Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize EMS Director Alan Thompson on nearly 30 years of service to North Carolina's 8th District and for serving as the Cabarrus County Director of Emergency Medical Services.

Alan has spent his life dedicated to public service. His career began as a volunteer firefighter until he was hired by Rowan County EMS. During this time, Alan also served our country as part of the Army National Guard. Since being hired by Cabarrus County he has applied his knowledge in EMS to our community and helped those who need it most. He has been an integral part of helping me assist our constituents and provide them with the best services possible.

Over the years, Alan has been devoted to bettering lives in Cabarrus County. He worked as a paramedic field training officer, relief supervisor, supervisor and assistant director before he took on the EMS director position. Alan has also served as a tactical paramedic, a state medical assistance team member, ambulance strike team leader, educator, advanced hazardous materials medic and track medic. As you can see, Alan's servant heart never stops, no matter the day or time.

While Alan may no longer be the EMS Director, he will continue his passion for EMS as Director of Curriculum and continuing education programs for EMS and emergency management at Rowan Cabarrus Community College. This position will allow Alan to groom future EMS technicians and paramedics. I have no doubt the students under his leadership and experience will become the best in North Carolina. I am extremely grateful for Alan's service to our community and I wish him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring EMS Director Alan Thompson for his service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I was at a medical appointment with my son and was unable to vote, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 100 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 101.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Reverend Billy Graham who is just the fourth private citizen to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol.

In 1918, Rev. Graham was born in Charlotte, North Carolina where he was raised on a dairy farm. At the age of 15, the young Billy Graham made his personal commitment to Christ during a tent revival meeting in Charlotte. Following graduation from Wheaton College and his marriage to classmate Ruth Bell in 1943, Rev. Graham began his ministry. While his ministry would take him to every corner of the globe, Billy Graham never forgot his purpose or his roots in the Old North State.

As the Lord's faithful servant, Billy Graham lived a simple life in North Carolina with his dear wife Ruth and their five children. Yet his ministry touched the lives of millions, as he taught God's word and spread the good news of the gospel. It has been estimated he preached to nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories, embracing innovation and new technologies to reach as many people as possible.

Affectionately known as ``North Carolina's Favorite Son'' and ``America's Pastor,'' Billy Graham's counsel was sought by presidents and leaders throughout the world in times of despair and prosperity. No matter his audience, he preached a constant message of finding ``strength for the present and hope for the future'' in Jesus Christ.

I join with our entire community, state, nation and world in mourning his passing, while rejoicing in the knowledge that Billy Graham is home with his beloved Ruth in the presence of our Father in heaven.

Mr. Speaker, Reverend Billy Graham holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Americans and people throughout the world. He is most deserving of this honor and I urge our fellow Americans to join me in paying their respects to America's Pastor and celebrating the life of Reverend Billy Graham.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Staff Sergeant Dale Beatty, a husband, a father and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom who passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018. Staff Sergeant Beatty was a true American hero and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as they mourn the loss of this great man.

When his country needed him the most, it was Staff Sergeant Beatty who answered the call to serve our great nation. While protecting our freedom, Staff Sergeant Beatty and his future business partner, John Gallina, were severely wounded when a mine detonated near their Humvee in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Beatty lost both of his legs as the result of this terrible incident. After returning to the states and living the experiences disabled veterans face, the two veterans started Purple Heart Homes. This veteran owned and operated public charity provides housing opportunities to service-connected disabled veterans. The success of Purple Heart Homes earned Staff Sergeant Beatty the cover of Time Magazine, among many other accolades and commemorations.

His work in the community made certain that the sacrifices of those disabled in battle were not forgotten, and it is that legacy which we celebrate today. While we may have lost this great man, his legacy will live on and we will never forget the sacrifices made by Staff Sergeant Beatty and his family.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Staff Sergeant Dale Beatty for his service to God and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Sergeant Shajn Cabrera as the recipient of the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award.

With over 21 years of service in the Army as an Interrogator and Source Operator, 1st SGT Cabrera has served our country with distinction. I want to take this opportunity to thank 1st SGT Cabrera for his service to our country. It is because of men and women like him we are able to enjoy the freedoms that we have.

As an Ambassador at the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, 1st SGT Cabrera is responsible for member retention, recruitment and communication. The connections he has made through this program enable him to continue his selfless service to our community by assisting numerous nonprofit organizations. Currently, 1st SGT Cabrera is the president and Senior Broker for Centurion Insurance Group.

1st SGT Cabrera is most deserving of this award, and I wish him success as he continues to be a selfless servant to our community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in celebrating First Sergeant Shajn Cabrera on winning the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Ambassador of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Nancy Mazza and her service to the people of North Carolina.

I've known Nancy for many years, and watched her succeed at every opportunity she was given. She got her start when she joined the National Federation of Republican Women in 1980. Since then, she has served the people of North Carolina in many capacities, including the 6th Congressional District Vice Chair and 13th Congressional District Chair for the North Carolina Republican Party, President of the Greater Greensboro Republican Women's Club, President of the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women, Board of Directors and leadership for the National Federation of Republican Women, and North Carolina Ballot Director for Governor George W. Bush.

Over the years, Nancy has dedicated her life to helping constituents who have fallen on hard times and need help cutting through bureaucratic red tape at all levels of government. I first met Nancy back in 1996 when I was fresh out of college and she was working for Congressman Howard Coble in North Carolina's 6th District. Since that time, I've seen firsthand her commitment and passion for service, leading Congressman Coble's constituent services team for many years. After Congressman Coble retired in 2015, Nancy took her talents to Senator Thom Tillis, where she has continued her dedicated service managing Senator Tillis' constituent service operations for the Piedmont.

Nancy was inducted into the North Carolina Republican Party Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine--the highest award a North Carolinian can receive--in 2016. I am extremely grateful for Nancy's service to North Carolina, and I wish her continued success in her well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the career of Nancy Mazza.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General Al Aycock as the recipient of the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Chairman's Award.

The Chairman's Award is presented to the volunteer who has gone above and beyond in service of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber over the past year. This prestigious award is selected by the Chairman of the Chamber's Board of Directors, and is one of the highest honors a community leader can receive. Everyone who knows Maj. Gen. Aycock can attest that he's as deserving as any recipient we've ever had for this award.

Maj. Gen. Aycock served almost 40 years in the military, with 20 of those years at Fort Bragg. Assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and Special Forces as Company Commander, Maj. Gen. Aycock excelled in developing the next generation of special warfare operators. He led the Special Forces Qualification Course, including Robin Sage, and commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Special Warfare Training Group, responsible for the training of Special Operations personnel in Military Freefall, Underwater Operations, Close Quarters Combat and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE). I thank Gen. Aycock for his service to our community and our nation. His sacrifices have not gone unnoticed by his friends and neighbors here in Fayetteville.

Maj. Gen. Aycock is deserving of this award, and I wish him success as he continues to be a wonderful community asset through his role as the Managing Partner of Ramparts Group, LLC and his volunteer service and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Major General Al Aycock on winning the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Chairman's Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mark Pezzalla and Five Star Entertainment as the recipient of the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Mayor's Small Business of the Year Award.

Located in Fayetteville, Five Star Entertainment is one of North Carolina's most sought-after entertainment venues. From providing a bride her perfect wedding celebration to hosting elegant military balls, Five Star Entertainment has the equipment and professionals to ensure every event is spectacular. With a focus on serving our region, Five Star Entertainment also donates their services free-of-charge for many community events that require entertainment and sound services.

Army veteran and owner Mark Pezzalla has provided a brilliant venue to Fayetteville over the more than three decades he's served as Five Star Entertainment's President. Through his hard work and dedication, this venue has been able to host events that bring together Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and the entire region. Mark currently sits on the Boards of several non-profit organizations in the area, and has made his company a staple of service in the community.

Mark and Five Star Entertainment are deserving of this award and I wish them success as they continue to provide excellent service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Mark Pezzalla and Five Star Entertainment on winning the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Mayor's Small Business of the Year Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mac Healy as the recipient of the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Realtor Cup Award.

The Realtor Cup Award is given to the person who has contributed to the civic, economic and cultural growth of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. During his career, my good friend Mac has exhibited the qualities which define excellence in both business and community service. Mac is the President of Healy Wholesale Company, Incorporated and has lived in Fayetteville since he graduated from Wake Forest University.

Over the years, Mac has contributed to many local Fayetteville organizations. Currently, he serves as President of the N.C. Civil

War History Center Foundation, in addition to being Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Methodist University. He also serves on the Boards of the Cumberland County Foundation, American Heart Association, Downtown Development Corporation, YMCA, Dogwood Festival, March of Dimes, Fayetteville Symphony and many more.

Mac looks for every way to better our community, and I am truly thankful for his service, friendship and counsel over the years. He is deserving of this award, and I wish him continued success as he continues to be a great asset for Cumberland County.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Mac Healy on winning the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Realtor Cup Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Steve Milburn and his wife, Debbie, as the recipients of the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Business of the Year Award.

The Milburns own and operate two UPS Stores in the Westwood Shopping Center and at Fort Bragg that they opened after LTC Milburn retired from the Army in 1996. These UPS Stores have offered unparalleled service to our community through their experienced staff and ownership. LTC Milburn is not only a sharp businessman, but a bright student as well, graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1976 before serving as an Army Aviator. His hard work and determination allowed him to reach the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. LTC Milburn, I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his service to our country. It is because of men and women like you we are able to enjoy the freedoms that we have.

Over the years, LTC Milburn has dedicated his life to serving our community and country. He currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the CARE Clinic, Head of the Finance Council at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, former President of the Board of the Armed Services YMCA at Fort Bragg, Outstanding Lieutenant Governor of the Carolinas Kiwanis District, and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Cape Fear. The Milburns look to better our community at every turn, and I am truly thankful for their service.

The Milburns are deserving of this award and I wish them continued success. They truly are a wonderful asset for Cumberland County.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in celebrating LTC and Mrs. Steve Milburn on winning the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Business of the Year Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marilyn Danis as the recipient of the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Athena Award.

The Athena Award is presented to the man or woman who has contributed to the support and success of professional women in the greater Fayetteville region. Marilyn has demonstrated her passion for the advancement of professional women throughout her career in the real estate and mortgage industry, along with her commitment to numerous community service programs. As the former owner and broker of a Century 21 real estate franchise, Marilyn mentored her female employees-- primarily military wives--as they honed their skills in the industry. Currently, Marilyn is the owner of Residential Mortgage Corp., the longest locally-owned mortgage lender in Fayetteville.

Over the years, Marilyn has been a tireless advocate for local programs which support furthering the careers of women. As a sponsor of the InnovateHER Project, she helped put together a competition which gives local women the venue to showcase the services and products that can empower women and their families.

Marilyn is deserving of this award, and I wish her success as she continues to advance not only her own career, but those of other women in our community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Marilyn Danis on winning the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Athena Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Henry Tyson as the recipient of the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Young Professional of the Year Award.

Born and raised in Fayetteville, Henry has a passion for government and has remained committed to making our community a better place. After receiving his degree in Government from Campbell University, Henry took the opportunity to return home to Fayetteville and join the family business. Today he is a successful real estate broker and co- owns Tyson Commercial Properties in downtown Fayetteville with his mother, Kirby Tyson.

In addition to improving Fayetteville through his involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, Henry has volunteered himself during times of need, including helping clean up and rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew. I've known the Tyson family for decades, and I can tell you that no one is more deserving than Henry as the Chamber's Young Professional of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Henry Tyson on being named the 2018 Greater Fayetteville Chamber Young Professional of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and forced to miss this vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 64 and ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 65.

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 67.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate racing legend Robert Yates upon his induction into the ninth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Getting his NASCAR start with Holman-Moody Racing, Robert was mentored by fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson. In 1983, as the engine builder for Bobby Allison and Cale Yarborough, he was able to lead Bobby to a series championship with DiGardi Racing. His accomplishments allowed him to launch his own team in the late 1980s, Robert Yates Racing. Success followed him during every step of his journey which culminated in one of the most impressive careers in NASCAR history.

By the time he retired, Robert Yates had amassed 57 total wins, 1,155 starts and 48 poles won. His accomplishments also include winning the NASCAR premier series championship and the Daytona 500 three times. To say Robert Yates is a racing legend would be a gross understatement. A fierce competitor and true gentleman, he is the embodiment of racing and will now take his place among the greats in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, retired competitors, industry leaders, members of the media, and a nationwide fan vote. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Robert Yates is extremely deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his contributions to the sport.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Robert Yates on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.