Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Mayor Dale Archer of East Greenwich Township, who has dedicated many years of service to our community, including 11 years as mayor. Under his leadership, East Greenwich has flourished with strong fiscal management and innovative solutions for local governance. He improved the township's finances by implementing a five-year plan with policies that allowed him to manage the community effectively, resulting in the second-lowest tax rate in Gloucester County. Because of his guidance, East Greenwich received the Innovative Government Award from the League of Municipalities for its shared fire department service with Paulsboro. The remarkable progress East Greenwich has made since Mayor Archer took office led to the town being recognized as the Best Small Town in New Jersey by South Jersey Magazine. In addition to his commitment to his community, Mayor Archer served the world's finest fighting force, the United States Marine Corps, and has been a long-time member of both the Veteran of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League. I thank Mayor Dale Archer, for his dedicated service to East Greenwich and our country, and I look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the future. God bless Mayor Dale Archer, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to celebrate the story of two American heroes from the Air Force and Navy who not only served the country in Afghanistan but also started a beautiful relationship. Roger Hopkins and Betsy Jenkins, two individuals who had never crossed paths, found their destinies intertwined in a remarkable twist of fate when they heard each other's voices on the radio in the heart of Afghanistan. They were both on deployment, with Betsy working for the Combined Joint Task Force, while Roger was embedded with the primary assault team for the Kunar-Nuristan when the gunfire started. Roger was on a no-fail mission, a critical operation considered highly dangerous due to the hostile environment in Afghanistan. This mission was of utmost importance, as its success was crucial for the safety and security of the region. After a successful completion, Betsy was the much needed escort out of the city, which was a daunting task given the ongoing conflict, marked by frequent enemy attacks and the constant threat of ambush. During this intense situation, Betsy's calm and composed voice, a rare sound for Roger and the Airmen, became their beacon of hope. Using the aerial views from the standard operating picture, she skillfully and bravely guided the convoy out of the city, demonstrating her exceptional leadership and tactical skills that earned the entire team's respect. Betsy's female voice of calm was not something that Roger and the Airmen were used to, and Roger became determined to figure out who this voice was. In a display of true warrior spirit, Roger, determined to find the hero who led them out, used every means at his disposal, including an Afghan translator, to track down Master Chief Betsy Jenkins of the United States Navy, a testament to his unwavering commitment and deep admiration for her. Roger used his charm to ask Betsy what she missed most other than her family, which she responded with, ``mangos and avocados.'' In almost unheard-of fashion, Roger delivered her mangos and avocados in less than a week. This was the beginning of their relationship and as Betsy would say, showed her ``without a doubt, Roger saw no obstacles, only opportunities.'' Roger and Betsy have dedicated much of their lives to serving their country, often at great personal sacrifice, and have enjoyed outstanding military careers. Roger retired as Master Sergeant, having served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Special Operations Command of the Pacific's Medical Directorate, providing unconventional Special Forces mission support. His career was marked by numerous commendations and successful missions, a testament to his dedication and bravery. He also served at the Pentagon and, after September 11th, re-trained as a part of special operations command as a Para-rescue man and subsequently did a total of nine combat deployments across three countries in 23 years of service. Betsy has been in the United States Navy for 23 years, with her first 12 serving U.S. Naval forces in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Greece, New Caledonia, and other countries before deploying to Afghanistan in 2014. She is currently supporting NAVIFORES as the Information Systems Technician Rating Advisor. Her awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, as well as many others. She and Roger have seven beautiful children they are raising in our great Nation, and I am sure they will learn from their parents' excellent leadership and service. God bless Roger and Betsy, and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the Northfield Volunteer Fire Company on its 100th anniversary, marking a century of exceptional service. Over the years, many dedicated firefighters have been part of this outstanding department, with several serving for over 50 years. A few of their veterans recall their involvement in negotiating a deal in 1968 for land on Burton Avenue, where the current firehouse and training area are located. Times were different back then, as firefighters responded to calls in the 1960s and `70s with gear that was assigned on a ``first

come, first served'' basis. Despite these challenges, these brave men always answered the call and served their community valiantly. Today, the fire department has expanded and ensures that their firefighters have all the necessary gear, enhancing their reliability in Northfield. Recently, the department dedicated its new fire truck, Ladder 63, in honor of Jake Eggie and Robert Leeds, both of whom dedicated 50 years of service to the community. Fire Captain Flaherty and Chief Cummings have emphasized that you cannot celebrate 100 years without remembering those who made this achievement possible. Congratulations on 100 years of exemplary service. God bless the Northfield Volunteer Fire Company, and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to address the next generation of American leaders from the AP United States Government and Politics class at Cumberland County Tech. Today, I stand before them as their Representative in the United States Congress, and I want to thank them for their decision to take a college-level course that deepens their understanding of American government and politics. Learning civics is an important step toward becoming informed citizens and future leaders of our nation. It is essential for people to understand how laws are made, to participate in the political process, and to know their rights in order to make a positive impact on their community and country. The House of Representatives, where I serve, is one of the two chambers of Congress that form the federal government's legislative branch. This branch plays a crucial role in creating laws, declaring war, and overseeing the Executive Branch. By understanding how this process works, they enhance their ability to become our country's next leaders and to make meaningful contributions as outstanding Americans. I thank them for taking this important first step toward making a significant difference. God bless Cumberland County Tech, and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past September, I had the honor of commemorating the historic 100th Anniversary of the Oceanville Volunteer Fire Company, a milestone that marks decades of exceptional service to our community. Oceanville Fire is the oldest fire department in Galloway Township, established in 1924 by local community members. These visionary individuals, primarily farmers and shell-fishermen, recognized the urgent need for fire protection and rescue services. Their selfless dedication set the foundation for the department we know today. The department, now consisting of 39 men and women, continues to serve the township with unwavering commitment. Their dedication as extraordinarily well-trained firefighters echoes the spirit of the founding members many years ago, providing a sense of security to the township. Through the years, Oceanville Fire has proven to be a vital part of the community and has played a crucial role in making its residents feel safe. I am deeply grateful to the Oceanville Volunteer Fire Company for their century of great service and may they continue to protect and serve for many more. God bless Oceanville Fire Department, and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse located in North Wildwood, South Jersey. The Hereford Inlet has served as a beacon of safety since the 17th century when it was first used by whalers to draw in and prepare their catch. Through the course of time, the need for a lighthouse became more apparent due to the high number of shipwrecks, so the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built and first put into use on May 11, 1874. This remarkable structure was designed by Lighthouse Boards Chief Draftsman, Paul J. Pelz, who later went on to design the Library of Congress here in Washington, D.C. Over the years, the Hereford Lighthouse has stood the test of time despite many tides, storms and hurricanes threatening to tear it down and eliminate the assurance it has provided mariners over the years, but it continues to stand strong. Currently, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is managed by the City of North Wildwood's Historical Commission, who are an excellent group of volunteers from the local community that have done a tremendous job maintaining the appearance of the magnificent building. Known as one of the most important structures on the Five Mile Beach of South Jersey, it continues to operate as a navigational aid and is open to the public to learn about its history, take in the ocean air, and walk the beautiful gardens to the seashore. Happy 150th Anniversary to the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and here is to 150 more.

May God bless the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, Friendship United Methodist Church in Buena, New Jersey has done an outstanding job spreading the good news of Jesus for over 200 years. This extraordinary place of worship has been standing in the same place it was back in 1808, when it became one of the first Methodist Episcopal churches in the area. In the early days of South Jersey and the United States, there were not many places to worship, but the dedicated followers of Jesus Christ made sure that the people of Buena, New Jersey had a place to fellowship with their Lord. The church has endured hardships through the years and even had to close its doors at one point, but with the commitment from the ancestors of some of its original members, the house of God once again reopened in 2010 and has stood strong ever since. To this day, it is the oldest known church structure that is still in use by its congregation, and it looks forward to many more years of bringing people close to God and remembering the history- of Christianity in South Jersey.

God bless Friendship United Methodist Church and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Richard DeMaria on having May 20, 2024, officially being named ``Richard DeMaria Day'' in the Borough of Buena because of the incredible contributions he has given to the area. Richie has owned and operated the Landisville Liquor Store since 1957 and has made it an integral part of the Buena Borough by providing great service to the community as well as initiating and maintaining its economy. The Landisville Liquor Store has been a model for businesses and has set the standard for customer service, quality, and professionalism throughout the years. Leading up to starting the Landisville Liquor Store, he worked in his grandpop's feed store and bar, and he was a very likeable young man playing three sports in high school and having many friends. After graduation, he joined the Navy and sailed around the world several times before coming back to Buena, buying the bar from his grandpop on credit and paying it off creating what we have today as the Landisville Liquor Store. Richie has risen above many challenges in his life to not only become a successful businessman, but also an outstanding role model family and local community. I thank Richie, for all he has done for South Jersey and congratulate him on a well-deserved new holiday.

God bless Richard DeMaria and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past month, it was my honor to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for an incredible young man, James Scalice. James has learned an incredible amount through the merit badge program earning 41 total badges in subjects such as Life Skills, Business, and Science. Within his troop, this young man has developed leadership skills through elected positions and has learned the value of serving his community by participating in countless hours of service to his church and community. He has displayed his love for God by earning two religious emblems including ``Pope Pius the twelfth'' from the Catholic Diocese of Camden. With a deep love for his country and great respect for veterans, James decided to help out the American Legion Post 28 in Absecon, South Jersey for his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the great school of Pineland Learning Center in Vineland, South Jersey, which has been of incredible mentorship for children in South Jersey for over four decades. Since its founding in 1980 by the late Fred Eccleston, the school has been an outstanding outlet for students that have struggled in the traditional learning environment by providing alternative learning techniques to fit their needs. Many times, the students that come to PLC have been dealt hands in life that most adults can't even imagine and because of this they have not been able to find their full potential in a typical school setting. With the dedicated staff that Pineland has to offer, the kids are provided with a safe, structured, and consistent learning environment where they can discover their gifts and see all the possibilities life has to offer. The staff gains the children's trust by committing themselves to learning who the student is by understanding the student's personality as well as quirks and triggers that cause outbursts. This allows the kids to learn who they are by being allowed to be themselves in a culture that feels just like a family. PLC goes beyond academics by also providing the students with work-based learning for jobs that the local community has to offer, and college fairs where many of the kids can attend universities throughout the country. It is my great honor to commend the Pineland Learning Center on many years of great service to the youth of South Jersey and I look forward to many more years of improving their lives. God bless Pineland Learning Center and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of attending a masterful Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Raylen Weaver from Mullica Hill, South Jersey. Raylen has been involved in boy scouts for seven years since he was a rising fifth grader as a Webelos Scout and now in the tenth grade he has already achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He has held multiple leadership positions which includes the Den Chief, Scribe, Patrol Leader and earning his way up to the position of Senior Patrol Leader. On his climb up to Senior Patrol Leader, he spent 59 nights camping, hiked 84 miles, and logged 76 hours of service to better his community before he is accredited with completing 130 more hours to complete his Eagle Scout project. For his project, he decided to create the Little Way Children's Garden to benefit the Mary Mother of Mercy Church in Glassboro, South Jersey. This garden is a beautiful prayer area defined by edge stones with concrete and wood benches complete with statues of St. Therese, Mary, and St. Joesph in a perfect display to benefit children of the church and parishioners. Raylen is also an avid runner and biker participating in a Duathlon and the 100- mile MS ride City to Shore. He plans to attend the Naval Academy or West Point to serve his county and continue to improve himself. I have all faith that Raylen will make his country proud and continue to make his local community proud. God bless Raylen Weaver and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to wish Tony Bocelle a happy 100th birthday after so many great years of serving our country, being a great family man, and

giving back to his community. Tony gave years of his life to his country by serving in the United States Army during World War II being in the 11th Airborne Division where he was involved in several combat missions. In his time of service, he bravely assisted in a daring prison raid in Los Banos, Philippines, which resulted in freeing nearly 3,000 American prisoners from the horrific treatment from the enemy's military. The operation took place on February 23, 1945, when prisoners were lined up to be executed before the 11th Airborne division made their attack and liberated the thousands of allied prisoners of war and civilians. Tony was shown homage for his service to his country on his 100th birthday on April 19th of this year when 100 flags were placed in his yard from Americans and Filipinos thanking him for his service. Since the end of War World II, Tony has continued to be an outstanding member of society and has fathered a beautiful family that have added to their father's legacy. I wish Tony a happy birthday and I wish him 100 more extraordinary years. God bless Tony Bocelle and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the K9 Hurricane's Heroes for all the work they have done providing service to our nation's four legged heroes. Through the years, we have seen working dogs bring criminals to justice and serving alongside our servicemembers in uniform keeping our country safe. In 2014, secret service canine Hurricane stopped an intruder on the White House lawn and was awarded the Medal of Valor for it. Shortly after, K9 Hurricane's Heroes was established sponsoring 140 retired working dogs from the United States Secret Service, police departments, all five of our armed service branches and other government institutions. This organization makes sure that their service isn't forgotten and gets them the help they need to live long, happy lives after retirement. I thank them for helping our service dog heroes and keep up the great work. God bless K9 Hurricane's Heroes and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am recognizing the men and women of Delta Company, 114th Infantry Regiment from Woodstown, South Jersey. As they embark on their deployment, I want to thank them for their sacrifice to serve the people of New Jersey and the United States of America. The men and women from Delta Company who have come before them have left a great legacy for them to follow. Going back to the 1860s, their predecessors played a vital part in ending the American Civil War, contributing to the Confederate States surrender at Appomattox, ending the war, ending slavery, and reuniting our great country. Since then, Delta Company has served in both World Wars, the Global War on Terrorism, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As they prepare for their deployment, I hope they remember the great men and women who have come before them and be proud that they are carrying on that invaluable tradition. Godspeed and God bless Delta Company, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the honor of having a flag flown over the United States Capitol for the re-dedication of the Fourth Degree St. Vincent Pallotti, Assembly 680 of the Knights of Columbus for their new location in Hammonton, South Jersey. For nearly 150 years, the Knights of Columbus have been a beacon of true brotherly love by showing God's power in men of the Catholic faith. St. Vincent boasts of having the fourth degree, the most prestigious members of the order, all of them obtaining the title of ``Sir Knight.'' It is the highest degree and extension of the third with the primary objective being to ``foster the spirit of patriotism and to encourage active Catholic Citizenship''. I salute the men of the Fourth Degree at St. Vincent Pallotti, Assembly 680 on doing an exemplary job of serving God through the Catholic faith and being outstanding patriots to our great Nation. May God bless Fourth Degree St. Vincent Pallotti Assembly 680 and God bless the United States of America.