Marilyn Strickland

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bright Start Initiative and its founders, Michael and Marcus Kang. The Bright Start Initiative was founded by two brothers who saw firsthand that oral-health education and basic supplies were not reaching every family equally.

The Bright Start Initiative is a student-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing free dental supplies and multilingual oral-health education to underserved students across the United States. Student-led teams partner with schools and dental professionals to deliver supplies and lessons families can actually use, in the languages they already speak at home.

One in five children in the United States lives with untreated tooth decay, and it is the number one chronic illness among children. The Bright Start Initiative is prepared to support over 5,000 students, with lessons translated into over 18 languages, and have partnered with 100 schools in six states.

Michael and Marcus Kang are leaders in Washington State and in the country. I applaud Michael and Marcus's championship of their fellow students and look forward to all that they will accomplish in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Ellery ``Ken'' Choke, the chairman of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, who passed away on August 4, 2026.

Chairman Choke was born on February 25, 1964, in Centralia, Washington, and served as chairman of the Nisqually Tribe from 2018 to 2021 and was reelected chairman in 2024.

Chairman Choke was a respected and beloved leader who placed his community at the center of service. He was dedicated to protecting the land, water, salmon, and people of the Nisqually Tribe for generations to come. He will be remembered for his tireless service and commitment to his Tribal nation and to the South Sound community at large.

I was personally pleased to work with him on our efforts to transfer the Clear Creek Hatchery from U.S. Fish and Wildlife to Tribal ownership. I remain committed to honoring his legacy by moving this project forward and making it reality.

I am hopeful that his dedication to ensuring Tribal treaty rights, protecting our natural resources, and boosting salmon species in our region will continue on through those he knew.

He made South Sound, the State of Washington, and the Nation better; and he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and six grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I now ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in a moment of silence and hold Chairman Choke's family, loved ones, and the entire Nisqually Tribe of Indians in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished veteran from Washington's 10th Congressional District, Mr. Jason Jerrodd Haley, Sr.

Mr. Haley served with distinction in the United States Navy for over eleven years. His service was highlighted by an extraordinary, continuous assignment to the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). From March 18, 1993, to June 1, 2001, Mr. Haley remained assigned to the Nimitz for a consecutive 8 years and 3 months.

During this extensive period, he served as an AO2/E5 AW (Aviation Ordinance-man Second Class/Aviation Warfare Specialist) within the Weapons Department. Maintaining weapons readiness on a nuclear aircraft carrier requires immense technical expertise, precision, and unwavering focus. Mr. Haley was a cornerstone of the ship's crew during a pivotal era, keeping the vessel's combat systems sharp through multiple high- tempo deployments and the grueling Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) process.

A resident of Puyallup, Washington, Jason Jerrodd Haley, Sr. represents the absolute highest traditions of the naval service: resilience, consistency, and a deep-seated ``Old Salt'' dedication to a single command. Spending over 3,000 consecutive days assigned to the Nimitz is a profound testament to the sacrifice, endurance, and steadfastness of our nation's sailors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Haley's remarkable service record and ensuring his dedication is permanently preserved.