan and across the country on the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye. May our friendship continue to grow, grounded in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and an unwavering commitment to peace and security.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Benjamin Twiggs of Traverse City, Michigan, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, and to commend its enduring commitment to Michigan's cherry industry and the farming families who sustain it.

Founded in 1966, Benjamin Twiggs has become a fixture in Traverse City, a community known for its rich agricultural heritage and its tart cherries. In 2020, fifth-generation fruit farmer Leisa Eckerle Hankins acquired the store with a clear mission: to strengthen the connection between local agriculture and the customers who support it. She later learned that her father had invested in the company at its founding, more than five decades earlier. Her family's story with the business had come full circle.

Today, Leisa and her family continue to build on that legacy by promoting Michigan-grown cherries, teaching visitors about the region's agricultural traditions, and standing behind local farmers. Through its products and outreach, Benjamin Twiggs shows the hard work of Michigan's agricultural community and carries the value of our state's cherry industry well beyond the orchard. Leisa has also helped strengthen the industry by establishing a cherry grower alliance that brings together more than 100 growers around their shared future.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Benjamin Twiggs and the Eckerle Hankins family on 60 years of business and service to Michigan's cherry industry. I commend their dedication to our state's agricultural heritage, and I thank them for supporting the farmers, families, and communities that make Northern Michigan such a special place to call home.