John Boozman

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize A.J. Gary upon his retirement as director of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, ADEM, and State Homeland Security adviser.

For more than four decades, Gary has dedicated his career to serving others and protecting the people of Arkansas. Since being appointed to manage ADEM in 2016, he has provided steady leadership through some of the most challenging situations our State has faced.

His experience has been integral to ADEM's response and recovery efforts across 49 State and federally declared disasters. In every instance, he demonstrated an understanding that emergency management is ultimately about helping people and worked tirelessly to make sure Natural State communities had the resources and support they needed after disaster struck.

He also sought to improve Arkansas' ability to prepare for and recover from future emergencies. From expanding ADEM's field operations to modernizing the State's emergency coordination system, Gary has helped ensure we are better equipped to protect Arkansans.

But Gary's commitment to public service did not begin with ADEM. He spent more than 28 years with the Conway Police Department, where he retired as police chief, and later served as chief security administrator for Air Transport International. Throughout each chapter of his career, he answered the call to serve and took on the responsibility of protecting others.

His impact has also extended beyond Arkansas, having earned the respect of emergency management professionals across the country. In 2025, he was appointed president of the National Emergency Management Association, reflecting the expertise and dedication he has brought to the field.

On behalf of the people of Arkansas, I congratulate A.J. Gary on his retirement and thank him for his more than 40 years of public service. I wish him and his family all the best in this well-deserved next chapter.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 90th birthday of Billy Dooly.

Born and raised in Fort Smith, Billy graduated from the University of Arkansas and began a distinguished 20-

year career in the U.S. Army after receiving a direct commission as an air defense artillery officer. While serving in uniform, he earned an MBA in industrial management from the University of Arkansas and went on to complete two tours with the Army general staff at the Pentagon. He also deployed to the Far East, including twice as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

Dooly earned numerous military decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 21 oakleaf clusters and three ``V'' devices for exceptional valor, and the Bronze Star Medal with one oakleaf cluster.

Following his retirement from the Army in 1981, he returned to his hometown to be near his family but continued his commitment to serving a community we both cherished. He initially worked as vice president and general manager of North American Foundry before joining the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce as president in 1987, providing invaluable leadership for 16 years.

During his tenure at the chamber, Dooly was an outspoken advocate for the business community and a champion for the military and veteran community throughout the region. Among his many projects, he was a tireless advocate to complete the I-49 corridor, working with leaders from multiple States to pursue this critical project. Although he retired from the chamber in 2003, his impact on the area's infrastructure and strong community support for the military continues today.

His contributions over the years have been recognized through many honors including the Mayor's Spirit of the Frontier Award and inductions into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Hospitality Association Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Military Veterans' Hall of Fame.

Above all, Dooly has always been a tremendous leader, whether in uniform, in business, or making a difference in his community. As he celebrates his 90th birthday, I thank him for his continued service to Arkansas. I wish him a happy birthday and many more years of health and happiness and very much appreciate his friendship of many years.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of the city of Hot Springs, AR.

Located in central Arkansas at the eastern edge of the Ouachita Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest, Hot Springs has long been one of my State's most treasured destinations. Since its incorporation in 1876, generations of residents have helped shape a city known for its resilience, vibrant community, and commitment to preserving the natural beauty and historic character that makes the city so special.

For centuries, the area's natural thermal springs have drawn visitors seeking their restorative waters. Long before Arkansas achieved statehood, Native American Tribes recognized their significance and laid the foundation for the city's enduring legacy as a place of renewal and hospitality.

Now this unique feature sits at the heart of Hot Springs National Park, arguably the oldest within the National Park System. The land was first set aside for protection by Congress in 1832, decades before the National Park Service was established in 1916. Today, visitors from across the Nation and around the world enjoy the city's historic Bathhouse Row, scenic trails, thriving downtown, nearby lakes, world- class horse racing, and many other attractions that showcase Arkansas' majestic landscapes and rich history.

Beyond its historic landmarks, Hot Springs continues to be an important economic and cultural center. Its small businesses, hospitality industry, and community organizations reflect the hard- working spirit that has helped the city thrive for 150 years.

Congratulations to the entire community on this sesquicentennial celebration and steadfast commitment to building a bright future. I am pleased to recognize this milestone and commemorate 150 years of embracing its identity and charming residents and visitors alike.