Mike Rogers

Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize and honor Linda Hearn. After 36 years of service, Linda will retire as Executive Director from the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center. Linda joined the Chamber in November of 1990 and has been responsible for management of the professional staff as well as oversight of all Chamber programs and operations.

She is a graduate of the Chamber Institute for Organization Management, earning her IOM degree in 2000 and a graduate of the 1993 Leadership Calhoun County class. Linda earned state-level honors from the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) for her multi- decade service.

Linda earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing at the University of Arkansas and recently obtained her MBA from Jacksonville State University alongside her daughter, Becca.

Linda is married to Dr. Mark Hearn, Associate Dean of the College of Business and Industry and professor in the Department of Management and Marketing at Jacksonville State University. They are blessed with two children, Braden and Rebecca.

During her time at the Chamber, Linda led the team to receive the 5- Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, placing the organization in the top tier of chambers nationwide for sound policies, effective organizational management and impactful program execution. She championed formal corporate partnership agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Jacksonville State University and Gadsden State Community College to offer tuition scholarships and educational pathways, directly supporting local workforce development and regional economic growth. Linda also directed initiatives through the Chamber's Military Security Affairs Committee to support regional defense assets like the Anniston Army Depot, fostering strong ties between military leadership and local business communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary career of my friend, Linda Hearn. I thank Linda for her service to Calhoun County and the region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Gerardo Berthin, President of Freedom House, for more than a decade of tireless dedication and exemplary service in advancing the cause of global democracy, particularly during the most recent disruptions in the freedom and democracy landscape globally and within the United States.

In an era marked by profound challenges to democratic institutions, Mr. Berthin has demonstrated unparalleled leadership and resolve. Relentlessly, alongside the entire leadership team and staff of Freedom House, he has protected dissidents from harm around the world, leveraging his extensive network and strong, trusted relationships to safeguard those who stand against oppression and tyranny. His efforts have provided critical support to vulnerable individuals and communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights defended amid rising threats.

Furthermore, with great determination, Mr. Berthin has transitioned Freedom House with dignity and care for its staff and partners, while incredibly navigating the volatile worldwide of democratic backsliding, resulting from years of unchecked authoritarian rule. Under his guidance, the organization has adapted to these turbulent times while maintaining its core mission, emerging stronger and more resilient in its commitment to human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.

Freedom House, founded in 1941 by Eleanor Roosevelt and Wendell Willkie, remains a cornerstone of American leadership in the global fight for freedom and democracy. Mr. Berthin's stewardship has upheld and enhanced this legacy, positioning the institution as an indispensable force in countering authoritarianism and fostering democratic renewal worldwide.

His leadership and commitment will be missed greatly at Freedom House, as his mark of excellence will be recorded in the historical annals and remembered by all who have witnessed his profound impact. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, we wish him continued success and look forward to his enduring leadership in the continuous struggle for a world where all are free.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Gerardo Berthin's extraordinary service and the enduring legacy of Freedom House--a legacy that continues to inspire hope and action in the pursuit of freedom for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Oxford High School Jacket Media.

The Oxford High School Jacket Media program has become an important part of broadcasting and preserving the special events of the City of Oxford and giving students the unique opportunity to have hands-on experience in the field. The program has given the students the opportunity to create an online viewing source for a variety of special occasions locally.

Oxford High School Jacket Media also produces ``The Buzz,'' a broadcast specially designed for OHS students while school is in session. The group has been successful and professional and was chosen to assist ESPN when the network came to Choccolocco Park to broadcast games as well as producing livestreams of the Rubato International Piano Competition from the Oxford Performing Arts Center since its inception in 2022 seen across the globe.

The livestreams they set up created the chance for them to partner with Alabama Public Television to create a 90-minute documentary, ``Rubato: Behind the Keys,'' for APT, which premiered on Sunday, September 20,

2026, before being made available to public television stations nationwide.

I join Mayor Craft and the Oxford City Council in celebrating September 20, 2026, as Oxford High School Jacket Media Day and encourage all our citizens to tune in and support the work of these young people.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary dedication and work of the Oxford High School Jacket Media.