Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible achievement and sacrifice of four remarkable women. Carmen Bird, Shay Hartley, Kristen Gregor, and Mary Schramko completed the Norwegian Foot March on March 4, 2023. They did so in honor of Hunter Ritter, a veteran who tragically committed suicide.

These four women have shown remarkable courage, determination, and selflessness in carrying out this grueling march.

They each carried $500 worth of quarters, which equates to 25 pounds of weight, to donate to Biloxi High School Junior ROTC. In doing so, they also supported our veterans' 22 suicides a day movement as supporters.

Their physical and emotional sacrifices represent the struggles that our veterans face every day. The march was first held in 1915 as a test of endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Army.

Carmen, Shay, Kristen, and Mary completed this march and demonstrated their solidarity with the brave men and women who serve our country. They have shown that they are willing to go the extra mile--or this case, for over 18 miles--to support those who have given so much in defense of our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we please recognize the epidemic that is causing suicides in our veterans and other young people, and let's please do something to fix it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life or General Alben ``Al'' Norris Hopkins. Al, who passed away on February 12, 2023, was a giant who contributed to his community through his practice in law, military service, and business ventures. His life exemplified leadership, mentorship, and scholarship. He was also known as a man of integrity, work ethic, and faith.

Al was born in Ripley, Mississippi, on February 14, 1941. He grew up in Walnut, Mississippi where he also attended school, graduating from Walnut Center High School in 1959. In addition to being on the Honor Roll, an FFA Star Farmer, and achieving the rank of an Eagle Scout, he was a four-year varsity letterman in both basketball and baseball.

His scholarship included the obtaining of several degrees. He began his studies by attending Delta State University on an athletic scholarship, graduating in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in both English and history. Subsequently, he attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he completed his juris doctorate in 1965. In time, he would attend William Carey University, receiving his Bachelors of Biblical Studies. In 2010, he received an honorary Master of Laws degree

from Mississippi College School of Law. Additional theological studies included scholarship through Jerusalem, Israel; the Biblical Archeological Society at Oxford University; Keble College and St. Edmund Hall; and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Once he completed his studies in law, he became part of the third- largest law firm in Mississippi. He would go on to found his own law firm in 1977 in Gulfport, Mississippi: Hopkins, Barvie & Hopkins. He later devoted 13 years of his life as chief judge of the Court of Military Appeals. Additionally, to his own law firm, Al was president of ANH Enterprises and Muddy River Farms.

Al enlisted in military service in 1965, joining the 31st Infantry Division. As part of his military career, he graduated from the Judge Advocate General's School in Charlottesville, Virginia, serving as a Staff Judge Advocate for the Mississippi Army National Guard for over two decades. In his final four years of military service, he was the Assistant Adjutant General of the State of Mississippi. He retired as a Major General in 1996, having earned many awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the MS Magnolia Cross, the MS Magnolia Medal, the MS War Medal, the MS Emergency Service Medal, and the MS Longevity Medal. He was also a Mississippi National Guard Foundation Life Member.

More recently, Al was known for his work with the Mississippi Gaming Commission. He had been reappointed for a third term, which would have lasted until 2025. He had served as both a commissioner and chairman, beginning his service as chairman in 2015.

Al gave to others through the gift of time, being a mentor to many Mississippians. He also gave of his time through being a Sunday school teacher, a man of prayer, and a deacon at First Baptist Church in Gulfport.

Al is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Carter Hopkins; his mother, Reba Norris Hopkins; his brother, Lloyd Gerald Hopkins; and his daughter, Ashley Anne. He is survived by his wife, Johna Ruth Hopkins, who is from Walnut, Mississippi; their son, Norris Hopkins (Jodie); his grandson, Carter Houston Hopkins; his sister, Lana Moss (Harvey); and his nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lt. Colonel Charles ``Chuck'' Edwin Simpson. Lt. Colonel Charles ``Chuck'' Edwin Simpson, U.S. Army, Retired, 93, of Harlem, Georgia, born September 29, 1929, in Fayetteville, AL, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 12, 2022.

Charles joined the army at 17 years of age and retired after 28 years of service. Within his time in the army, he ministered to many while traveling the world and obtaining a Master's degree of Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis. He then settled in Harlem, Georgia, with his family, establishing Crosslands Nursery and developing a line of manufactured homes (Hutchinson and Herrli Homes). He later became deeply engaged with the Commission Project in the Ukraine and former Soviet Union.

He was an active member of Thomson Presbyterian Church and served on the Session of the Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of America. He touched the lives of many as a disciple, grandfather, and friend. He was a cheerful leader, an attentive listener, and loving ``Papaw'' to subsequent generations. He was cherished and loved, and will be greatly missed. His hobbies were farming. politics, and construction, but his greatest joy was family and leading others to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Hood Simpson and Ellen Faulkner Simpson, his 9 brothers and sisters, and his wife, Margaret Acker Simpson (married February 14, 1954).

He is survived by his 4 children, Darlene ``Faith'' Bandre, Deborah ``Debi'' Mangham, Thomas ``Tom'' Simpson, and Donald ``Tim'' Simpson (Johnna); his sisters, Eleanor Griffin Ellis, Helen Reed; his brother Claude Simpson; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Hassell Franklin. Hassell passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the age of 87. The northeast Mississippi native grew up on a farm and was a classmate of Elvis Presley in Tupelo. He served in the U.S. Army and commanded the company that protected James Meredith during the integration of the University of Mississippi. He later graduated from Mississippi State University, having earned an industrial engineering degree.

Hassell was the founder and CEO of Franklin Corp., one of the largest privately owned furniture manufacturers in the nation, based out of Houston, Mississippi. The esteemed businessman began Franklin Corp. in 1970, which has been supplying upholstered furniture worldwide for over 50 years.

He was also a philanthropist, establishing a $1 million endowment at Mississippi State University to build the Franklin Furniture Institute, a research and training center benefiting the furniture community. Hassell was recognized and honored as a Mississippi State Alumnus of the Year, as well as an Itawamba Community College Alumnus of the Year.

During his career, Hassell was actively involved in the community, serving as a past president and board member of the CREATE Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Regional Rehabilitation Center, United Way of Northeast Mississippi, and Sanctuary Hospice House. He served as lead director of BancorpSouth (now Candence Bank) as well as on the boards of the Mississippi Economic Council, North Mississippi Health Services, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal Publishing Co., Journal Publishing Houston, Commission on the Future of Northeast Mississippi, Community Development Foundation, and Community Relations Association.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Rowland Hill Geddie, Jr. Rowland attended the University of Alabama, graduating with a degree in business in 1954. While there, he met and married Mary Martha McGaughy in 1953. Together they had four children; Rowland Hill Geddie, III (Peggy), Ginger Geddie Roark (Steve), Martha Leanne Geddie Ward (Darrell), and Norton Brown McGaughy Geddie (Tammy).

From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Lee in Virginia and Fort McPherson in Atlanta as a Lieutenant. After his military service, he began a civilian career. He moved back to Martha's hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1957 after a stint of working at Rich's Department Store in Atlanta. While in Tupelo, Rowland ran her family's store, McGaughy's, until 1976, when he closed the store as well as its affiliated businesses and then began attending the University of Mississippi School of Law. In 1978, he graduated with a Juris Doctorate in the same class as his son, Rowland H. Geddie, III. Rowland began his law career as a solo practitioner, working cases of various types and developing a focus in criminal defense.

In 1981, he found his true calling when he began working with the Office of the District Attorney for the First District of Mississippi, serving under District Attorney Johnny Young. He prosecuted thousands of criminal cases over the course of his twenty-five years in the office until his retirement in 2006. He reveled in being in front of a jury and the opportunity to allow what he referred to as ``Truth, Justice, and the American Way to once again triumph over the forces of Darkness and Evil.'' He believed that the courtroom was the last best opportunity for a victim's voice to be heard and for justice to be done and that such justice became the voice for a victim.

After the untimely death of Martha, his first wife. in 1982, Rowland met June Sawyer Hamilton, and, after a long-distance courtship between Tupelo, Mississippi, and Tucson, Arizona, Rowland and June married on December 12, 1987. June brought to the family three daughters; Jennifer Hamilton Lee (Derek), Molly Allison Hamilton, and April Zilpha Hamilton. Rowland loved his family dearly and was an involved stepfather to the new family members.

Rowland was an avid photographer, a pilot, a scuba diver, a lifelong CB and ham radio enthusiast, and actor in community theater, a motorcyclist, a gun enthusiast, a hunter, a fisherman, a canoeist, a camper, and a water skier.

In addition to his time in the District Attorney's Office, Rowland served his community through numerous volunteer roles, including Cub Scout Pack Master; Rotarian, serving as president of the Rotary Club of Tupelo; Mock Trial Judge for Tupelo High School; a founding member of Tupelo Community Theater; and president of the Mississippi Merchants' Association.

Rowland is survived by his loving wife, June; his children, Rowland, Ginger, Leanne, Norton, Jenny, Molly, and April; 16 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Harry Aubrey Martin. Harry, a legendary economic development leader and local philanthropist, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, December 30, 2022, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was ninety-seven and a half years old. A native of Quitman County, Mississippi, Harry was born on a farm on July 20, 1925, the sixth of 9 children of the late Ed Martin and Bessie R. Flemings Martin. Harry graduated from Quitman High School in 1942. He attended Mississippi State University from 1942-1943, at which time he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving his country during WWII. He returned to MSU, graduating in 1948 with a bachelor of science degree in Agricultural Administration. Always industrious, Harry worked his way through MSU in Dean E. B. Colmer's office. He married Clarke County native Agnes Louisa Norris on July 30, 1948. They were married for over 65 years, until she passed away on May 11, 2015.

Harry was a natural leader, a visionary, and seemed to understand the rhythm of life from an early age. On Oct. 1, 1948, he and Agnes moved to Tupelo so that he could be an assistant county agent, specializing in 4-H Club work. Harry excelled in organizing and promoting leadership among 4-H'ers, winning state and national awards. In May of 1956, Harry was chosen as secretary-manager of the Community Development Foundation, where he served for 44 years. His record of success as an economic developer is not only evident in present-day Tupelo: he also received numerous accolades, recognitions, and meritorious awards-- regionally, statewide, and nationally. He was instrumental in locating more than 100 plants and expansions as well as the development of 5 industrial parks in Lee County, 1 of which bears his name. The National Business Alliance and the U.S. Housing and Urban Development selected CDF's Lee County service area as being 1 of the 10 best examples of public/private partnership in the USA. The Ford Foundation equally recognized CDF. Harry had the ability to focus on ``hands-on'' projects, using diverse skill sets and talents and always coated them with ``community ownership.''

Harry was instrumental in starting the RCDC movement in the 1950s, which bridged the gaps between rural and urban people and became a national model. His other selfless services to the Tupelo-Lee County area, the State of Mississippi, and the rest of the country will be his legacies of leadership, stamina, and accomplishments. Harry was a Civitan, Tupelo's Outstanding Man in 1959, a leader in the 1987 AHEAD program that brought four-lane highways to Mississippi, especially the northeast portion of the state. He was a charter member and secretary/ treasurer of the Tupelo Furniture Marketing Association. Harry was a faithful and beloved member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo, where he held many offices. He was a Master Mason. After retirement, Harry joined his daughter, Janet, in establishing Martin Realty Company. In 2018, he finished writing and published his autobiography, Harry Martin and the Community Development Foundation, a definitive work on local history and economic development. Harry enjoyed reading. hiking in the woods, gardening, collecting antiques, and traveling.

Harry is survived by his daughter, Janet Martin of Tupelo, as well as by his nieces and nephews and their families and a host of friends, respecters of his purpose-filled life and his economic development family all about the State of Mississippi and nationwide.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of George Wilkerson Bryan, Sr. George was born in West Point, Mississippi, in 1944. He was the son of John H. Bryan and Catherine Wilkerson Bryan and the youngest of 4 siblings. George was a devoted husband and father and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in West Point, Mississippi. Throughout his life, he devoted his energy and passions toward his family, his friends, his businesses, and golf. He had a deep and positive impact on the people in his life.

A 1968 business administration graduate of Mississippi State University, George began his business career in 1964 at Bryan Foods, his family's West Point-based meat products manufacturing company, which was acquired by Sara Lee Corp. in 1968. After working in cost accounting, George became production manager and vice president of sales before being named Bryan Foods president in 1974. He was named Sara Lee Corp.'s senior vice president in 1983 and served the position until 2000. George served as chief executive officer of Sara Lee Foods and chairman and director of the American Meat Institute.

A tireless champion of business, civic, and charitable endeavors, George also served as general campaign chairman for the United Way of the Mid-South; a 30-year director and member of the Audit, Trust, and Compensation committees of Regions Bank; and past president of the Chickasaw Council Boy Scouts of America. He was named an ``Outstanding Mississippian'' in 1979 by then-Gov. Cliff Finch and was inducted into the West Point Hall of Fame in 1992 and West Point ``Citizen of the Year'' in 2000. George was named MSU's College of Business and Industry Alumni Fellow in 1992, College of Business Alumnus of the Year in 1996. He was named MSU's National Alumnus of the Year in 2000 and was a longtime board member of the MSU Foundation.

George served in 4 components of the Armed Forces: U.S. Marine Corps; U.S. Army; U.S. Army Reserve; and Army National Guard, where he was mobilized as a combat engineer during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later in his military career, he served under the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, DC, as an advisor to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission in the 1980s. He retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and was the recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.

In 1988, George and his wife, Marcia, were co-founders and owners of his hometown's Old Waverly Golf Club, one of the South's premier golf destinations and home to Mississippi State men's and women's golf programs. He led in bringing the U.S. Women's Open to Old Waverly in 1999--an achievement that earned him the Jackson Clarion-Ledger's 1999 ``Sports Person of the Year'' award. George was a cofounder of Mossy Oak Golf Club, which also serves MSU's golf programs and was recognized in 2018 as one of Golf week's Top 100 Modern Golf Courses.

George Bryan is survived by his wife, Marcia Lavender Bryan, and their children: Suzanne Lavender Bryan, Brentwood, TN; George Wilkerson Bryan, Jr. (Amy, West Point, MS; Laura Bryan Williams (Shane), West Point, MS; and Nancy Bryan Campbell (Matt), Oxford, MS. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Bryan; father, John H. Bryan Sr.: mother, Catherine Wilkerson Bryan; sister, Catherine Bryan ``Kitty'' Dill; brother, John H. Bryan Jr.: and brother-in-law, Robert Donald Harrell, Sr.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of U.S. Navy and Mississippi Army National Guard Veteran Jimmy Sparks. Throughout his long and distinguished career in the military, Mr. Sparks devoted himself to serve our great Nation. Additionally, he is an outstanding volunteer driver for Lee County Veterans Services. He embodies all the characteristics that make us proud to be Americans.

On October 3, 1944, Mr. Sparks was born in Iuka. He was one of seven children who picked cotton to help support their family, who were sharecroppers. Eventually, the family moved to West Memphis, Arkansas, and Saltillo, Mississippi.

In 1963, Mr. Sparks embarked on a new adventure by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the USS Midway (CVA-41), an aircraft carrier. The second aircraft carrier was the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). Mr. Sparks was assigned to the fighter squadron on both aircraft carriers, serving as an aviation storekeeper. He said the first North Vietnamese MiG-17 to be shot down during the Vietnam War was by the Phantoms of Fighter Squadron 21 from the USS Midway carrier--on June 17, 1965.

In 1967, Mr. Sparks completed active duty and entered the U.S. Navy Reserve for one year. In 1974, Mr. Sparks joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, where he served with the 123rd Medivac. During his time with the Guard, his duties included maintaining armor and supply, driving a fuel truck, and motor maintenance. He retired as an E-7. Mr. Sparks served 31 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard. In later years, the 123rd Medivac changed to the 185th Aviation Battalion.

While serving in the Guard, Mr. Sparks worked for 21 years for Cooper Tire. In 2006, he retired. In 2007, Mr. Sparks learned there was a need for a driver to support services offered by the Lee County Veterans Services Officer. Soon thereafter, he became a volunteer driver. He was one of several volunteer drivers during that time who drove Veterans 1- 3 times a week to the Memphis VA Medical Center.

Mr. Sparks has been recognized numerous times for his community service. In 2010, Mr. Sparks was recognized by the Lee County Board of Supervisors for his outstanding service for giving back to Veterans for what they have given to America. In 2015, Mr. Sparks received the ``President's Lifetime Achievement Award'' for his volunteer work. In 2020, Mr. Sparks was recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as the Memphis VA Medical Center Voluntary Services ``2019-2020 Volunteer Driver of the Year''.

To date, Mr. Sparks has devoted 7,500 hours to his fellow Veterans. He drives approximately 160 Veterans to and from Memphis over one year. Mr. Sparks has logged approximately 200,000 miles during his fifteen years of driving to the VA.

We are thankful for Mr. Sparks' service to America and for his steadfast devotion to the ensure Veterans have access to medical services. These men and women have earned and deserve the best available care. We wish the continued success of Mr. Sparks' volunteer work. Additionally, we want to recognize his wife, Nancy, and their children: Rusty Sparks (Beverly) and Jennifer (Terry) Merrell. Mr. and Mrs. Sparks have four grandchildren: Grace Sparks, Brenden Sparks, Kade (Cheyenne) Merrell, and Shelby (Marcus) Gray. The Lee County Sheriffs Department is commended for allowing the Lee County Veterans Services van to be safely parked and monitored at their Tupelo facility.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Jim Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act. He is my friend, and he will be missed. He also will be missed as the former chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers for their hard work and my subcommittee friend,

Ruben Gallego, who is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.

We have done many things in the area. We have gotten new authorities for them to operate. We have gotten resources for them to operate throughout the world, to help us both in the counterterrorism fight and global power struggle with some of our competitors.

Our Nation faces unprecedented challenges. I am very proud that this includes the COVID mandate being removed, that we will not be losing any more soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines; that we also will not keep recruiting to stay low; that we will have more people who join a force that now is not hitting its commitment goals.

I am committed to free-cost healthcare for all of our servicemembers, which includes our National Guard and Reserve.

I thank Ms. Speier, who I served with on the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. We are going to miss her and also you, Mr. Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a superb Soldier and Army legislative liaison for his tireless commitment to the United States Army, serving our Nation for 31 years, concluding in the Army Legislative Liaison Office. As Sergeant Major Jeremy D. Barton retires from the United States Army, I believe it is fitting to recognize his service and dedication to fostering the relationship between the United States Army and this Chamber.

Sergeant Major Barton's commitment to service enabled him to excel in numerous leadership positions throughout his Army career. Jeremy began his career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1992 as a Field Artilleryman. Throughout his amazing career, he led Soldiers at every level from squad leader through battalion command sergeant major, always placing the needs of his Soldiers and their families first. He also completed numerous demanding Army schools, to include Ranger School, Jumpmaster School, and the Pathfinder Course. He distinguished himself as a tactical and technical expert, serving in the most demanding assignments in the Army, to include multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and remote locations in Alaska.

Jeremy's relentless commitment to the Army proved invaluable in providing support to the House of Representatives and our constituents. As both a Defense Fellow in my office and an Army Legislative Liaison, he spent countless hours ensuring our Members were educated on Army combat systems, modernization programs and policy initiatives. He also led multiple Congressional Delegations to various locations around the globe. Jeremy has become a trusted adviser and friend to many of us, distinguishing himself by continuously going above and beyond the call of duty to serve the needs of Congress.

This Chamber will feel Sergeant Major Barton's absence. I join many past and present Members of Congress in my gratitude and appreciation to Jeremy for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support. This Nation is grateful for his commitment and the personal sacrifices he has made during his time in the Army Legislative Liaison Office and United States Army.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the United States of America, I commend Sergeant Major Jeremy Barton and his family for their dedicated support to our Army, our Soldiers and this Nation. I congratulate him on an extremely successful career, his dedication to service, and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a superb Soldier and citizen for his tireless commitment to the United States Army, serving our Nation for 31 years, including as the Commandant of the Mississippi Military Academy at Camp Shelby, the largest Reserve Component training site in the United States. After his retirement from the Army National Guard in 1994, Brigadier General Reid continued to serve Mississippians with his position at Pearl River Community College, where he provided education and training for local businesses and industries. Now that Brigadier General Reid is fully retired, I believe it is fitting to recognize his service and dedication to his local community, the State of Mississippi, our Armed Forces, and this great Nation.

Brigadier General Reid's commitment to service enabled him to excel in numerous leadership positions throughout his Army career. He began his career by commissioning in the U.S. Army in 1963 after graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Lee was selected as one of the first Platoon Leaders to join the newly reactivated 11th Air Assault Division (Test), in Fort Benning, Georgia. This Air Assault Division was developed to explore the theory and practicality of an alternative means by which the Army Infantry and Aviation conducted future conflicts. Helicopter assault tactics and the equipment required to operate effectively in this role had never been utilized in combat operations, and Brigadier General Reid contributed to this significant revolution in military tactics.

Throughout the rest of his amazing career, Brigadier General Reid commanded Soldiers at every level from platoon through battalion, always placing the needs of his Soldiers and their families first. He also completed numerous demanding Army schools, to include Airborne School, Ranger School, the Special Forces Qualification Course, and the Command and General Staff Course. He distinguished himself as a tactical and technical expert, serving in several overseas training missions to England, Germany, Spain, as well as responding to several State Emergency Operations. In recognition of his achievements, Brigadier General Reid was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, Mississippi Magnolia Medal, and the Mississippi War Medal.

I join the rest of the Mississippi delegation and our National Guard leaders in my gratitude and appreciation to Brigadier General Reid for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support. This Nation is grateful for his commitment and the personal sacrifices he has made during his time in the Mississippi Army National Guard and his subsequent civilian service to his community.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the United States of America, I commend Brigadier General Lee R. Reid Jr and his family for their dedicated support to our Army, our Soldiers, and this Nation. congratulate him on an extremely successful career, his dedication to service, and wish him a fulfilling and restful retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Eugene Burton, Jr. Gene was born on July 9, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Claudia Johnie Gifford and Eugene Burton Gifford, Sr. At age five, his family relocated to Booneville, and he spent his childhood as a bright student at Thrasher School where he played basketball, served as treasurer of his senior class and received state and national awards in forestry for 4-H and FFA.

After graduating Thrasher High School in 1954, Gene attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College where he had the distinct honor of being elected Student Body President his freshman and sophomore years. Gene continued his education at The University of Mississippi where he received a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration and a lifelong love for the Ole Miss Rebels.

A dedicated student, Gene dual-enrolled in Ole Miss Law School during his senior year. He served as an associate editor of the Mississippi Law Journal before graduating law school in 1960. He met the love of his life, Betty Potts, on a blind date at the Catfish Hotel. The couple was married on December 23, 1960, and began their lives together in Booneville.

An advocate for education, Gene served as the Director in the Mississippi School Board Association and a member of the State Ethics Commission. He also dedicated many years of his life giving back to Thrasher High School, and in 2007, received the Super Rebel Award for over half a century of contributions to the school.

A devout Christian, Gene was a member of Gaston Baptist church for 70 years, where he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee for 26 years and moderator for 36 years. He also served on the Building Committee during the construction of the Baptist Student Union at Northeast Mississippi Community College.

Those closest to Gene appreciate his quiet strength, integrity, intellect, enormous heart, sense of humor, avid storytelling, dedication to his work and sincere love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Harold Eugene Gifford and Dr. William ``Bill'' Burton Gifford and sister, Carole Gifford Spencer.

Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Potts Gifford; his children Sharon Gifford Cheek (Jeff) of Booneville, Tracey Gifford Smith (Tim) of Corinth, and Ginger Gifford Kizer (Brandon) of Oxford. He was the loving grandfather of Lauren Cheek Watts (Jordan), Megen Grace Carpenter, Gracie Cheek Pratt (Brooks), Savannah Grace Smith, Annalyn Faith Carpenter, Houston Gifford Cheek, Victoria Smith Fox (Tucker), Olivia Hope Carpenter, Nyles Gifford Smith, Lillian Faye Kizer and great-grandfather of Vivian Grace Pratt.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Marshall County District 2 Supervisor Eddie Daniel Dixon. He was well-known throughout Marshall County for his integrity and steadfast commitment to public service.

During his 40-year career with the Marshall County School District, Mr. Dixon wore many hats--from educator to school bus driver. He taught trade skills at H.W. Byers High School with high hopes for his students to find work and raise a family in Marshall County. Mr. Dixon's strong desire to improve the quality of life for all residents led him to seek a seat on the Marshall County Board of Supervisors in 2000. His calm demeanor and thoughtful remarks earned him many supporters and a lengthy stay in office. Mr. Dixon served four and a half terms for the residents of District 2.

The South Reporter, a newspaper in Holly Springs, published an article that included a quote from Marshall County Sheriff Kenny Dickerson. ``Eddie's been an icon to work with as far as county government,'' Sheriff Dickerson said. ``He was compassionate, yet firm when he needed to be. He loved H.W. Byers. He's going to be missed.''

Mr. Dixon, a lifetime believer in the importance of education, graduated from Alcorn State University. His accomplishments also included serving as president and vice president of the Marshall County Board of Supervisors. He also served as president of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors. Mr. Dixon served as director of the board of the Northeast Mississippi Planning and Development District. He also played a central role in the development of the Marshall County Workforce Training Center. Mr. Dixon was a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his wife, Maxine Howard Dixon, and their four children: Brignetta Dickerson, Wanda Dixon-Beasley, Eddie Dixon, Jr., and Trevan Dixon. He is also survived by two brothers, Floyd Dixon and James Dixon. Survivors also include four grandchildren.

Mr. Dixon was devoted to God, family, and to the citizens of Marshall County. His service will always be remembered.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a superb Soldier and Army legislative liaison for his tireless commitment to the United States Army, serving our Nation for 22 years, concluding in the Army Legislative Liaison Office. As Major Edward C. Garcia, Jr. retires from the United States Army, I believe it is fitting to recognize his service and dedication to fostering the relationship between the United States Army and this Chamber.

Major Garcia's commitment to service enabled him to excel in numerous leadership positions throughout his Army career. Major Garcia began his career by enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1999. He transitioned to active duty in 2001 and completed Officer Candidate School in 2008, commissioning into the Signal Corp, where he would serve for the remainder of his career. Throughout his career he distinguished himself as a tactical and technical expert, serving in the most demanding conventional and special operations units in the Army, to include serving as the communications officer-in-charge for the Commanding General of United States Central Command.

Major Garcia's relentless commitment to the Army proved invaluable in providing support to the House of Representatives and our constituents. He spent countless hours ensuring our Members were educated on Army combat systems, modernization programs and policy initiatives. He also managed and led multiple Congressional Delegations to various locations around the globe. Major Garcia has become a trusted adviser and friend to many of us, distinguishing himself by continuously going above and beyond the call of duty to serve the needs of Congress.

Major Garcia had a profound impact on this Chamber while supporting the House of Representatives. I join many past and present Members of Congress in my gratitude and appreciation to Major Garcia for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support. This nation is grateful for his commitment and the personal sacrifices he has made during his time in the Army Legislative Liaison Office and United States Army.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the United States of America, I commend Major Garcia for his tireless dedication in support of our Army, our Soldiers and this Nation. I congratulate him on an extremely successful career, dedicated to service, and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John W. Champion. John was born July 22, 1961, in Jackson, MS to William M. and Annette Champion. He attended Oxford High School, playing every sport he could including basketball, baseball and football. A die-hard Ole Miss Fan, John was a graduate of The University of Mississippi, earning his Bachelor's Degree and law degree. Well respected and accomplished in his field, in 1993, he was appointed Assistant District Attorney.

In 2001, John became the District Attorney for the 17th Circuit Court District, serving his community with integrity. An avid golfer, his idea of a relaxing afternoon was a day spent on the course with good friends. John loved Italian food, but enjoyed the meal most when it was shared with his family and friends. A family man at heart, he treasured any opportunity to spend time with his loved ones. John was preceded in death by his father, William M. Champion and his cousin, Dr. Lynn Johnston Stavely.

John is survived by his mother, Annette Johnston Champion of Oxford, MS; daughters, Brittney Champion and her wife, Courtney McCullar of Senatobia, MS and Kelli Champion of Atlanta, GA; sister, Laura C. Hall of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Brittani Champion and Zofia Champion; three nieces, Sara Hall, Annette Hall, and Grace Hall; and one nephew, Jackson Hall.