Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a member of the Greatest Generation, Colonel Justin McCarthy ``Mac'' Miller, United States Marine Corps Retired, upon the occasion of his 100th birthday. Colonel Miller has dedicated his life to service to his community, his family, and to our great Nation, and I am humbled to honor him and his remarkable achievements today.

Born in 1914, aviation has always been a stronghold in Colonel Miller's life. As a young man, he admired the pursuit pilots, or fighter pilots, of the Allied Forces. From his early encounters with comic books and magazine covers depicting the Lafayette Escadrille, to his application to the United States Naval Academy, Colonel Miller knew his life's destiny was to become a fighter pilot.

While at the Naval Academy, he resigned as a midshipmen and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an aviation cadet in 1940 before receiving his wings in 1941. His first assignment was as an Instructor Pilot in Pensacola, Florida, where he would return later in life. He then was assigned to Staff and Command school at United States Marine Corps Base, Quantico. Though these two assignments were perhaps not the most ideal for someone just pinning on wings eager to enter theater, shortly after the beginning of World War II, not only would Colonel Miller be presented with the opportunity to fly in combat, but he would be assigned as the Commanding Officer and take on the role of Executive Officer of the newly-established fighter squadron VMF 217, training in the F4F Wildcat. In 1943, the squadron embarked on the USS BARNES (CVE- 20) deployed to the South Pacific, transitioned aircraft to the F4U Corsair, and flew combat missions over the Solomon Islands. In 1944, the squad embarked on the USS SANTEE (CVE-29) and deployed to Guam, where they commenced strikes against the island of Rota. In October 1944, Colonel Miller took Command of VMF-321 until 1945, when the squadron returned to the United States. Throughout his tour in the Pacific Theater, Colonel Miller commanded two fighter squadrons. He then joined the Reserves in 1948 after the end of the war, where he continued his career in flight while also proving to be a successful businessman, as evidenced by his ownership of many radio stations, including WCOA Pensacola.

Amongst his vast array of accolades and contributions lay a century's worth of anecdotes, including being taught to fly his favorite aircraft, the F4U Corsair, by the legendary Charles Lindbergh himself. Amazingly, throughout his remarkable career, Colonel Miller flew 140 combat missions in 31 different aircraft, and received three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 Air Medals, and four Battle Stars, amidst an interminable list of decorations, honors, and awards for his distinguished service in World War II.

Mr. Speaker, Colonel Justin McCarthy ``Mac'' Miller is a valued member of our community and national history. He is a true ``American Patriot'' and an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of being a part of his exemplary life. My wife Vicki and I wish him a happy birthday as he turns 100 years young, and we wish him and his entire family all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the West Florida Regional Planning Council and recognize its significant impact and contributions to Northwest Florida.

The West Florida Regional Planning Council was established in 1964 as the Pensacola-Escambia County Regional Council when the need of transportation planning and coordination was recognized. As the third regional planning council to have been formed in the State of Florida, it has since grown to also include Bay, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington Counties and their municipalities. In addition to transportation planning, the Council today provides a forum

to engage its members in regional planning, comprehensive economic development strategic planning, emergency preparedness planning, environmental planning and education, and intergovernmental review. Furthermore, the Council provides assistance in grant-writing, project management, technical planning, and data analysis.

Due to its collaborative nature, the Council naturally recognizes the importance of an all-of-community and region approach. To that end, it welcomes and encourages citizens throughout the Gulf Coast to become engaged in the process to actively address and solve problems of the growing region.

Over the past five decades, the Council has dedicated their efforts to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Northwest Florida. Their contributions have helped ensure that the Emerald Coast remains a top tourist destination and a place where thousands live like millions wish they could.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pleasure to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the West Florida Regional Planning Council. My wife Vicki joins me in thanking all of its members for their devotion to service and wishing them and the Council all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize retired Navy Captain Robert ``Bob'' Rasmussen for his lifetime of honorable service and dedication to our great Nation on the occasion of his retirement as Director of the National Naval Aviation Museum aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.

A native of Sacramento, California, Bob was born on May 26, 1930, and entered the Navy through the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1951. He excelled in flight training school at NAS Whiting Field and NAS Pensacola, both located in Northwest Florida, and was assigned to a fighter squadron in San Diego, California, where he deployed on multiple occasions to the Western Pacific aboard the carrier USS Philippine Sea. In 1956, he was selected to join the elite Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. For three years, he awed and inspired millions of Americans flying flight demonstrations as the right wing pilot and number four slot. Bob continued his tours at sea in Fighter Squadron 33 aboard the USS Intrepid and as a Flag Lieutenant to

Deputy Commander Atlantic Fleet before completing the Navy Postgraduate School program in Monterey, California. In 1966, he was assigned to Fighter Squadron 111 aboard the USS Oriskany, where he completed two combat tours in Vietnam and served as first Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer. Before returning to combat in Vietnam as the prospective Air Wing SIXTEEN Commander, subsequently selected for Captain and assigned as Chief of Staff and Operations Officer of Carrier Division SEVEN and then as Commanding Officer of the ammunition ship USS Mount Hood, Bob completed a tour in our Nation's capital region.

After the end of the war, he served as Commanding Officer of Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico before later returning to Washington to command the Aviation Officer Distribution Division of the Bureau of Naval Personnel. Following three decades of service as one of the finest Naval aviators in history, recording 650 carrier traps and with more than 5,000 flight hours logged, as many servicemembers do, Bob found his way back to Pensacola where he completed his Naval service in 1983 as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Aviation Schools Command. Throughout his prestigious career, he received many awards, including three Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star.

Bob's love for aviation, however, remained, and his artistic prowess proved too strong, as he went on to serve as the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation Director of Development for four years before becoming Director of the National Naval Aviation Museum in 1987. During his tenure there, he produced hundreds of naval aviation watercolor pieces and several bronze sculpture works for the Museum, the Foundation, and several other historic venues, earning him the R.G. Smith Award for excellence in naval aviation art. As a direct result of his efforts, the Naval Aviation Museum more than tripled in size and remains the most successful Naval museum in the country as close to one million people visit and enjoy the museum each year.

My wife Vicki and I join Northwest Florida--and a grateful Nation-- in thanking Captain Bob Rasmussen for his more than six decades of admirable military and public service and wish him all the best as he takes off in his retirement alongside his wife, Phyllis; their children, Kathryn and Eric; and grandchildren, Christopher, Ashton, Emily Page, Madison, Avery, and Jack.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Jay Peanut Festival and recognize its founders, Gene and Brenda Gabbert and the community of Jay, Florida.

The Town of Jay, situated in northern Santa Rosa County, Florida near the Florida/Alabama line, is home to over 500 residents and the annual Jay Peanut Festival.

A quarter of a century ago, Gene and Brenda Gabbert founded the festival in honor of their daughter Melissa, who had lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 19. Melissa found great joy in frequenting agricultural festivals throughout the Gulf Coast and the special sense of community that festivals often bring to life. After her passing, the Gabberts started the Jay Peanut Festival to keep Melissa's memory alive and bring together the entire Northwest Florida community in celebration of the area's deep agricultural history.

In the 25 years since, the festival has flourished. While the pig chase has remained a highlight, what began in 1990 as a one-day event with 30-40 vendors is now a two-day event with 230 booths, live entertainment, carnival rides, 5k run, and a parade. The staple of the festival--the peanut--may attract the tens of thousands of visitors from all over; however, to the Town of Jay, the festival is much more than that. It's also a celebration of community, that Melissa was so fond of, and its members who have helped carry on this proud tradition.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to commemorate the 25-year history of the Jay Peanut Festival. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing the Gabberts and the Town of Jay all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Deborah ``Dee''

Copeland upon the occasion of her retirement. For 42 years, Ms. Copeland has dedicated her career to educating our Nation's youth and serving the Gulf Coast community.

A graduate of Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, Ms. Copeland began teaching at Mowat Junior High School in Panama City, Florida, in 1972. Eight years later, she joined the faculty at King Middle School in Milton, Florida, where she has established herself as a leader amongst the great educators in Northwest Florida and where she teaches today, chairs the History/Civics Department, and is the Student Government Association Advisor.

For over four decades, Ms. Copeland has inspired the minds of our Nation's youth, and her innovative techniques have brought unique learning opportunities and experiences to her students. Whether organizing an annual visit to Tallahassee, the state capital, to engage her students in the legislative process, sponsoring an annual Veteran's Day program to honor area veterans and first responders and educate her students on the contributions and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, or building pyramids and volcanoes, Ms. Copeland's passion for teaching is demonstrated through each of her tireless efforts in making learning enjoyable and bringing it to life.

Her dedication and service, however, is not confined to her classroom at King Middle School. Ms. Copeland teaches hospital homebound students in the evenings as well as Sunday School at her local church. She has also organized and sponsored countless events, including the Ronald McDonald House Easter Basket to benefit Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Pensacola, Florida; a Thanksgiving food basket drive to provide for the needy; a blanket giveaway for our area's homeless and to support low-income families; and Meet-the- Candidate breakfasts during election years to afford an additional opportunity to her students and the local community to participate in the democratic process.

Her involvement in the classroom and throughout the community has not gone unnoticed. As a result of her commitment to excellence and service, Ms. Copeland has received myriad awards, including the Alpha Delta Kappa Educator of the Year in 2012, the Governor's Award in Education, the International Award ISTE Ana Mackay-Gutierrez Award for Community Giving, the Santa Rosa County Volunteer of the Year in 2006, the Veteran's State Teacher of the Year in 2007, and the King Middle School ``Teacher of the Year'' award three times throughout her tenure.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ms. Deborah ``Dee'' Copeland for her lifetime of achievements and dedication to the Northwest Florida community. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing Ms. Copeland all the best for continued success in her well-earned retirement and thanking her for her service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and dedicated service of Northwest Florida's beloved George H. Whitehurst who passed away on October 19, 2014. Throughout his long and distinguished career as a mayor and businessman, Mr. Whitehurst served as a mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals. All those who have been blessed by his presence and leadership mourn the loss of a great man and esteemed public servant.

Mayor Whitehurst was born in Greenwood, Florida on July 28, 1926 to George and Ethel Whitehurst. Upon graduating from Greenwood High School, he enrolled in Florida State University where he was a part of the Flying High Circus and performed on the flying trapeze. From 1943 to 1945, Mayor Whitehurst honorably served our Nation in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman, as well as an operating room technician. Following his military service, he continued his education and graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1950. In 1955, Mayor Whitehurst settled in Crestview, Florida, where he and his wife, Annelle, opened the Whitehurst Funeral Home. In 1961, he entered the public service arena where he would use his great business sense to lead the Crestview community as mayor for more than two decades.

As Crestview's longest serving mayor, Mayor Whitehurst tirelessly worked to better the city he loved. He successfully advocated for increased public safety and economic development, which resulted in the establishment of two police substations and the Crestview Public Safety Building, development of an emergency transportation corridor, restoration of a cemetery, construction of the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial, conversion of the former Yellow River Railroad bed into Industrial Drive, and a revitalized downtown, among other efforts.

Mayor Whitehurst was a man of conviction and was widely respected by those who knew him. The community's immense appreciation was well evidenced when he received the Mae Reatha Coleman Citizen of the Year Award in August 2013 for his outstanding service. Mayor Whitehurst, fondly known as ``Mr. Crestview,'' will be remembered for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the Gulf Coast community, and his legacy will not be forgotten. To his family and friends, he will be remembered most as a loving father, grandfather, and great- grandfather.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of George H. Whitehurst. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our sincerest condolences and prayers to his wife, Annelle; daughters, Angela and Ann; grandchildren; great- grandchildren; and the entire Whitehurst family. He will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 125th anniversary of the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. All across our Nation, local Chambers of Commerce play vital roles in supporting economic growth and development throughout their communities, and the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce exemplifies this proud tradition.

The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce's impressive history dates back 125 years to its first meeting on September 16, 1889, where a small group of business leaders got together at the Pensacola Opera House to form the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. At their first meeting, they elected the Pensacola-area railroad magnate and future State Senator, William Dudley Chipley to serve as their first Chairman. The Chamber represented a wide variety of professions and local businesses, and it quickly proved its worth to the community, helping to grow the Port of Pensacola into the largest in Florida by 1900. Thanks to this prosperity and the tireless work of the Chamber, many new and important corporations were started in the Pensacola area.

By the turn of the century, the Chamber had also established a strong military affairs component, linking the Pensacola-area business community to Northwest Florida's growing military installations. In fact, the Chamber's leadership helped lobby for new defense activities during the 1898 Spanish-American War. Over the years, the Chamber has served as a key component driving Pensacola's transition from a small Navy Yard to the Cradle of Naval Aviation.

Meanwhile, during the early 20th century, the Chamber also brought together the business community and local city and county officials to help upgrade Pensacola's local infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population and economy. Thanks to the work of the Chamber, local leaders, and the broader Pensacola community, the entire Pensacola area grew from a small town with no paved roads and few utilities to a world-class city that is home to tens of thousands of residents, countless successful businesses, and millions of visitors each year.

Over the years, the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce has grown with the surrounding Pensacola community. From its humble beginnings 125 years ago, as a small group of civic leaders with no full-time staff, the Chamber has grown immensely and today the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,200 members working on a daily basis to help bring world-class economic development projects to benefit Northwest Florida's businesses and citizens.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress I am proud to congratulate the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce on its incredibly successful 125-year history and look forward to another 125 years of success and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary of John and Christina Broxson of Gulf Breeze, Florida. I am proud to honor the Broxsons and congratulate them on this remarkable milestone.

John and Christina met in 1953 at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in Waxahachie, Texas where John earned his Bachelor of Science degree in May 1954. They were married the following month on June 4, 1954 and spent the early years of their married life in pastoral ministry as well as missionary evangelism.

In 1959, John was appointed by Florida Governor Leroy Collins to complete his father's term as Santa Rosa County Sheriff, and in 1962, John was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. John and Christina moved to Gulf Breeze, Florida, with their family in 1964 to begin their business, John Broxson and Associates, Inc., an Independent Insurance agency and real-estate brokerage company. Committed to public service, John also served in other various roles to include, Florida State Senator and Santa Rosa County Commissioner.

Both John and Christina have lived a life of service to God and country, while raising five children: Sylvia, Bob, Cheryl, Bart, and Angela. John and Christina are loving and devoted parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is my pleasure to join John and Christina Broxson; their children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and the entire Broxson family in celebration of their sixty years of marriage. My wife, Vicki, and I wish John and Christina many more years of happiness and all of God's blessings.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department in Jay, Florida, and recognize the dedication and selfless service of its members in protecting the citizens of the Northwest Florida community.

The Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department has been protecting the citizens of Northwest Florida since it was officially chartered in October 1974. The fire department started as a small operation, acquiring their first fire truck for $300, with Holley Phillips appointed as their first Fire Chief. Since its charter, the department has served as an unrivaled knowledge base of fire safety and a safeguard for the residents of Jay.

In the 40 years that the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the community, it has grown considerably. Today, 12 honorable and distinguished volunteers selflessly serve their community as volunteer firefighters. This courageous group put their lives on the line daily to ensure the safety of their fellow Northwest Floridians by responding to thousands of calls within the community, over the years.

With community support, the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department has added to their fleet three new trucks. A tanker, a pumper, and a rescue truck have been integrated into their arsenal to combat fires in Jay and keep its citizens out of harm's way. Current Fire Chief, Jim Cagle, has been leading the department for the past 24 years. What has remained true over the 40 years is the commitment to protect Northwest Florida and ensure its residents know they are safe under the watchful eye of the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pleasure to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department. My wife Vicki joins me in thanking all of the volunteers for their faithful service and wishing them and the department continued success.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Yoder Family from Century, Florida, for being selected as the 2014 Escambia County, Florida, Farm Family and Agricultural Innovator of the Year.

The Yoder family farm, a 100-acre farm located in northern Escambia County, Florida, is a family affair. Run by Brent, and his wife Janice, the Yoders' four children--Blake, Brian, Allison, and Bryce--also play an integral role in the Yoder family's success. Having grown up on farms themselves, both Brent and Janice understand the importance of agriculture and the vital role that a strong family plays in operating a successful farm.

On their farm, the Yoder family runs a small grass-fed Grade A dairy farm with an on-site processing facility for pasteurization and a processing and bottling facility. The Yoder family started in 2009 with just one cow, Daisy, and the original intent was simply to produce the highest quality milk for their growing family; however, as soon as the Yoder family began to share their product with the local community, they saw that there was a great demand for their golden-yellow wholesome product.

Today, the Yoder family has 15 Jersey cows, chosen due to their high butterfat content, and, by grass feeding and grazing their cows, the Yoder family products offer consumers a healthy balance Omega fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acids, and low levels of saturated fats. Brent delivers the Yoder family milk on a dairy route one day a week, and the Yoder family milk is also delivered to eight local storefronts. The Yoders are also very welcoming and happy to open their farm to the local community to demonstrate the importance of agriculture, and many of their customers drive to the northern part of Escambia County to see the farm and dairy and purchase milk directly from the Yoders. The Yoders also work closely with Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, and their farm served as a stop on the 2012 Escambia County Farm tour, where Brent led visitors on a tour of their farm, while Janice provided guests with home baked cookies and ice cold Yoder family milk.

In addition to their dairy farming activities, the Yoders also have a local partnership with Janice's father, a local row crop producer who also raises hogs, to grow non-GMO grains that is then delivered to local farms to be used for their mixes. The Yoder family personify the innovation and ingenuity of our Nation's agricultural industry, through their first-rate dairy operation, and their innovate mixes. The Yoders are always looking to improve their operations, and currently, Brent is utilizing a peanut base to create a soy-free poultry mix.

Outside of their farming operations, both Brent and Janice are also highly dedicated to their local community and their church. Brent works closely with the Lower Alabama 4-H Club, where he helps teach young people from Northwest Florida and Southern Alabama about the importance of agriculture. In addition, both Brent and Janice serve their local church in leadership capacities and raise their four children in a faith-filled environment. In addition, Brent also helps spread inspiring and family-oriented reading material through his service as Chairman of the Gulf States division of Choice Books.

Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their families. The Escambia County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Yoders' tireless work and their dedication to family, faith and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Yoder family for being outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Ward Family from Allentown, Florida, for being selected as the 2014 Santa Rosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family of the Year.

The Ward family farm was started in 1917 when James B. Ward settled in Allentown and set up a farm near Highway 89. Today, nearly 100 years later, the Ward family farming tradition continues with James E. ``Jimmy'' Ward, his wife Angela, and their three sons, Jamie, Justin and Dustin. Like many family farmers, Jimmy Ward has been farming for as long as he can remember, and he discovered his love of farming and learned the core values of hard work, integrity, and generosity from working on the farm with his father, Lamar, and his three uncles. Since taking over the farm, 24 years ago, Jimmy has carried on the proud Ward family farming tradition, and today, the Ward family incorporates the lessons learned from generations of farming to grow peanuts, cotton, corn, and wheat on their 900-acre farm.

In addition to their work on the farm, the Ward family is also deeply involved in their local community and in various agricultural organizations. Jimmy currently serves as Chairman of the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation Farm Committee and is an active member of the Florida Farm Bureau, where he can help share his vast experience and knowledge with other Florida farmers.

Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their families. The Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Ward's tireless work and their dedication to family, and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Ward family for being outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Holley Family from Baker, Florida, for being selected as the 2014 Okaloosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family of the Year.

Like so many farmers in our Nation, farming is a family affair for the Holley's. Together, three generations of the Holley family--Hughdon and his wife of 47 years, Joan, along with their son Gary and his wife Susan, and their grandchildren, Michael and Bryan--work together on their nearly 200 acre farm on a wide variety of agricultural areas. On their family farm, the Holley's produce high quality vegetables and row crop com and wheat. In addition to successfully cultivating vegetables, corn, and wheat, the Holley's also work tirelessly to successfully maintain a wide array of additional farming activities, including beekeeping, timber production, and raising cattle.

The Holley's are a hard-working family that exemplify the qualities and high-character that have been hallmarks of our Nation's agricultural heritage. During nearly a half-century of marriage, both Mr. and Mrs. Holley worked full-time jobs away from the farm, while also raising their two sons, Gary and Keith. As Mr. and Mrs. Holley have grown older, the row cropping and oversight of the majority of the farming operations have been left to Gary; however, Hughdon and Joan still enjoy farming on a smaller scale in their retirement years.

Being a member of the Farm Bureau has allowed the Holley family to expand their vast knowledge of farming and has allowed for their great success, and the greater Northwest Florida community has been able to share in the fruits of their labor through local farmers markets where the Holley's sell their produce.

Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their families. The Okaloosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Holley's tireless work and their dedication to family, and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Holley family for being outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Molly Martin who passed away late August 15, 2014. Molly was a passionate and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and matriarch of McGuire's Irish Pub, a staple in Northwest Florida frequented not only by locals but tourists from around the world. The Gulf Coast community and all of the lives she touched with her warm demeanor and radiant personality mourn her loss.

Born in Stamping Ground, Kentucky, on October 31, 1936, Molly eventually made her way to Pensacola, Florida, where she joined in marriage the love of her life, William ``McGuire'' Martin in 1977. In the same year, she and McGuire opened McGuire's Irish Pub in Pensacola, where McGuire served as the cook, bartender, and designer. Molly was the hostess, waitress and entertainer. McGuire and Molly's success only grew, and they expanded their franchise to Destin, Florida. They founded Flounders (Pensacola Beach) in 1982; McGuire's Irish Pub (Destin) in 1996; Crabs (Pensacola Beach) in 2000; and Vinny McGuire's Pizza (Destin) in 2011.

To some, Molly will be remembered for her passion for singing; to others, she was an accomplished business woman; and to many of the young servicemembers stationed throughout the Gulf Coast, she became a mother away from home. Those who knew Molly best, however, will remember her heart full of love and her devotion to family. Molly was a loving daughter to Ralph Lee Parker and Edith Clare Wright-Parker; sister to Lena, Edna, Jean, and Evelyn; mother to Charmaine McGowan, Nannette McGowan, John David McGowan, Joseph Parker McGowan, Suzannah Darling McGowan, William (Billy) Nathaniel Martin, James Edward Martin, and Amy Elizabeth Martin; grandmother to twenty-four; great-grandmother to eight; aunt; and a loving wife to McGuire.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of Mrs. Molly Martin. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to McGuire, her children, grandchildren and her entire family and friends. Molly's impact on Northwest Florida will never be forgotten, and she will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. Located in Escambia County, Florida, Barrineau Park is the oldest continuous 4-H club in the State of Florida.

4-H began in 1909 with ``corn clubs'' for young men. At these clubs, youth learned how to prepare and plant their fields with hybrid corn seed, with cash prizes awarded to those who produced the most corn. Two years later, in 1911, tomato clubs were established for young women to plant, harvest, and can tomatoes.

In 1914, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club was founded with an initial membership of about 10 local youth. Holding meetings in homes, church fellowship halls, and the Barrineau Park School and Community Center, the group learned a wide variety of skills, including how to grow corn and tomatoes, raise poultry and livestock, garden, and sew. Since then, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club has helped teach hundreds of young people in Escambia County invaluable life and leadership skills.

Today, there are 23 students participating in the Barrineau Park 4-H Club, taking part in events to develop leadership skills, learn the important values of citizenship, and practice public speaking. In addition, the group learns invaluable skills related to livestock and horses, shooting sports, food and nutrition, environmental education and marine science. In particular, the club has developed a strong reputation for raising and showing prize-winning hogs. In addition to these traditional programs, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club also gives its members experience in an array of technological areas vital to success in the future, including computers, robotics, and global-positioning satellite programs.

As a former 4-H participant, I can attest to the incredible leadership and educational opportunities that 4-H provides to our Nation's youth. The Barrineau Park 4-H Club's incredible 100 year history is a testament not only to the Barrineau Park and Escambia County community, but also to the entire 4-H program and its mission to ``empower youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.''

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. My wife Vicki and I congratulate everyone associated with the club and wish them another 100 years of success.

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness and gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen and decorated American hero.

Army Sergeant First Class Samuel C. ``Sam'' Hairston of Houston, Texas, was killed on August 12, 2014, in Ghazni, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when his unit was engaged while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom by enemy small-arms fire.

Sergeant First Class Hairston was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Born to Bernett and Josephine Hairston June 22, 1979, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Sergeant First Class Hairston was raised in Shalimar, Florida, and graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1997.

Sergeant First Class Hairston wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and brother by joining our Nation's Armed Forces. After pursuing a Division I football scholarship as defensive lineman at the University of Houston and earning a bachelor's degree in economics, he joined the U.S. Army in 2003 as an infantryman.

Upon completion of the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in August of 2013. He selflessly served four combat tours throughout his career, which included two tours in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sergeant First Class Hairston has been described as someone whose smile could light up a room, and to his wife Tawana and stepson Hayden, he was a loving and devoted husband and father.

In terms of his military service, whenever he was thanked, he responded that serving our country was his choice and his service was so Americans can enjoy the freedoms that are all too often taken for granted.

He took pride in every mission and never expected anything in return. ``An exceptional noncommissioned officer and a valued member of our team,'' is how he was described by Lieutenant Colonel Chris Hockenberry, Hairston's battalion commander.

Sergeant First Class Hairston's qualifications included the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Military Master Free Fall Parachutist Badge, and the Army Parachutist Badge.

Throughout his time in service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oakleaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation with two oakleaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with two oakleaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Throughout his unwavering dedication to country, Sergeant First Class Hairston helped ensure that our constitutional rights were upheld and that our Nation was protected from harm, both here and abroad. His ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

To Sergeant First Class Hairston's loving wife Mrs. Tawana Hairston; his stepson Hayden; his parents Bernett and Josephine Hairston; his brothers Junnee Cardama, Broady Hairston, and T.J. Hairston; his entire family; and friends, my wife Vicki joins me in offering our sincerest condolences and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress and Nation, I stand here to honor Sergeant First Class Sam C. Hairston and all of those heroes we have lost.

May God continue to bless them, the men and women of our United States Armed Forces, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.