Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Travis Bell on being inducted into the National Barber Museum and Hall of Fame.

Our military is the best in the world, and Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, is the largest military base in the world. Cutting hair for some of the highest-ranking military officers in the world is something Mr. Bell has excelled at for 55 years.

Bell grew up in Lumberton, North Carolina working on a farm and learned haircutting from his brother, eventually becoming the most sought-after barber on base. He has truly lived an American dream with leading war heroes, Special Forces legends, Commanders of the 18th Airborne Corps, Generals from the famous 82nd Airborne, and even Secretaries of Defense, all sitting in his chair, requesting his services. Mr. Bell credits his success to his loving and supportive family, and his faith in God.

Through years of hard work, Mr. Bell has shown his commitment to our service members stationed at Fort Liberty, and we thank him for his dedication and service to the folks who keep us safe. This induction is a momentous achievement and Mr. Bell should be immensely proud of all he has accomplished throughout his storied career. Anybody who cuts the hair of Four-Star Generals on a day-to-day basis has definitely earned their spot in the National Barber Museum and Hall of Fame and I'm proud to recognize and celebrate his incredible success today.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Mr. Travis Bell on being inducted into the National Barber Museum and Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I use today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Stacey Buckner on receiving the Tom Miller Advocacy Award. This prestigious award is a testament to Stacey's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of folks in our region, especially those of homeless veterans.

This award is not Stacey's only achievement. Stacey also founded her own non-profit, Off-Road Outreach, which provides mobile showers, food, clothing, and housing assistance to homeless veterans across Fayetteville. She also was deemed one of the Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2023 and is a recipient of the North Carolina Governor's Medallion Award. We, in North Carolina, could not be more proud of Stacey and all the work she has done for our communities.

I look forward to celebrating Stacey's continued success and thank her for all she has done to ensure that our veterans are not forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Stacey Buckner on receiving the Tom Miller Advocacy Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Colonel John Wilcox as Garrison Commander of Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and to thank him for his 25 years of dedication to the armed forces.

Colonel John Wilcox earned his commission in the Military Police Corps in 1999 after graduating from The Virginia Military institute, he has undertaken numerous roles including Platoon Leader, Special Reaction Team Leader, Company Commander, and as a Military Police Advisor during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2007 Colonel Wilcox volunteered to join Special Operations as a Civil Affairs Soldier and later would deploy twice to the southern Philippines in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines, returning as Company Commander and providing Civil Affairs forces across the Mindanao Province.

Prior to assuming his role as Fort Liberty Garrison Commander, Colonel Wilcox continued his Civil Affairs service in command of 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group, Chief of Plans 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, Advisor USFOR-A, and Assistant Chief of Staff G9 2nd Infantry Division. Colonel Wilcox deployed to Afghanistan as part of a NATO Special Operations Component Command as the Director of the Afghan Local Police Special Operations Advisory Cell and in 2021 was assigned Deputy Chief of Staff G5 for USASOC.

Colonel Wilcox assumed Garrison Commander of Fort Liberty in June of 2022. With 2,500 appropriated and non-appropriated fund civilian personnel, Fort Liberty is one of the largest and functionally complex garrison workforces in the Installation Management Command. In the last two years, Colonel Wilcox has implemented a number of improvements to municipal services, built upon relationships with local elected leaders, and has secured Fort Liberty's ready status as a power projection platform. Through his professionalism, dedication, drive and passion, Colonel Wilcox has greatly improved the quality of life for the nearly 280,000 people that live, work, or rely on Fort Liberty for services. Recently the base underwent a no-notice departure of the 18th Airborne Corps headquarters as well as the 82nd Airborne Division's deployment to Europe, both operations remaining agile and effective with the support and steady leadership of Colonel Wilcox. Additionally, Fort Liberty underwent repairs of more than 100 miles of roadwork in failing condition at 60 percent of the estimated cost, implemented a multiyear replacement plan for HVAC systems and Roofs saving the government upwards of $10 million, and established the ``Sunset Liberty March,'' designed to honor the installation's history and the sacrifice of fallen soldiers.

The people of Fort Liberty are forever grateful for Colonel John Wilcox's vision and direction. Colonel Wilcox, his wife, Nellie, and their three children, Hannah, Aiden, and Lukas, will be deeply missed by this community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the service of Colonel John Wilcox as Fort Liberty's Garrison Commander and wishing him success on his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Mixon on his appointment as Garrison Commander of Fort Liberty.

Colonel K. ``Chad'' Mixon began his military career in 1993 as an enlisted infantryman at Fort Bragg, NC. Now known as Fort Liberty, it is the home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces and is the world's largest military installation. Colonel Mixon's more than 30- year career in the United States Army includes commissions within North Carolina and would extend to positions at both Fort McPherson, Georgia, and Fort Polk, Louisiana.

I am honored to recognize Colonel Mixon's accomplishments and am forever grateful for the service of the men and women throughout the United States Armed Forces. Colonel Mixon would return to Fort Liberty, North Carolina in April of 2010 as a Supply and Services Troop Commander, Squadron Operations Officer and Squadron Executive Officer in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He served as Logistics Operations Officer in the Deputy Chief of Staff at Headquarters, Forces Command and would be appointed as the 307th BSB Battalion Commander in 2016 before transitioning to the Joint Special Operations Command as the J4 Chief of Operations.

Over the course of 12 years Colonel Mixon would deploy in seven overseas operations including three deployments in Iraq and two in Kuwait. Colonel Mixon has been extensively decorated and awarded for his military contributions. His diverse military endeavors extend to the Carolinas Collegiate Institutes, serving as a Transportation Officer through the Campbell University Army ROTC Program as well as a Professor of Military Science at the University of South Carolina. Colonel Mixon's devotion to his country and our great state is beyond admirable and is accomplished through the support of his wife, Charlotte, and two sons, Chase and Cole. His appointment is well deserved, and I look forward to celebrating his future success.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Colonel K. ``Chad'' Mixon and thanking him for immense diligence and dedication in his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Pinecrest Patriots Men's Golf team, Athletic Director Jeff Hewitt, and Principal Stefanie Phillips on winning their eighth North Carolina High School Athletic Association Championship (NCHSAA) 4A Men's Golf title.

The men of Pinecrest Highschool's golf team have brought this years NCHSAA championship back home to Southern Pines. The Patriots defeated the next closest competitor by 14 strokes, setting a new NCHSAA record.

The coaches and players of the Pinecrest Men's Golf Team have brought great pride to both their school and all of Moore County. I wish them all the best and hope to see them continue their great success next season. Go Patriots.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating the coaches and golfers of Pinecrest High School on their victory in this year's N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A Men's Golf State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Drew Hedgecoe of Terry Sanford High School on winning his third consecutive NCHSAA 3A state championship in singles tennis.

On May 11, 2024, Drew defeated South Central freshman Shaw Akula 6-2, 6-3 to clinch the title. Due to his hard work and dedication, Drew is breaking records on the tennis court and could soon become the second tennis player in NCHSAA history to win four straight singles championships. Drew has made his school, and all of Cumberland County, extremely proud.

I wish Drew all the best and hope to see him make history on the court and bring home another state championship next season.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Drew Hedgecoe on winning his third consecutive NCHSAA 3A State Championship in singles tennis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Union Pines Vikings, Coach Daniel Proud, and their Principal Andrew McCormick on their undefeated season and winning the NCHSAA 3A/2A/1A women's lacrosse state championship.

The women of Union Pines lacrosse team have brought this year's NCHSAA championship back home to Moore County. The Vikings defeated Bishop McGuiness High School 20-6 to clinch the title and cap off a perfect 18-0 season.

The coaches and players of Union Pines have brought great pride to both their school and all of Moore County. I wish them all the best and hope to see them continue their success next season. Go Vikings.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating the coaches and players of Union Pines High School on their victory in this year's NCHSAA 3A/2A/1A Women's Lacrosse State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Dale F. Lambert on his retirement after 33 years of working in the electric utility industry.

Dale is the embodiment of the American Dream. He started off with the Randolph Electric Membership Corporation as an Apprentice Lineman in 1984. He then served as a District Manager before working his way up to CEO, a position he has held for the last 17 years. Thanks to his hard work and dedication we've been able to keep the lights on.

Dale is not only committed to making sure folks in Randolph County have reliable access to power, but he is also deeply involved with the community. Dale frequently volunteers with his church, the Beulah Baptist Church, as well as the Asheboro Rotary Club and the NC Jaycee Burn Center Advisory Committee. Dale is dedicated to improving the lives of the folks around him and is truly a steward of our region. Dale has given 33 great years to Randolph County, and while we will miss him dearly, I'm sure he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Regena and their wonderful children and granddaughter.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Mr. Dale F. Lambert on his well-earned retirement after a 33-year career in the electric utility industry.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to a weather delay at the airport which prevented me from getting to Washington in time. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 123; YEA on Roll Call No. 122; YEA on Roll Call No. 121; and YEA on Roll Call No. 120.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Robbins Area Library for thirty years of service to the people of Moore County.

Thirty years ago, this library was established to serve as a center for community and learning for the people of Robbins, North Carolina. Before it was built, folks had to travel to neighboring towns in order to visit a library. But now Robbin's library has emerged as an integral part of the town. The library houses thousands of books, provides internet access in an area where coverage is limited, and caters to the learning of people of all ages. Additionally, it serves as a central meeting spot, hosting children's events, book groups, movie groups, sports clubs, and more.

Numerous folks have been integral to the success of this storied landmark. This includes people like Theron Bell, who was the chief advocate for the establishment of the library back in the 1990's, and Clara Bernicken, a thirty-year veteran of the local library system and one of the lead story tellers at Robbins. They, and many others, have performed a tremendous service to our community in Moore County. I think I speak for everyone in Moore County in thanking them for all they have done and continue to do.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the Robbins Area Library and all those who have helped it grow and develop on the thirtieth anniversary of its establishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the O'Neal School's varsity girls basketball team on winning their first ever state basketball title.

Last month, for the first time in school history, the women of the O'Neal School won the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) 2A basketball state championship. The Falcons won this year's championship by a final score of 48-32 over Wayne County Day School. This victory caps off what was an incredible year for the Falcons, who finished the season with a 30-1 record. This is a momentous and well-deserved achievement.

The coaches and players of the O'Neal School's girls basketball team have brought great pride to both their school and the whole of Moore County. I wish them all the best and hope to see them continue their great success next season. Go Falcons.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating the coaches and athletes of the O'Neal School on their victory in this season's NCISAA 2A basketball state championship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Alexei Navalny, who made the ultimate sacrifice in his fight for freedom, democracy, and basic human rights.

For more than a decade, Navalny courageously led the unflinching opposition against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his evil cronies.

Determined to create a truly democratic Russia, Navalny exposed Putin for who he truly is: a murderous, corrupt dictator.

In August of 2020, officers of the Russian government attempted to kill Navalny by poison, forcing him to be evacuated and hospitalized in Germany.

Despite this attempt on his life, Navalny never wavered and, after miraculously recovering from this attempted murder, insisted on returning to Russia to continue his mission of bringing freedom to his countrymen.

Upon his return home, Navalny was wrongfully imprisoned by Russian authorities for the remainder of his life and, tragically, to his death.

His only crime was his determination to speak out in the face of oppression and advocate for a Russia free from Putin's control.

Throughout his imprisonment, Navalny never lost his sense of optimism and hope for the future. He remained positive, even telling jokes in court less than 24 hours before his death.

While in prison in the Arctic Circle, Navalny continued being a strong voice for freedom, relying on his family, lawyers, and other supporters to speak out on his behalf and stand defiant against Putin's evil regime.

He was a man of deep conviction who never faltered in his mission, no matter the cost.

He was one of the bravest, most principled men I have ever met, and his memory will never be forgotten. The United States must continue Navalny's legacy and stand up against Putin's efforts to trample freedom in Europe and around the world.

May we never stop fighting to secure peace and democracy for all those who seek it, just as Navalny so courageously did.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chief Mike Wagner on his retirement from the Siler City Police Department and to honor his years of faithful service to the people of Chatham County, North Carolina.

Wagner began his career in law enforcement with the Albemarle County Police Department, in Albemarle County, Virginia in 1991, retiring on May 31, 2019, after 28 years of service. Subsequently, Wagner was appointed Chief of Police for Siler City, North Carolina on June 3rd, 2019, a position he has held up until this day. While serving as chief, Wagner served on the Board of Directors for the Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA) and remains a member of the Chatham Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and Chairman of the Animal Appeals Board.

Wagner has earned numerous degrees and academic accolades over the course of his career. Some of these include an associate degree in Police Science from Piedmont Virginia Community College, a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Bluefield College, a Master's Degree from Liberty University along with various leadership credentials from such institutions as the University of Louisville and at the University of Richmond.

On top of this, Wagner served honorably in our nation's military. He is a veteran with 13 years of service in the United States Army and the Virginia Army National Guard. During his time in the service, he was deployed overseas as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2010.

Chief Wagner is a dedicated public servant, husband, father, and patriot. I know I speak for the whole community when I wish him well in this next chapter of his life.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Mike Wagner on his retirement and thanking him for his many years of dedicated service to both our state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kaydence Tate on receiving the 2024 Youth of the Year award from the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills.

Kaydence is a sophomore at Pinecrest High School and has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills (BGCS) for over four years. Since she joined back in 2019, Kaydence has been an incredibly active member of this acclaimed organization in more ways than one. Earlier this year, she won the Boys and Girls Club of America's Career Launch Essay Contest. Furthermore, she serves as President of the Keystone Club of BGCS, a platform she uses to help engage with her passion of working with the homeless population, especially providing them with nutrition services.

However, Kaydence's dedication to service does not stop there. In addition to helping assist the homeless population, both on her own time and with the Keystone Club, Kaydence also spends time working in the dining hall at Gracious Living Retirement Center, helping to serve food to the residents. She views service as a lifelong commitment, with her long-term goal being to obtain a nursing degree and ultimately become an OB/GYN.

Kaydence is a model student and citizen, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than her. I know I speak for the whole of our community when I say that Moore County is a better place because of her efforts.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Kaydence Tate on receiving this award and in wishing her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 23rd Winter Meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) which begins this week in Vienna, Austria.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the largest regional security organization in the world and possesses the vital goal of promoting stability, peace, human rights, and democracy across North America and Eurasia. The OSCE traces its roots back to the 1970s and has since grown to include 57 member countries across three continents, many of which are former Soviet states looking to continue their transition into robust, healthy democracies.

The flagship political institution of this organization is the OSCE PA, which gathers as many as 323 legislators from across the OSCE region several times a year to discuss the most pressing issues facing the transatlantic community. Amidst global upheavals, the OSCE PA gives member states a place to use debate and dialogue to express the interests of the people, identify conflicts and commonalities, and pursue common-sense approaches to achieve global goals.

For the past four years, I have served as Chair of the OSCE PA's General Committee on Political Affairs and Security, known as the First Committee. This committee is focused on addressing critical security challenges across the OSCE region. The work of the OSCE PA as a whole and the work of this committee [in particular] have never been more imperative than they are today. In the wake of renewed great power conflict and rising international tensions--trends made most apparent in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine--the United States and all freedom-loving countries must recommit to our shared democratic values and continue to push back against Putin and all those who seek to trample freedom around the world.

While I regret that I cannot be in Vienna for this year's Winter Meeting, I know the OSCE PA will continue its great work in my absence. I thank all in the Assembly, especially my friends President Pia Kauma, Secretary General Roberto Montella, and First Committee Rapporteur Laurynas Kasciunas, for all they do to keep this institution vibrant and strong. I look forward to joining my OSCE PA colleagues in Bucharest, Romania this summer for the Annual Session of the OSCE PA.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the OSCE, its Parliamentary Assembly, and its many participating states and parliamentarians, and to thank them for all they do to help foster peace and stability around the globe.