Mike Rogers

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robin and Garrett Dixon and their children, Chandler Jane and Cash, for being named Alabama's Outstanding Young Farm family.

The Lee County farmers received the honor during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm and Land Conference on August 8 in Mobile, Alabama.

The Dixon family primarily grows cotton and peanuts on their farm in Salem. The crops they tend clothe and feed America and the world. Garrett began growing the farm from near scratch in college and has invested countless hours into improving every acre of land his family tends. He has installed irrigation, improved soil fertility and has now accepted a new challenge of growing their cattle herd. The livestock graze cover crops planted in row crop fields each winter, adding value to the land.

Their sphere of influence extends beyond the farm. Robin is an agriscience teacher at Smiths Station High School and shares on-farm experience with her students.

The Dixons understand grassroots involvement and have deep ties to groups such as the Alabama Farmers Federation. Garrett has chaired the State Young Farmers Committee and serves on multiple boards.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this young family on this great honor. I congratulate the Dixons.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th birthday of Virginia Payne.

Virginia was born in Lee County, Alabama, on August 24, 1956, to Mr. Arthur Lee Lockhart and Mrs. Lucille Lockhart and raised with strong faith and family values. Virginia is married to Wilbert Payne and was blessed with four children: Audrey, David, Jacques and Doricho. The Paynes have 10 grandchildren.

Virginia retired from Walmart in 2021 after 30 years of serving others during her time there. She was affectionately known as ``Mrs. V'' to her colleagues and customers--always lending a hand or a smile. Virginia was a member of the Zenith Horizons Social Club since the late 1970s, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to fellowship, friendship and community. She has served as a table host for the Cheryl Comer Ministries Brunch, raising more than $2,100 to support local youth scholarships and ministry efforts.

The Payne family are members of Truth and Love Ministries Church and faithfully attend Sunday worship and fellowship at Green Chapel Missionary Church.

In her retirement, she enjoys spending her time with her family. She also loves to dance and is a member of a dancing group called the Opelika Dancercize Club. When not dancing or with family, The Paynes enjoy traveling. Virginia's family lovingly describes her as ``the rock'' and the reason for many of their individual successes. She has supported her family to help them accomplish their goals, assisting with celebrations and helping in any way she is needed. She has also provided unwavering and unconditional support to her husband throughout his civic involvement.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Virginia Payne and wishing her a Happy 70th Birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert ``Bob'' Anthony Klimek, Jr. who passed away January 30, 2026.

Robert was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1933 to parents Robert Anthony Klimek, Sr. and Emma Ellen Klimek. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the Air Force with the aim of becoming a pilot. Following his successful completion of pilot training, he served as a test pilot, a flight instructor, and flew the F100 as a fighter pilot. By the end of his career, Bob has amassed 5,000 hours of flying time, rising to Command Pilot.

Later in his Air Force Career, Bob specialized in electronic warfare. This became especially important during his service in the Vietnam War. During his service in Vietnam, he invented, and received a patent for, a device to detect and avoid Russian Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs). This groundbreaking invention saved countless lives and was so effective only one plane was lost to a SAM following its deployment through the end of the war.

Following a distinguished 24-year career in the Air Force, Bob retired at the rank of Colonel. For his outstanding service, he received Military Merit Medal, Medal for Meritorious Service, Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. He also earned undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Master's degree in Engineering Management from George Washington University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown Law School.

Bob became a lawyer with a focus on government and international contracts following his time in the Air Force. He lived an adventurous life, developing passions for scuba diving, sailing, flying recreationally, and travel.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lucia Casale; along with his children, Robert Anthony Klimek, III, and Constance Conway; his grandson, Niel Young; and great-grandchildren Peyton and Emma Young.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Robert ``Bob'' Anthony Klimek, Jr.