Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the A.L. Brown High School Robotics team for their victory in the 2017 North Carolina Beta Club's Robotics competition state championship. This year, the team of Jason Chamnangam, Marco Gonzalez, Jackson Holsclaw, Jack Parker, Jesse Peterson, and Randon Philips captured the top prize after besting eight other high school teams in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Beta Club conducts competitions like this every year at their state convention. However, this was the first year the Beta Club added a robotics event to its yearly contests. The robotics championship pits North Carolina high school students against each other to test skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). After months of work and preparation, the A.L. Brown students took home the grand prize.

This year's event brought a host of talent and I am extremely proud of all of the students who participated. I am also thankful for the teachers and volunteers who made the event possible. I look forward to many more years of a successful competition and wish all the students well as they continue their academic pursuits.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating the A.L. Brown High School Robotics team on their state championship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Harris for receiving the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award.

A native of North Carolina's 8th District, Larry grew up in Kannapolis, where he attended Winecoff High School and served as the senior class president before pursuing a history degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps from 1961-1963 where he received outstanding marks as a Rifleman. After finishing his service, Larry attended Wake Forest Law School, graduating in 1965 before going on to practice law for 51 years in Cabarrus County.

During his more than five decades in the legal field, Mr. Harris served in nearly every leadership role imaginable. He served as President of the Cabarrus County Bar Association, and was active with the NC Bar Association, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Juvenile Court. Larry also ran for Congress in 1978 and served as the Chairman of the Cabarrus County Republican Party. In addition to all of these activities, Larry found time to serve his community through numerous local civic organizations, serving as the Vice President of the Kannapolis Jaycees and President of the Winecoff Lions Club. He's also been an active Shriner and Mason for decades.

The Liberty Bell Award is presented by the Cabarrus County Bar Association to an individual who educates people on and upholds the laws that support American freedom. Throughout his lifetime of involvement in Cabarrus County, Larry has helped many people maintain their confidence in our judicial system by being a constant resource for anyone in need.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Larry Harris as the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award recipient and wish him well as he continues to serve our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kannapolis Police Captain Patrick Lynn Patty for receiving the Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award.

A native of North Carolina, Captain Patty has served with the Kannapolis Police Department in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District since 1994. Throughout his career, Captain Patty has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Trainer, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Field Operation Bureau Captain and now commands the Support Services Bureau. Captain Patty's outstanding leadership and commitment in these roles for the Kannapolis Police Department made him stand out in our community. Additionally, Captain Patty put his life on the line for our nation, serving four years as an Airborne Infantry Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army.

This award is presented in memory of Robert Jackson Eury, a man who lost his life in line of duty while serving as a Carbarrus County law enforcement officer. This award keeps Mr. Eury's legacy alive through officers who share his same admirable and commendable spirit in Cabarrus County. Based on his career of service, I would say Captain Patty fits the mold of esteemed law enforcement officers in our community set by Robert Eury.

There is no doubt in my mind that Captain Patty will continue his outstanding leadership and maintain his unwavering values while protecting the people of Cabarrus County. I am excited to see what the future holds for such a dedicated officer.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Captain Patrick Patty as the Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award recipient and wish him well as he continues to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 232.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 235 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 236.

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Kannapolis Middle School North Carolina History Quiz Bowl Team for their victory in the 2017 History Quiz Bowl. This year, the team of Katie Messick, Robert Le, Tanner Sims, Raegan Koon, and Kandace Davis took home the top prize after beating five other squads in the competition.

Originally sponsored by the state in a partnership with various historic sites, the Quiz Bowl pits local eighth graders against each other to test their knowledge of North Carolina and national history. After the 2008 recession, the state cut funding for the event but a few dedicated teachers kept the competition alive. Now the competition operates as a community-based event showcasing exceptional students from both public and private schools.

This year's event brought a host of talent and I am extremely proud of all of the students who participated. As a history major myself, I have a deep appreciation for both our state and nation's history and I am glad these students share the same passion. I am also thankful for the teachers and volunteers who made the event possible. I look forward to many more years of a successful competition and wish all the students well as they continue their academic pursuits.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating the Kannapolis Middle School History Quiz Bowl Team on their accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 186, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted Aye.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Moore County Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Thanks to the hard work of the countless individuals involved with this organization, Moore County has never been a better place to live, work, or visit.

Established in 1967 as the Southern Pines Area Chamber of Commerce, this organization has long stood for the advancement of civic, cultural, and economic prosperity. By engaging with local leaders, the chamber has created a successful model for integrating businesses and the community they serve. Members continually choose to invest their time and money into the development of a better business environment for current and future generations.

There is no doubt in my mind that Moore County is a better place today thanks to their Chamber of Commerce. The hardworking men and women at the Chamber have continued to provide their members with the resources they need to grow and thrive in an ever-changing economic climate. As a result, businesses continue to choose Moore County as the place they want to reside in order to be successful. I look forward to maintaining a close relationship with the Chamber and its members as we work together to create a better future for all folks across Moore County.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the Moore County Chamber of Commerce on its 50th anniversary and wishing them continued success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Master Police Officer Edward B. Ashworth for his 28 years of dedicated service to our community.

Growing up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, Officer Ashworth has always had a profound sense of duty to his community and fellow man. In 1989, he began his career of public service as a Patrol Officer for the Kannapolis Police Department. Twenty years later, he was transferred to the newly restructured Traffic Unit where he continued his service for the rest of his career.

Throughout his career, Officer Ashworth has exhibited a deep dedication to this community and we are fortunate to have had him as a leader for all these years. His accomplishments during his time on the force include being named the St. John's Grange Number 729 Officer of the Year in 2013 and the Rowan Optimist Officer of the Year in 2014. Furthermore, he has earned several certifications as an instructor and holds an Advanced Law Enforcement certificate from the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.

Officer Ashworth has also remained an active member of the community outside of his career by volunteering his time to give back to others. A member of the Piedmont Baptist Church, Officer Ashworth dedicates his time to helping the less fortunate through their missions program. He is a man of principled values and strong faith who continues to embody the true meaning of public service. It is my hope that Officer Ashworth will enjoy his retirement and remain a role model for all of those he has helped over the years.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the career of Master Police Officer Edward B. Ashworth for his service to our community and wishing him well as he begins the next chapter of his life in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Wendell Young for his service as a noncommissioned officer in the United States Army during World War II. Mr. Young fought across Europe as part of the 2nd Cavahy Regiment's reconnaissance squadron, earning a host of awards and commendations including two Silver Stars.

A native of Rutherford County, North Carolina, Mr. Young was drafted into the Army in 1943. A year later he was deployed to the European Theatre where he served under the legendary General Patton. As the war raged on, Mr. Young saw action throughout France, Germany, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia. He played a part in the Allied victory at the Battle of the Bulge and led an effort to liberate a prisoner of war camp that was housing a large number of both American and Russian troops. During this mission, he earned both of his Silver Stars by exemplifying tremendous personal courage and selflessness to accomplish his objective. In the citation for one of those awards, he was acknowledged for his daring and heroism as an outstanding noncommissioned officer. Furthermore, he was presented the Russian Medal of Courage, making him one of the only Americans to ever receive this honor.

Following the war, Mr. Young returned to North Carolina where he started a family and began a career at the N.C. Cooperative Extension. After 31 years with the Cooperative Extension, he retired and now works part-time for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mr. Young is a living example of the American spirit, a man who answered the call of our nation in its time of need. As one of the dwindling number of WWII veterans, his story is one that needs to be cherished and shared so that we may continue to learn from their example. Mr. Young personifies both courage and patriotism and there is no doubt that he is part of the Greatest Generation, It is my hope that Mr. Young will continue to share his story so that we will never forget the lessons of his sacrifice. I wish Mr. Young and his entire family well, and thank him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the incredible legacy of Mr. Wendell Young.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 109 through 113, 118, 119, 122, 124, and 125, I was unable to cast my vote in person due to an unexpected illness. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 114 through 117, 120, 121, 123, and 126, I was unable to cast my vote in person due to an unexpected illness. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 105, I was unable to cast my vote in person due to an unexpected illness. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea.

Mr. Speaker, on roll call No. 106 through 108, I was unable to cast my vote in person due to an unexpected illness. Had I been present, I would have voted Nay.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Josh Airheart for his service to Boy Scout Troop 59 in Concord, North Carolina. Mr. Airheart has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 59 for 15 years and will soon be retiring from the position.

Having lived in Cabarrus County his entire life, Mr. Airheart has established himself as a staple of our community. He is a lifetime member of New Gilead Church, home of Troop 59, where he began his own scouting career many years ago. In 1987, Mr. Airheart earned the rank of Eagle Scout, showcasing his own commitment to service.

Beginning in 2002, Mr. Airheart returned to Troop 59 as Scoutmaster. Recognizing the significant impact scouting had on his own life, he began to share his passion with the young men of the troop. The troop then continued to blossom under his guidance as he helped an impressive 26 members achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. In 2015, he was recognized for his efforts by the Central North Carolina Council as Scoutmaster of the Year.

Along the way, Mr. Airheart has been a living embodiment of the Scout Oath, showing the young men of the troop how to integrate it in everything they do. While he may be leaving his official capacity with Troop 59, I know he will continue to be a role model for all of those in our community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Mr. Josh Airheart for his dedication and commitment to service as Scoutmaster of Troop 59.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 74 and 75 I was unable to cast my vote in person due to an emergency dental procedure. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yes.''