Mike Ezell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding men and women of the United States Coast Guard Port Security Unit 308, proudly headquartered in Pascagoula, Mississippi, for receiving the Rear Admiral Bennett ``Bud'' Sparks Award, one of the highest honors bestowed upon the Coast Guard Reserve unit.

This prestigious award recognizes excellence and operational readiness, reserve integration, and mission performance. PSU 308 has more than earned this distinction.

Over the past year, these citizen servicemembers supported critical missions across the Indo-Pacific, became the first Coast Guard Reserve unit to execute back-to-back embarked security deployments aboard Military Sealift Command vessels, and deployed within 48 hours to help secure our Nation's southern maritime border during Operation River Wall.

They also conducted hundreds of patrols while maintaining an excellent reserve readiness rate of nearly 97 percent.

These achievements reflect the professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment of the men and women who balance civilian careers with answering our Nation's call whenever duty requires.

As chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I know firsthand the vital role that our Coast Guard plays in protecting America's maritime interests. The members of PSU 308 embody the Coast Guard motto of semper paratus, always ready.

To the servicemembers of Port Security Unit 308 and their families, I thank them for their sacrifice, their dedication, and their faithful service to our Nation. Mississippi is proud of them, and so is the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary bravery of a group of middle school students from Hancock County, Mississippi, who stepped up in a moment of crisis and prevented what could have been a tragic accident.

When their school bus driver suffered a medical emergency and lost consciousness, these young students did not panic--they acted. Sixth graders Jackson Casnave and Darrius Clark helped take control of the school bus, easing the bus to a safe stop, while eighth graders Kayleigh Clark and Destiny Cornelius, and sixth grader McKenzy Finch, worked together to call for help and administer lifesaving medicine to their bus driver.

Because of their quick thinking and teamwork, nearly 40 students and their driver were protected from tragedy. That kind of courage and composure is remarkable at any age--but especially from students so young. They did not wait for someone else to act. They stepped up, took responsibility, and made a difference. These students represent the very best of Mississippi--strong character, leadership, and a willingness to help others in a moment of need.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these young heroes for their actions. They make our state proud, and they remind us all that courage knows no age.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an incredible accomplishment by one of our own from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Pascagoula Police Chief Terry Scott, Jr.

At 60 years old, Terry made history by becoming the oldest heavyweight boxer to win a professional, sanctioned fight, earning a world record in the process. That is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to his grit, discipline, and perseverance.

Success like this doesn't come easy. It takes years of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to your craft. Terry Scott, Jr., has shown what it means to stay focused, push through challenges, and defy expectations.

His story is a reminder that determination has no age limit and that it is never too late to chase and achieve something remarkable.

South Mississippi is proud of Terry, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on this historic accomplishment and wishing him continued success.