Johnny Isakson

Mr. President, today, I am honored to recognize in the Record Mr. Robert M. Williams, Jr., who recently retired after almost half a century as editor and publisher of the Blackshear Times in Blackshear, GA.

While he may be a small-town newspaperman, Robert Williams is known throughout south Georgia and across much of our State because of his work ethic, his devotion to the printed word, and his dedication to the newspaper business and what it means to a community. For more than 48 years, Robert has worked to be accurate, fair, and to provide his readers with the news that affects them and the community they all cherish. He has personally written more than 2,000 columns during his career.

It is worth mentioning that the newspaper's motto, printed at the top of the front page of the printed publication and online, is one Robert has also claimed as his own: ``Liked by Many, Cussed by Some, Read by Them All.'' With the weekly newspaper also turning 150 years this year under Robert's leadership, both have long been widely read.

At Just 20 years old, Robert began his career at the Blackshear Times after coming down to the community from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. He was brought in by two legendary Georgians themselves, Roy Chalker, Sr., and Wilkes Williams of Waynesboro, to turn their investment around. Turn it around he did, settling well into the community at the same time. A short 5 years later, Robert purchased the Blackshear Times. Under Robert's leadership during the last 48 years, the newspaper has won hundreds of awards in a variety of categories.

Robert and his wife Cheryl have both loyally and successfully served not only this publication, but the newspaper industry as a whole. The Blackshear Times is one of five newspapers that Robert and Cheryl have owned as part of their SouthFire Newspapers organization, which also includes the Alma Times, the Charlton County Herald, the Telfair Enterprise, and the Monroe County Reporter in Georgia. Robert and Cheryl have both served as president of the Georgia Press Association, our State's newspaper industry advocacy organization. Robert was also president of the 2,300-member National Newspaper Association in 2014, serving nationally as the voice of small-town newspapers.

Locally, Robert Williams served two terms on the Blackshear City Council and served as executive director of both the Pierce County Industrial Development Authority and the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. Robert is also a graduate of the Leadership Georgia program, an organization we both hold dear and that has guided our service to the State. Robert has found countless ways to give back. Whether it was as a member of the Georgia Agriculture Exposition Authority that governs the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry or the local college foundation board, Robert and Cheryl have made an impact well beyond Blackshear both professionally and personally.

Last week, Robert announced the sale of the Blackshear Times, bidding farewell after one of the longest editorial tenures in Georgia. With his final column as editor and publisher, Robert was incredibly gracious, thanking his colleagues, employees, mentors, and the fine bankers who gave him those first loans.

I speak for all Georgians when I say thank you to Robert and Cheryl for the difference you have made in our State. I count myself lucky to call you a friend, and Dianne and I wish you both the very best as you plan your future.

Madam President, today, I am honored to recognize in the Record the life of James A. 'Bud'' Cody, who selflessly served Georgians for decades and recently passed away in Ocean Springs, MS.

Bud Cody was born in Willachoochee, GA., on November 27, 1938. From an early age, he loved being active, finding friends, and making a difference. He played on the legendary Valdosta High School football team under his mentor, Coach Wright Bazemore. He was part of the State winning 4x4 track relay team.

Bud started his career at a young age, working full time at the Boys Club in Valdosta, GA, at the age of 18. He attended college at night over the next several years while helping his wife care for their children.

After graduating and establishing Boys Club facilities from Louisiana to Texas, Bud was hired by the Georgia Sheriffs' Association as their first executive director and returned home to Georgia in 1966. His career with the sheriffs' association also included his becoming director of the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes located at the Boys Ranch in Hahira, GA. Bud continued to serve in these roles for the next 46 years. As executive director, he also assumed control of the Sheriffs' Retirement Fund of Georgia, leading the organization's assets from $9 million in 1982 to more than $97 million to take care of Georgia's retired sheriffs.

Bud retired in September 2012 with many lasting accomplishments thanks to his principled leadership and values. He expanded the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes to provide a safe haven and education opportunities for thousands of Georgia's abused, abandoned, and neglected children. He also led the initiative to establish the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes Foundation, which provides ongoing funds for its youth homes.

Our public safety officers also have Bud to thank for the excellent training they receive to help keep them safe while protecting Georgians. Bud believed that every officer should receive the best training possible, so he helped found the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA, working with State leaders, criminal justice practitioners, and sheriffs to establish a world-class public safety training facility that trains more than 2,000 students daily. Over the course of his career, nine Georgia Governors routinely sought his advice and counsel.

Bud's reach went beyond Georgia, too. He helped establish the National Sheriff's Association Committee of Presidents and Executive Directors in 1980 to ensure the office of sheriff had a professional code and standards.

Bud joined his friend and business partner Claude Grizzard to form the company CFR. In all, they provided assistance to more than 30 States from New York to Texas to California, raising tens of millions of dollars for the purpose of helping officers and youth homes nationwide. If you ever see a car tag from a State sheriff's association, this is thanks to the efforts of Bud and Claude.

Bud was beloved by his family. He was preceded in life by his father, Homer Cody, mother, Mellie Cody, and daughter, Celena Cody, and survived by his children, James A. ``Buddy'' Cody, Jr., Derek Marchman, daughter-in-law Kel Marchman, Camille Hormell, son-in-law Rodger Hormell, and Amy Asbell. His grandchildren include Wesley Leverett, Sara Cody, Laura Cody, Bryan Cronan, Austin Hormell, Quaid Hormell, Cody Kitchens, Seth Kitchens, Sara Marchman, Jamie Cody, Maggie Cody, and Wyatt Asbell. Great-grandchildren include Abigail Kitchens, Maddox Kitchens, Lucas Kitchens, and Grayson Kitchens.

Most fittingly, a public memorial will be held at the Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA, on July 13 before his ashes are spread by his family on his beloved St. Simons Island. As we remember the life and work of Bud Cody, we send prayers to his family and all those whose lives were touched by his mission.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor BG Douglas Anderson, who has distinguished himself during his more than 37 years of service to the U.S. Army and this Nation. Throughout the duration of his career, Brigadier General Anderson has served in positions of increased responsibility and trust, culminating as the commanding general of the 9th Mission Support Command at Fort Shafter, HI.

As the commanding general of the 9th Mission Support Command in the Pacific, Brigadier General Anderson has commanded the missions of 31 diverse units, encompassing more than 3,400 soldiers and civilians in three countries, five States and Territories, and crossing seven time zones. In this role, he rapidly increased the organization's readiness level to the highest levels the organization had seen in decades.

During his tenure, Brigadier General Anderson served in leadership, staff, and command assignments in light, ranger, airborne, and mechanized infantry units; commanded a Logistics Support Battalion; was the senior adviser to an Infantry Brigade of the Iraqi Army; the division director of human resources; commanded a personnel services brigade; was the director of the 80th Training; Command Operations/ Planning/Training; commanded the 97th Training Brigade; commanded the Great Lakes Training Division; served as the deputy commanding general for the 63rd Regional Support Command; and was the director of the Army Reserve Engagement Cell, and deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Army Pacific. He has also served in numerous joint and overseas deployments and assignments in Iraq and Republic of Korea.

Brigadier General Anderson was commissioned in May 1988 as a distinguished military graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Washington State University. He is a graduate of numerous military courses, including Infantry Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Engineer Officer Advanced Course (Tactics), U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army War College, Advanced Joint Professional Military Education Course, Canadian Security Studies Program, and United Nations Senior Mission Leader's Course. He is an Army joint planner and joint qualified officer.

Brigadier General Anderson holds a bachelor's degree in political science and public administration, a master's degree in human resources management, and a master's degree in strategic studies.

Brigadier General Anderson's leadership provided direct and tangible benefits to the Army, government and contracted civilians, citizen soldiers, and their family members. His outstanding service and contributions, coupled with a tireless devotion to duty, a strong love for this country and the soldiers and civilians who protect it, will have an enduring impact.

Brigadier General Anderson is married and has three children. He calls Atlanta, GA, home. Our Nation thanks him and his family for their dedicated service.