Recognizing State Senator Sheila McNeill

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of State Senator Sheila McNeill, who is retiring after many excellent years in service to the city of Brunswick and to the State of Georgia.

Senator McNeill is a longtime supporter of our country's Armed Forces, having served for 2 years educating citizens and elected officials on the importance of seapower as the first woman to ever lead the Navy League, but her support for America's sailors didn't stop there.

In 1996, Senator McNeill played a key role in establishing St. Mary's Submarine Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the South.

During her tenure as a State senator, Sheila sponsored legislation to fight Georgia's human trafficking crisis and the pernicious effects of homelessness and sponsored countless bills to improve our State's educational infrastructure.

Sheila will be retiring at the end of her term this year to support her husband of over six decades. We thank her for everything she has done for our Armed Forces, for students, and for the many Georgians she has served over the years.

Her career has been a long and impressive one, and we were so lucky to have such a talented woman fighting for such important causes. Recognizing Ian Gallagher

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery of Ian Gallagher, a Rincon police officer who stepped up when help was needed most.

On a bright morning this June, the city of Rincon was hosting their annual Let Freedom Ring Parade, which I was proud to be a part of. A crowd of hundreds of people was gathered along either side of the parade route to watch the spectacle.

Around this time, Officer Gallagher heard calls over the radio that the roadblock, which had been set up, had been breached by an erratically driving car. He looked and saw an SUV speeding down the route, only just missing onlookers, including myself.

Shouting to those along the road to back up to safety, knowing that he must do something to stop the driver, he kept his patrol car behind a fire truck. Just before the suspect's car passed him, he pulled out directly into its path, stopping the driver in a head-on collision. His act of selfless bravery and split-second heroism undoubtedly saved many lives that day.

While this head-on collision was dangerous and surely jarring, both Officer Gallagher and his canine officer, who was with him at the time of the incident, are on their way to a full recovery.

He has recently been awarded the Medal of Valor, the Nation's highest award of valor for a public safety official.

I, alongside the people of the First Congressional District of Georgia, thank him for his service and his selflessness. Honoring Ron and Sandra Elliott

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ron and Sandra Elliott, owners of Game Changers Running Company.

Since the store's founding in 2012, Game Changers has been so much more than just a place to get your running shoes. Under the leadership of Ron and Sandra Elliott, Game Changers has been committed to the health and fitness of Georgia's coastal region.

As a physical therapist-owned establishment, Game Changers understands the importance of community health and wellness. They have heavily invested in their community through various educational programs and running clinics, as well as financial contributions to local charities.

Since their doors first opened, Game Changers has been able to donate over $250,000 to local organizations to help transform coastal Georgia's mindset about running and physical well-being.

Ron and Sandra's service to their community and their country began long before Game Changers opened its doors, having both served in the military.

Ron and Sandra, thank you for what you have done for our community through Game Changers. You have more than earned a relaxing and restful retirement. Recognizing and Honoring Don Hogan

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my good friend, Don Hogan, as he retires from public service.

Don graduated from Georgia Southern University and then attended the University of Georgia, graduating with a master's degree in education. He committed himself to a career in the rehabilitation field, where he specialized in mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities.

In Brunswick and St. Simons, he has been known as a leader in civic involvement and community service. During his 2-year term on the Glynn County Board of Commissioners, he served as both vice chairman and chairman.

Most recently, he has served in the Georgia State House of Representatives, representing the 179th District.

Additionally, his philanthropic passions have impacted his community in ways that will be felt for years. He has served as area commissioner for Boy Scouts of America, as well as on the advisory council of the Coastal Area Planning and Development Commission, Goodwill Industries, and Glynn County School's special instruction.

The sacrifice that every public servant makes, alongside their family, is admirable and has no small impact on their life. I am very grateful for the inspirational leadership and servitude Don has displayed throughout his life.

I, on behalf of the great people in the First Congressional District of Georgia, take this moment to honor Representative Don Hogan and his legacy.

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