Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated father, loving son, inspiring brother, and purposeful public Servant, dutiful soldier, and friend of longstanding, Mayor Ralph T. Brown, Jr. Sadly, Mayor Brown passed from labor to reward on March 24, 2023. A funeral service to celebrate his remarkable life was held on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the Josh Gibson Center in Buena Vista, Georgia.

The journey of Mayor Ralph Brown began on January 10, 1960, when he was born to the union of Marie Fudge Brown and the late Ralph T. Brown, Sr. in Buena Vista, Marion County, Georgia. He was educated in the Marion County School System, graduating in 1977 from Tri-County High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1980 and served honorably as an Administrative Specialist and Recruiter.

During his service, he received numerous awards and commendations including Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Advance Level, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbons, M16 Expert Qualification Badge Driver and Mechanic Badge, and Driver-W, U.S. Army, Gold Recruiter Badge. His duty stations included Ft. Knox, Kentucky, USARB Columbus, RC, and Overseas. He retired as Sergeant First Class with 21 years of service.

After retiring from the Army, Mayor Brown moved back to his beloved Buena Vista, eager to make a difference. He quickly became involved in the community, ultimately being elected Mayor. Mayor Brown served the citizens of Buena Vista with great distinction from 2000 to 2020, following in the footsteps of his mother who served on the City Council and as Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Brown was a consensus builder during his time as Mayor. He

was always looking for common ground with his ultimate goal being the betterment of Buena Vista. He retired as Mayor in 2020 and passed the baton to his brother, Mayor Kevin Brown, continuing the family tradition of public service. Mayor Brown's propensity for service did not stop at the Mayor's Office. He was a community specialist with the West Central Georgia Community Action Council and a program coordinator with The Student Transition and Recovery Program (STAR) Program at the Macon County Board of Education. Mayor Brown was also a member of the American Legion Post 309 and the Mayor of Georgia Committee. The great agricultural chemist George Washington Carver once said that ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Mayor Ralph Brown was concerned about the ``least of these'' during his life and made that passion his life's work.

But more than that, he was driven by his faith. God ordered the steps of his life. He was a dedicated member of the Poplar Spring Baptist Church and a member of a weekly bible study group--(Men Talk).

On a personal note, Mayor Brown was my friend of long standing. He never told me what I wanted to hear, but he always told me what he felt I needed to hear. I will miss his wise advice and sage counsel. Mayor Brown accomplished much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the support of his family including his beloved mother, Marie Fudge Brown; his children, Leisha Hunter; Lakisha Hunter Echols; and April Brown-Swan; and a host of family and friends who will miss him deeply.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 765,000 constituents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to Mayor Ralph T. Brown, Jr. and in extending our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement. Moreover, we pray that we will all be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith, and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead. To God be the Glory for the life and legacy of Mayor Ralph T. Brown, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a great husband, loving father, doting grandfather, inspiring author, innovative entrepreneur, dedicated servant and friend of longstanding, Thomas ``Tommy'' Dortch, Jr. Sadly, Tommy transitioned from this life on February 15, 2023. His funeral service was held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. He leaves behind a legacy of service that will not soon be forgotten.

Tommy Dortch was born on April 12, 1950, in Toccoa, Georgia to the union of Thomas W. Dortch, Sr. and Lizzie Mae Dortch. He graduated in 1968 in the first racially integrated class of Whitman High School in Taccoa and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Fort Valley State College (now University) thereafter. While at Fort Valley, he distinguished himself by being elected Student Government Association President. Tommy would then go on to receive several post- graduate degrees and fellowships, including a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Clark Atlanta University; a Ford Fellowship in the Urban Administration Program at Georgia State University; and Honorary Doctorates from Fayetteville State University, Jarvis Christian College, Fort Valley State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Livingstone College.

After graduating from Fort Valley, Tommy nobly began his professional career by running voter registration drives to increase voter participation among groups who were historically disenfranchised. In 1974, he began working as the Associate Director of the Georgia Democratic Party, and four years later began working for the office of Senator Sam Nunn, ultimately rising through the ranks to become the first African American State Director to serve in that capacity for a United States Senator.

Always an activist, in 1986, Tommy joined the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., widely known as an organization that is focused on leadership, education, health and wellness, and youth mentoring. Tommy served as Chairman of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and served twice as the Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America's Board of Directors. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the organization as a powerful force for Black youth empowerment. Tommy was always looking for ways to help young people reach their full potential and in 1986, he founded the Black Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.--an organization that has awarded over $1.1 million in scholarships to the students of our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

After sixteen years of government service, Tommy left his position as State Director to pursue his own business interests, including minority and small business development and non-profit organizations. He served as the CEO of the consulting firm TWD, Inc. and the Atlanta Transportation Systems, Inc.; Chairman and CEO of Cornerstone Parking; and Managing Partner of FAD Consulting, LLC. He co-founded the Georgia Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (GAME) to fill a void in the state as an-advocacy organization for minority business development. Tommy also co-founded the Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance as a capacity building development organization for the construction and transportation industries.

Tommy was a much sought-after speaker on both a national and international stage to governmental entities, corporations, and educational institutions. He also had many guest appearances on nationally acclaimed television programs to include The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, the National Press Club and C-SPAN to name a few.

Because of his advocacy and commitment to community service, Tommy was recognized by several national and international publications to include the 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 May editions of Ebony Magazine and one of its 100 Influential African Americans. The Atlanta Business Chronicle included him as one of its 100 most influential Atlantans from 2001 through 2014. Also, Tommy received numerous awards for his service and advocacy for humankind to include 2008 Community Service Professional of the Year; 2008 FraserNet Community Service Award; 2008 Global Leadership Empowerment Award; Atlanta Business Chronicle 50 Most Admired CEOs, and by the Atlanta Magazine as one of its 500 Most Influential Leaders.

Tommy also gave his time, talent, and treasure to many community organizations to include Vice Chairman of the Board of Grady Memorial Corporation; Chairman of the Board, Friendship Force International; Chairman of the Board, Fulton/Dekalb County Hospital Authority; Chairman of the Board of the Atlanta Business League; Chairman of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation; Board of Trustees, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; Board of Trustees, Talladega College; and Board of Trustees, Clark Atlanta University.

On a personal note, Tommy was a friend for many years and, along with his wife, Carole, supported my public service in countless ways. I was blessed with his sage advice and counsel over the years, and the world is a better place because of the life that he led,

Jackie Robinson once said that ``a life isn't significant except for its impact on other lives.'' There is no doubt that the life of Thomas ``Tommy'' Dortch, Jr. profoundly impacted countless others. He did so much for so many for so long.

Tommy accomplished much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the grace of God and the love and support of his wife, Carole, his five children and fourteen grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have known a man with as much grace, class, and dignity as Thomas ``Tommy'' Dortch, Jr. I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the nearly 765,000 people of the Second Congressional District in extending our deepest condolences to his family. May they be comforted by their faith, the grace of God, and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding mentor, dedicated servant leader, Vietnam War Veteran, faithful servant of God, and dear friend of longstanding, Reverend Dr. Emmett Scott Aniton, Jr. for over four decades of service to his congregation at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. A celebration of his 44th Anniversary at the Church will be held on April 2, 2023 in Columbus, Georgia.

Rev. Emmett Scott Aniton, Jr. was born on March 8, 1940, in Oneonta, Alabama to the union of Mr. Emmett Scott Aniton, Sr. and Mrs. Estella Aniton Woods. He graduated from Southside High School in Etowah County, Alabama and earned his Bachelor of Theology from Selma University in 1964. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Aniton answered his nation's call to service and entered the United States Army, completing a tour of duty in Qui Nho'n Vietnam. He then returned home to Alabama where he matriculated at Alabama A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

After his service in Vietnam and earning his second college degree, Rev. Aniton first answered God's call to preach the Gospel by becoming the Pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Alabama. There, he ministered to the needs of his congregation, christening infants, baptizing believers, performing marriages, and consoling bereaved families, all while developing and honing his skills as a church administrator and inspiring preacher.

In November of 1978, Rev. Aniton accepted the call to become the pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and he followed the Holy Spirit to Columbus, Georgia. His pastoral duties began in April of 1979 and he has faithfully and dutifully served for over four decades. Under Rev. Aniton's dynamic and spirit-filled leadership, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has experienced tremendous growth-- spiritually, numerically, and in its building facilities.

Rev. Aniton's outstanding servant leadership did not stop at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church; his impact has been felt throughout the greater Columbus community and beyond. He has served on the boards of the Pastoral Institute, the Liberty Theatre, the Metro Columbus Urban League, and the Fourth Street Towers. He has served as the President of the Mount Calvary Congress of Christian Education and the Muscogee County Clergy Association; instructor for the General Missionary Baptist Convention, Georgia Congress of Christian Education, and the American Baptist Theological Seminary.

Sir Winston Churchill once said, ``You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.'' Rev. Emmett Scott Aniton has given of himself over forty years of dedicated service to the glory of God and to his faithful congregation.

Rev. Emmett Scott Aniton has received numerous awards, such as the NAACP Religious Affairs Award, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Lifetime Achievement Award, the Peace, Unity, Honesty, and Leadership Award; and in May of 2021, received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida.

Reverend Dr. Aniton has achieved so much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the grace of God and love and support of his late wife, Mrs. Dorothy Rigby Aniton; his children, Minister Rhonda Aniton Bell, Emmett Scott Aniton III, and Keisha Aniton Simmons; his grandchildren and other family members.

On a personal note, I have been blessed by Rev. Aniton's sage counsel and advice over the four decades that I have known him, and I am proud to call him my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me; along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in honoring and commending the Reverend Dr. Emmett Scott Aniton, Jr. for 44 years of dedicated service to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Moreover, we pray for God's continued blessings upon him and his family in the weeks, months and years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an inspiring woman of God, a loving wife, dedicated, doting grandmother, pace setting trailblazer, and friend to humankind, Reverend Jacqueline Delorise Smith. A retirement reception attended by her family, many friends and well-wishers was held on February 18, 2023, at 3:00 pm in Columbus, Georgia.

Reverend Smith's remarkable life began in Grady County, Georgia. She was educated in the Grady County School System at Washington Consolidated High School. She obtained her post-secondary education degrees in Sociology from both Thomas University and Bainbridge University.

Her professional pursuits took her to be the lead Psychiatric Assistant at Southwestern State Hospital and a Social Worker at Georgia Pine for the State of Georgia, serving for a period of 31 years. A multi-talented individual, she also trained as a Practical Nurse and worked as a CPR Instructor, Emergency Medical Technician and Home Health Technician.

Reverend's Smith's life was changed forever when she answered the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of her commitment to the Gospel and to God's people she was ordained as a Deacon in 1990 and in 1992 was elected to be an Intinerant Elder. She presented her first trial sermon in September of 1987.

Her pastoral care has taken her to many churches, often serving as the first female Pastor in these houses of God. She has served at the following churches during her powerful ministry to include Bryant Chapel in Reno, Georgia, Rock Hill in Beachton, Georgia, Saint John AME Church, Cedar Springs AME in Whigham, Georgia, she was the second female Pastor in Bainbridge, Georgia. This was followed by service at the St. Peter AME Church in Camilla, Georgia and the Bethel AME Church (Circuit) in Attapulgus, Georgia.

In 2004, her historical accomplishments on behalf of the Kingdom continued when she was appointed the first female Presiding Elder in the South Georgia Conference by Bishop Frank C. Cummings. She continued to pastor churches while serving as the presiding Elder to include Mount Olive in Ocilla, Georgia, Bethel AME in Alaptha, Georgia, St. Pete AMAE in Valdosta, Georgia, St. Paul AME in Valdosta, Georgia, Peyton AME in Claytonville/Valdosta, Georgia, Francis Lake in Lake Park, Georgia Bethel AME in Fitzgerald, Georgia and ATOC AME in Dawson, Georgia.

Her life is an example of how one person can make a difference when carrying out God's will for their lives. Presiding Elder Smith has served her God and she has served him well.

Presiding Elder has accomplished much in her life but none of her successes would have been possible without the Love of God and support of her husband, Charles Dewey Smith who serves as an area consultant of the Southwest Georgia District, their three children and nine grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian, and I, along with the more than 765,000 people of the Second Congressional District and my colleagues extend their congratulations to Presiding Elder in honor of her distinguished career in service to God and humankind. May the next phase of her life be filled with happiness and a continued servant's heart.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an exceptional community leader and outstanding citizen, Mr. Gerald Mixon, on his retirement as the Planning Director of the Middle Flint Area Planning and Development Corporation and the River Valley Regional Commission after 47 years of service. His retirement celebration was held on February 17, 2023 at the River Valley Regional Commission in Americus, Georgia.

For nearly five decades, Gerald has been a dedicated leader in the Middle and Southwest Georgia community, helping to bring much-needed resources and development opportunities to multiple counties in Georgia's Second District, including Dooly, Macon, Marion, Schley, Sumter, Taylor, and Webster counties. During his tenure, he has successfully applied

for countless federal programs to spur community development projects in his community, and he has been instrumental in working with local government and the various federal departments and agencies to improve the quality of life for Georgians.

As the Planning Director for the Middle Flint Area Planning and Development Corporation and the River Valley Regional Commission, Gerald Mixon has become a vital resource to the dozens of local government officials and non-profit institutions that fall within his reach. His deep knowledge and experience of the grant-writing process and bottom-up community development has positioned him to serve as an essential lifeline for these community leaders who often seek technical assistance and sound advice as they work to improve their communities and neighborhoods. His service in this regard served the community tremendously as local officials are often tasked with working together to implement region-wide projects under the Community Development Block Grant, including in transportation and infrastructure, housing, and anti-poverty programs.

Gerald has built an impressive career in his lifetime, planning and overseeing the successful completion of countless community development projects, including leading the efforts to implement numerous comprehensive plans for efficient and sustainable solid waste management in the Middle Flint and River Valley Regions. Amid frequent destructive tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather-related incidents, Gerald authored eight pre-disaster plans for counties and cities across the region to help mitigate damage and the need for costly repairs following disasters. And he modernized his region's public safety apparatus by conceptualizing and organizing a seven- county Enhanced 911 center covering the largest service area in Georgia that went on to become the Middle Flint E-911 system, which is still in operation today.

Gerald has accomplished much throughout his life, but none of this would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of his wife, Diane, and his three children, Heather, Stuart and David.

Sir Winston Churchill often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' The Middle and Southwest Georgia region is a better place today because Gerald Mixon gave so much to so many for so long to make our communities stronger, better place to live. As a man of tremendous work ethic, organizational talent, vision, and tact, his life's work has helped create prosperity and opportunities in Georgia that many may have once not thought possible.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Gerald Mixon upon the occasion of his retirement from an outstanding career of service to his beloved community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loving husband, dedicated father, seasoned law enforcement executive, dear friend of longstanding to my wife Vivian and me, Lieutenant Colonel John Darr. An event celebrating his remarkable career in law enforcement was held on Thursday, February 23 at the Saint Luke Ministry Center in Columbus, Georgia.

The journey of Lieutenant Colonel Darr began in Fort Benning, Georgia. He attended Hardaway High School and Columbus State University.

Lieutenant Colonel Darr began his career with Muscogee County Sheriffs Office in 1988 serving in a variety of bureaus to include The Fugitive Apprehension Bureau, The Jail Bureau, Patrol Bureau, Court Bureau, and Investigative Bureau.

Because of his vast experience and his penchant for service, Lieutenant Colonel Darr ran for and was elected Sheriff of Muscogee County in 2008. He was subsequently reelected in 2012. During his tenure as Sheriff, Lieutenant Colonel Darr was a visionary leader who organized various community outreach programs. One of the first programs that he initiated was a program called project lifesaver. This program was the first of its kind in Muscogee County.

The program provided tracking bands to families of program individuals with cognitive disabilities to Autism and Alzheimer's. A compassionate community servant, Lt. Col. Darr helped to secure funding for bands for families that could not afford them as well as provided training for his deputies to be able to locate these individuals if they were in distress. He also found resources to promote these two programs by having an Autism Patrol Car and the All Cancer Support Vehicle.

Lt. Col Darr was also committed to reducing the recidivism rate at the Muscogee County Jail.

Always the visionary, he began several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for inmates while housed at the jail. These initiatives include the Veterans Dorm, the Fatherhood Dorm, and the GED Dorm.

The Veterans Dorm was the first such initiative in the country and provided vast resources for those Veterans who were incarcerated. It helped them to deal with the ever-present issues of PTSD and substance abuse. In short, this initiative helped to prepare these Veterans for life after incarceration.

The Fatherhood Dorm initiative focused on inmates being able to be present fathers after their release from incarceration. This initiative focused to improving the literacy of fathers so that after their release they would have the literacy skills to better themselves and to be able to read to their children. Finally, the GED Dorm helped incarcerated individuals to obtain their GED's.

Because of these initiatives and his focus of Mental Health, Lt. Col Darr was responsible for the removal of a Federal Consent Decree that the jail had operated under since 1999.

Lt. Col Darr's remarkable service as Sheriff ended in 2016. He always looked for ways to help himself and his community. He came back at the Lt. Col for jail operations under current Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.

John Darr has held many titles in his life, but the most befitting is that of Servant. It has been said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' John Darr has paid his rent and he has paid it well.

Lt. Col Darr has accomplished much in this life, but none of it would have been possible with the love and support of his wife Linda and their four children: Rachael, Michelle, Courtney and Troy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife Vivian and me along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Lt. Col John Darr on the occasion of his retirement from the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office and remarkable career in Law Enforcement. To God be the Glory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated husband, loving father, accomplished professor, stellar researcher, and admiring trailblazer, Dr. Charles Magee. Dr. Magee was honored on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at an African American History Program at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Cairo, Georgia.

The genesis of Dr. Magee's began in Prentis, Mississippi. He is a proud graduate of Johnson High School. Dr. Magee's higher education journey began at Alcorn State University where he received a bachelor's degree in Animal Science in 1970. He went on to receive a master's degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Minnesota at St. Paul in 1973. Finally, he received his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Cornell University in 1980.

Excellence has defined his extraordinary professional life. His professional career has taken him to some of the finest universities in the world to include the University of Minnesota at St. Paul, North Carolina A and T, Cornell University; the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Fort Valley State University, and Florida A and M University.

Throughout his career he has been a trailblazing professor and scholar. He was the first African American to earn a master's degree from the University of Minnesota; the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in Agricultural and biological engineering from Cornell University; the first African American graduate of a historically black college or university (Alcorn State University) to earn a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering; and the first African American assistant professor in the college of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. He developed the first patent in the history of Fort Valley State University and the Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) program at FAMU. He is a founding and charter member of the National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences and the first African American Engineer to be elected in the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2020. Although he has been a trailblazer, his life has not been without his share of difficulties and obstacles. He has persevered and our Nation and world are better for it. Sometimes he had to stand alone, but he stood tall.

A selfless servant, Dr. Magee has always had at the forefront of his mind the fact that he must address the issue of underrepresented populations in STEM careers. Dr. Magee has meant the world to his students through his mentorship, some have even followed in his enormous footsteps. His influence has been paramount in their lives.

Dr. Magee is a creative genius who has had eight U.S. patents that have been approved and eight that are pending. His life is an example of how one person can make a difference when carrying out God's plan for their life.

The great Agricultural Chemist, George Washington Carver once said, ``It is not the style of clothes one wears, neither the kind of automobile one drives, nor the amount of money one has in the bank that counts. These mean nothing. It is simply service that measures success.'' Charles Magee is truly a servant.

Dr. Magee has accomplished much in his life but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife, Audrey and his children, Candace and Darian.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 765,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District in extending our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Charles Magee for his service to God, humankind, and our world. To God be the Glory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loving husband, dedicated father, community activist, dedicated public official, and dear friend of long standing, The Honorable Loyd Lewis.

Sadly, Mr. Lewis passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. A celebration of his remarkable life was held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 3:00 pm in the gymnasium of Quitman County High School in Georgetown, Georgia.

The genesis of Loyd Lewis's story began on March 30, 1935, when he was born to the union of the late Lexton Lewis and Willie Mae Griffin Lewis in Georgetown, Georgia. He was educated in the Quitman County, Georgia school system and graduated from the Kaigler Training School.

Mr. Lewis graduated from Fort Valley State College with a bachelor's degree in Social Studies and he obtained his certification in Guidance and Counseling from Tennessee State University, in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Lewis began his teaching career at his alma mater, the Kaigler Training School in 1958.

On August 16, 1965, Mr. Lewis's life would change forever when he married the love of

his life, Katherine Louise Mauldin of Fort Gaines, Georgia. To this blessed union a son, Carvel, was born.

Loyd used his life's work to affect the lives of young people in a monumental way. He was a teacher, guidance counselor, and school bus driver. Mr. Lewis served as the Director of the Neighborhood Youth Corporation in Columbus, Georgia from 1966 to 1976. From 1976 until 1984, Loyd served as the Operations Manager for the Columbus Employment and Training Administration in Columbus, Georgia under Mayors Jack Mickle and Harry Jackson.

Because of the profound impact of assisting his wife with her parent's funeral arrangements in Asheville, NC, Mr. Lewis was inspired to go into funeral service and in 1969, he and his beloved wife opened Lewis Mortuary in Fort Gaines, Georgia. For over 53 years, this business has brought comfort to families in Southeast Alabama and Southwest Georgia.

Loyd was always involved in things that were for the betterment of his community. He was truly a humble and benevolent servant. For many years, the city of Georgetown was without an AME Church until Loyd Lewis stepped in with a group of ladies to reopen St. Stephens AME church. He and Katherine put their dreams of building a home on hold for this project. The church reopened in 1976 and is still going strong today.

He continued to offer himself for service by serving on the Quitman County School Board. Loyd would serve as its Chairman for over 15 years. Because of his efforts, the school system would build a new elementary school, high school, and gym that would pave the way for the return of students from Stewart County.

Loyd loved his God and served as a church Steward and Trustee as well as church school Superintendent at St. Stephens AME church. He served his God by serving the community as a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Cross Road Masonic Lodge No. 190, The State School Board Association and The Georgia High School Association.

Mother Teresa, said ``A life not lived for others is not a life.'' I can say without a shadow of doubt that the Honorable Loyd Lewis lived his life for others.

He accomplished much in his life but none of it would have been possible without the love and support of his late wife, Katherine, his son Commissioner Carvel Lewis and his grandson, Tristan.

On a personal note, Loyd was my friend and supporter. He never told me what he thought I wanted to hear but he always told me what he felt I needed to hear. I will miss his wise advice and sage counsel.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 765,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District in commending the great service to humanity of the Honorable Loyd Lewis and in extending our deepest sympathies to his family. May their faith and the Holy Spirit console and comfort them in the days, weeks, and months to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, noted historian, professional librarian, distinguished author, thoughtful teacher, dedicated public servant and dear friend of longstanding, The Honorable Mary Jane Perkins Galer. Sadly, Representative Galer transitioned this life on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. A celebration of her remarkable life was held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at The First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, GA attended by a host of friends, family, and admirers.

The genesis of Mary Jane Galers journey began with her birth in Port Arthur, Texas in 1924. Always seeking to quench her thirst for knowledge, she attended and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1945 with a B.A. in Education. This led to the commencement of her professional career as a teacher and librarian. She went on to earn a Master's degree in Library Science from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1947.

Mary Jane was able to merge her love of travel and serving others when she became an Army Special Services Librarian. This responsibility involved setting up libraries for soldiers at bases around the world, helping these soldiers increase their love of knowledge and learning. In 1951, during one of these assignments, she met and married her husband of 66 years, the late U.S. Army LTC (Ret.) Robert Fulton Galer. The Galer Family moved to Columbus, Georgia in 1960, when her husband became Fort Benning's Inspector General and Mary Jane assumed the position of Post Librarian. In 1967, Mary Jane joined the staff of Columbus College, now Columbus State University, as a Librarian and Associate Professor.

Because of her love of public service, in 1976 she interrupted her pursuit of an advanced degree in Political Science to run for a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives. She and I were both elected during that election, and we became not only colleagues but dear friends. We frequently traveled to and from Atlanta together and often shuttled packages to her daughter Robin, who was a student at Georgia Tech. She used her time as a legislator to champion the rights of women and children. Her legislative achievements include helping Georgia, Alabama, and Florida to agree on a water sharing plan, revising guardianship laws for incapacitated adults, removing the collaboration requirements in rape cases and strengthening child support laws to comply with Federal guidelines. Furthermore. she was a strong advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment and equal opportunity for all. She served in the Georgia General Assembly through 1988. As a result of her stellar public service, she received numerous public awards to include Certificate for Outstanding Achievement in Public Service, Soroptimist Award and the Maxine Shapiro Goldenstein Freedom Award.

Mary Jane Galer accomplished much in her life but little of it would have been possible without the grace of God and the love and support of her husband, the late U.S. Army LTC (Ret.) Robert Fulton Galer and her three children--Frank Fulton Galer, Robin R. Galer, and Barbara J. Neufeld. Her life was certainly made complete with the love of her grandchildren Jeni Neufeld and Katie Benner, as well as her three great grandchildren.

George Washington Carver once said that ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Mary Jane, throughout her life exemplified these words. She was a lady of principle, character, dignity, grace, and grit. Our city, state, nation, and the world are better for her 98 years of life. To God be the Glory.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia, in honoring the life and legacy of the Honorable Mary Jane Galer and in extending our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones during this time of bereavement. Moreover, we pray that we will all be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give honor, along with the members of the Georgia delegation, to my friend of longstanding for almost 50 years, Mr. Thomas Dortch of Atlanta, Georgia.

Thomas is a fine gentleman, a Fort Valley State University graduate, a strong alumnus, a big supporter of the Fort Valley Foundation, and he is a founder of the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation.

He is a stalwart, a pillar of the 100 Black Men of the United States, and he has done so much for so many in mentoring youngsters.

Winston Churchill said, ``We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.'' Tommy has given so much to so many for so long, and we are so delighted to honor him and his legacy today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Boy Scout Troop 27 in Fort Benning, Georgia on the occasion of their centennial celebration. Chartered in January of 1923, Troop 27 is the oldest Boy Scout troop in the Chattahoochee Council and the second oldest in the state of Georgia. They will celebrate 100 years of scouting at their centennial banquet on February 8, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Fort Benning.

Chartered on January 2, 1923, Troop 27 began as a group of 14 boys who conducted their meetings in a dugout on the side of a hill. The Troop was very active, and in addition to working on merit badges, they also volunteered around post selling tickets for the Infantry School Glee Club's winter concert and serving as ushers at the Georgia-Alabama game and at the Post Christmas tree celebration.

Over the last century, Troop 27 has produced outstanding leaders who went on to fight for our country during wartime. In January of 1925, Troop 27 awarded its first Eagle Scout rank to Charles ``Tick'' Bonesteel III, who would later go on to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy, serve in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War, eventually reaching the rank of four-star General. Three more Scouts in Troop 27 would go on to earn the rank of Eagle in 1925, including Joseph ``Cider Joe'' Stillwell, Jr. who trained as a Green Beret and served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Truly, service to each other drives the engine that creates a better community, and world, and Boy Scout Troop 27 has a storied legacy of community service in the Chattahoochee Valley. Over the last 100 years, the Troop has produced over 200 Eagle Scouts who have collectively completed thousands of community service hours in support of the greater Columbus community. They collected more than 10 tons of scrap metal around Columbus, Georgia to be repurposed for the war effort during World War II. In the 1960's the Troop continued to serve by manning a holiday roadside rest area, providing refreshments, litter bags, road maps and safety pamphlets to weary travelers. In 1976, Troop 27 hosted the ``Slide for Life'' at the annual Scout-O-Rama, which was attended by thousands of scouts and Governor Jimmy Carter, who would be elected our Nation's 39th President in November of that year. During the 1990s, Troop 27 conducted numerous service projects, such as collecting food for the hungry, planting trees, collecting clothing for the Salvation Army, and bringing more than 200 dogs to the veterinarian for rabies vaccinations. And last December, the Troop volunteered for National Wreaths Across America, placing hundreds of holiday wreaths at the headstones of veterans at Fort Benning Main Post Cemetery. And I am proud to say that this year, Troop 27 will honor two more Scouts with the Eagle Scout rank.

Scouting has shaped my life and the lives of millions of youth across America by instilling foundational principles of moral character, self reliance, responsibility, leadership, human dignity and service to others. As an Eagle Scout, it brings me great pride to see Troop 27 representing the Boy Scouts of America with such dedication to the values we hold so dear.

For 100 years, the boys and men of Boy Scout Troop 27 have gathered and declared: ``On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.'' It is my sincere hope that Troop 27 Scouts will continue to do so for 100 more.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me; and the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second District in recognizing Boy Scout Troop 27 of Fort Benning, Georgia for their dedication to scouting and outstanding service to others for over 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to rise today, to extend heartfelt congratulations to an extraordinary entrepreneur, corporate leader, philanthropist, political savant, patron of the arts and friend of longstanding, Mr. McKinley ``Mack'' Wilbourn. On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, friends, family, leaders in commerce, government, and others from across the country, gathered at the High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, in Atlanta, Georgia to participate in ``The Mack Trilogy'' celebrating 50 years of excellence in business, Mack's 79th birthday and launching The Mack Wilbourn Legacy Foundation. It was a fitting tribute to a man who through hard work and perseverance used his God-given ``talent'', grew it to the pinnacle of financial success, and is reaching back to lift others behind him.

Mack Wilbourn, a native of Magnolia, Arkansas, attended Tucson High School and the University of Arizona where he majored in accounting. From one of his first jobs as a youth at Jack in the Box, he began his experience in the restaurant industry and in 1971, along with his partner, Brad Hubbert, became one of the first minority McDonald's franchisees in the Atlanta area, growing to 4 restaurants and 150 employees. His current franchises include Atlanta Bread & Bar, Baja Fresh Mexican, Famiglia Pizza, Phillips Seafood, Popeyes and We Juice It at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. He is managing partner of MWJ, LLC, a vending company and has managed the Coca Cola Vending locations throughout the Atlanta airport since 2004. He started an angel investment firm focused on startup businesses that could potentially compete on the next level with proper resources and guidance.

Mack has pursued joint business opportunities as a consultant with Parodies Midfield Corporation, The Rouse Corporation (Underground Atlanta), and Service America Corporation (Fulton County Jail Foodservice), started the first Popeye's Chicken in an airport and his Edy's Ice Cream, also at the airport, and became an Olympic Licensee for color changing mugs for the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

Mack has earned numerous awards and been recognized by the Atlanta Business League, Minority Business Entrepreneur, Franchise Update, Georgia Restaurant Association, City of College Park, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, among many. Always politically active, he has hosted 4 Democratic Presidents: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barrack Obama; and Joe Biden; as well as Congressional, State and local leaders from Mayor Maynard Jackson and Ambassador Andrew Young to Reverend Senator Raphael Warnock.

Believing that service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy on this earth, Mack has been a servant leader in the larger community with Atlanta Business League, Butler Street YMCA, The Urban League, the NAACP, Zoo Atlanta, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, The National Black Arts Festival, The Atlanta Tip Off Club, Brain Injury Association of Georgia, The High Museum and Center for Puppetry Arts and numerous youth organizations.

Mack serves on the boards of Georgia Primary Bank, The Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully (CHOICES), The Piedmont Foundation, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Museum, and the Democratic National Finance Committee. Moreover, he is an active member of Salem Bible Church.

Mack Wilbourn has accomplished much in his 79 years of life. However, as a man of deep faith he knows that none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of his family including his sons, McKenzie and Marquis along with his 3 grandchildren.

It has been said that the true person of success is not the one who climbs the ladder of

life with 2 hands but climbs with 1 hand and reaches back with the other. Mack is reaching back as he launches the McKinley ``Mack'' Wilbourn Legacy Foundation to transform, inspire and provide opportunities for the underserved in the areas of Art and Culture, Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy. His vision is to revolutionize the outlook and provide life changing opportunities for marginalized communities.

Mr. Speaker, McKinley ``Mack'' Wilbourn has done so much for so many for so long. I therefore ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the other Members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation and all those whose lives Mack has touched, in extending our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on 50 years of excellence in business, 79 years of life and the launching of the McKinley ``Mack'' Wilbourn Legacy Foundation. To God be the Glory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2022 University of Georgia Football team on their outstanding season and most importantly their victory last night at the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Head Coach Kirby Smart and his remarkable student athletes represented the University--and the State of Georgia--incredibly by pulling off an undefeated season this school year.

This is the Bulldogs' second consecutive title, as they continue to excite the college football world with their dominating performance on the field.

Finally, it is a point of pride to note that six student athletes hailing from Middle and Southwest Georgia contributed to this historic season.

Go dawgs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant, community activist, trailblazer, and dear friend of longstanding to my wife, Vivian, and me, Councilor Evelyn ``Mimi'' Woodson. She will be honored at an event on December 15, 2022, at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center for her 28 years as a member of the Columbus City Council.

Councilor Woodson's story is truly the epitome of the American Dream. She was born in Manati, Puerto Rico and spent her formative years in New York and Chicago before her family eventually settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Because of her love of country, she joined the Wisconsin National Guard as a part time soldier before entering the United States Army where she served her country faithfully for 13 and a half years. During her distinguished military career, she was honored with the Good Conduct Medal, two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Councilor Woodson moved to Columbus in 1993 and immediately became involved in the community, establishing Kids and Things, a successful business that had as its focus the importance of youth in the community and civic engagement.

Because of her love of her community and her belief that she could make a difference, Councilor Woodson offered herself as a candidate for the Columbus City Council. The voters of District 7 elected her, and she took her first oath of office on January 3, 1995. She made history by becoming the first Latino City Councilor in the history of Columbus, Georgia. She would be re-elected 6 more times because of the trust placed in her by her constituents.

During her tenure in elective office, Councilor never lost sight of the importance of community and remained closely connected. She has been involved with many community organizations during her time on the City Council to include Columbus Against Drugs, Winterfield on the Move, American Red Cross, South Columbus Revitalization, Georgia Municipal Association, National League of Cities, Community Advancement, Hispanic Elected Officials (served as President), Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials Board of Directors, Community Warriors, American Legion, and the Columbus Steam Center. Along with the late Harold ``Lefty'' Encarnacion, she was one of the driving forces behind the Tri City Latino Association's cultural festival in Columbus, Georgia that honors the significant role that Latinos have played in our country's rich history. The festival celebrated its 9th year in September.

Because of her great work and advocacy in her community, Councilor Woodson has been honored with many awards during her public service to include: Keep Columbus Beautiful Litter Presentation Award, Perty Favorite City Leader Award; Ernestine Aurelia Mack Service to Mankind Award; the Rainbow Push Coalition Woman on the Rise Award; Women of Action, The Courier Community Service

Award; the Harold ``Lefty'' Encarnacion Community Service Award; the Dr. Ophelia Devore Young Unsung Hero Honors; Mundo Hispanic Atlanta Distinguish Person of the Year; The Panamanian Association of Columbus, Georgia Mother of the Year; William H. Spencer High School Generosity in Service; Spencerian Service Award; Davis Broadcasting Women of Excellence Award; Columbus Georgia Chapter of J.U.G.S. Women of Action Honoree; and she was a 2022 inductee into the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.

Councilor Woodson has used her time on the Columbus City Council for good. She would always ask the questions that others were afraid to ask. During her time in office, she truly served as a voice to the voiceless and gave hope to the hopeless.

It has been said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Councilor Evelyn ``Mimi'' Woodson has paid her rent and she has paid it well.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and Me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second District in congratulating and commending Councilor Evelyn ``Mimi'' Woodson for her years of service to our country, state, and the Columbus City Council. May God continue to ``order the steps'' of her life as she embarks on her next journey.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for allowing me to speak on this bill.

I rise in support of H. Res. 1156. I thank my colleague from Massachusetts, whose bipartisan efforts more than 20 years ago led to the creation of the George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.

Since then, this program has enjoyed bipartisan support. The United States continues to produce the highest quality, safest, most abundant, and most economical food and fiber anywhere in the world.

Drawing on this abundance, we are able to provide school meals, teacher training, and nutrition programs for pregnant and nursing women. Whether at home or abroad, we know that by reducing hunger and improving nutrition, we help support better educational outcomes.

This program is a win-win for America, supporting America's farmers and producers by providing donated U.S. agricultural commodities and using them to help reduce child hunger, improve education, and support greater security in the world. I believe this program has been and will continue to be an essential tool for diplomacy.

As chair of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, it has been my honor to fund this program each year. It is true to the spirit of service and compassion that Ambassador and former Senator George McGovern and former Senator Bob Dole embodied. This program helps bring the bounty of America's farmers, ranchers, millers, producers, shippers, and commodity groups to assist vulnerable children and mothers around the world.

So, in celebrating the first 20 years of its success, I look forward to the program's enduring impact in the years ahead.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I urge its passage.