Congratulating Florida Winter Olympic Medalists
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Erin Jackson, Joey Mantia, and Brittany Bowe, the three speed skaters from Ocala, Florida, who represented the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics and brought home gold and bronze.
It is not every day that you see a winter sport like speed skating coming out of the Sunshine State, so it really is a particular honor to be able to stand here and recognize the Olympians from my very own district.
To Erin, a gold medalist, and Joey and Brittany, both bronze medalists, you have made Florida's Third Congressional District and the United States so proud during the Olympics. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to the American values of independence and self- determination are certainly worthy of celebration. We cannot wait to see what you will continue to accomplish in the future.
To the Ocala community and the coaches and parents who have helped these amazing athletes get to the top of their game, thank you. Of course, not only to Erin Jackson, Joey Mantia, and Brittany Bowe but to the entire Team USA, thank you for proudly representing the United States on the world stage and demonstrating to countries all over the world what it means to be an American.
Go Team USA. Honoring the Life of Kevin Morse
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor the life of a dear friend, Kevin Morse.
As a husband, father to three sons, and friend to many, Kevin was a man loved by all. Whether you needed a mechanic, engineer, plumber, electrician, therapist, priest, or even a hug, Kevin would be there in an instant. He lived to help others.
Kevin was a family man through and through, and he loved his wife and kids more than anything in the world. As he watched his three boys grow up into young men, he supported them all in their endeavors, attending every basketball game and cheering them on from the bleachers as loud as he could.
Now, when I say cheer them on, I mean he would beat the hell out of the banisters and railings with his cane. At the time, I was cheering for Metro State and could hear his endless banging up in the stands even while down on the floor. By the end of the game, there were more dents and scratches on the cane and the entire area around him. It was kind of his signature.
He was a role model for his boys, and he raised them to be kind, smart, and selfless. He served as the spiritual leader for his family and his community, exemplifying what it means to be a man of faith. He was gentle, patient, faithful, and forgiving, all the qualities of a man who you would want in a friend.
I have known Kevin for many years, and the impact that he had on my life is something that cannot be explained in words.
To his family, friends, and anyone who was lucky enough to have known Kevin, I extend my sincerest thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I am honored to recognize Kevin Morse and his incredible legacy here on the House floor. Honoring the Service of Logan Catalanotto
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a student from my district, Logan Catalanotto.
I hope I got that right, Logan. If I butchered it, I am so sorry. But thank you, Logan, for your meaningful contribution to our community.
At just 17 years old, and a senior at Forest High School in Ocala, Logan decided to make his Eagle Scouts project an upgrade to the State Flag Commons area of the Ocala-Marion Veterans Memorial Park.
His troop, Scout Troop 72 of Ocala, has held events at the park over the last 2 years, and Logan decided to give back to the community by beautifying the memorial park.
The project, being an estimated $32,000 worth of upgrades, is one that you typically don't get to see from someone as young as Logan, a project that he initiated.
His service to the veteran community has not gone unnoticed by the citizens of Ocala, as many have expressed great gratitude toward Logan for his dedication to the project.
It is acts of benevolence like these that truly restore faith in America's young people to spread kindness and do the right thing.
I could not be prouder of Logan for being a driver of positive change, generosity, and patriotism.
Thank you, Logan, for your service to the veteran community and to Florida's Third Congressional District.
Honoring the Lives and Service of Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate, remember, and honor the lives of two heroes from North Florida, Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey of Gilchrist County.
It was on April 19, 2018, that these young men lost their lives as they were attacked and fatally shot while on a lunch break in Trenton, Florida. Beloved by their family, friends, law enforcement, and members of the local community, the legacy that these public heroes leave behind will not soon be forgotten by either myself or those whose lives were impacted by their incredible kindness.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of their tragic deaths, we will forever honor their memories by saying their names.
As the wife of a first responder myself, what happened to these two men is something to which our law enforcement officers are no strangers. I remember the day we lost these heroes and recall the heartbreak when we learned the news.
On April 18, and on countless other days when we mark the deaths of our law enforcement officers, my resolve to support our men and women in blue grows stronger. Each year during National Police Week, I visit Noel and Taylor's names at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C., and will continue to remember them and their sacrifices, as well as their families, to remember all that they have given to Gilchrist County and our surrounding areas.
Please join me in honoring their families and friends, as well as our heroes in uniform across the Sunshine State and the Nation. Congratulating Reggie Brown
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate a constituent of mine, Reggie Brown, for his induction into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Born and raised on a family farm in Alachua County, Reggie's expertise and work in the industry is undoubtedly worthy of this prestigious honor.
He has held numerous roles during his career, including those at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, better known as IFAS, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, and the Florida Tomato Exchange, where he served as the executive vice president.
Reggie has become a prominent leader within the Florida tomato industry for his efforts to combat unfair trade practices and work toward improved food safety and fresh produce worldwide.
He is a champion for the horticulture industry, leading on numerous fronts to protect domestic producers, family farms. Now, his achievements have become the benchmark for the development of national product safety guidance.
I am so honored to be recognizing Mr. Reggie Brown before this Congress. I thank him for all that he has done for Florida's farmers, ranchers, and producers.
Congratulations, Reggie. Honoring Tom Howard
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a constituent of mine, Mr. Tom Howard, who recently was honored with the We Honor Veterans Volunteer Service Award for his extraordinary commitment to the local community.
A veteran himself, Tom joined the Marine Corps in 1966 and served in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 and currently serves as a veteran volunteer with Hospice of Marion County in Ocala. He has faithfully volunteered nearly 2,000 hours of service since joining the organization in 2010 and is known for his dependability, his selflessness, and his commitment to his fellow men and women in uniform.
Over the past 12 years as a volunteer, Tom has served as a skillful teacher and leader of 50-plus veteran volunteers and has attended and participated in nearly 300 veteran recognition services.
Additionally, during COVID-19, Tom performed recognition ceremonies by phone, standing in driveways, garages, and by open windows, to ensure that every veteran received their honor despite not being able to meet in person.
For these acts of service and so much more, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization honored Tom this year with the We Honor Veterans Volunteer Service Award.
Tom, through his military service and volunteer efforts with Hospice of Marion County truly represents what it means to act as a proponent of benevolence and kindness and embodies the American spirit of giving back to one's country and community.
Thank you, Tom, for all that you have done for your veterans from Florida's Third Congressional District. It is an honor to be able to recognize you here on the House floor before this Congress. Remembering Allen Singleton
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of a firefighter/paramedic from my district, Mr. Allen Singleton, who sadly passed away in late January of this year.
Allen was a 6-year veteran firefighter who joined the ranks of Marion County Fire Rescue on September 12, 2016, where he was a proud member of the Rolling Greens Station number 28 and he was a member of the local SWAT Medic team, just like my husband. Our community was truly fortunate and blessed to have experienced his service, but more importantly his heart, for others.
As the wife of a firefighter and first responder, I understand the courage and sacrifice that it takes every day to do this job and know the challenges that our heroes face while serving our community. Allen will forever be remembered by his colleagues and the fire family for the unforgettable difference that he made and the lives he touched during his many years of service in Marion County.
To Allen's family, know that the entirety of Florida's Third Congressional District stands with you and behind you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family, and the entire Marion County Fire Rescue team as our community mourns this great loss. Honoring the Life of Tripp Wooten
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest condolences and to honor the life of a firefighter paramedic from my district, Mr. Tripp Wooten, who tragically passed away in early January of this year.
Tripp was a 14-year veteran firefighter who joined the ranks of Marion County Fire Rescue on December 15, 2006. Prior to his hiring, Tripp was a member of the 2006 Marion County Fire Rescue Career Academy class.
He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to everyone he crossed paths with. He possessed a sense of humor that brightened the days of all who came into contact with him.
As the wife of a firefighter and first responder, I understand the courage and sacrifice it takes every day to do this job, and I know the challenges that you face in serving our community. I am certain that the positive impact that Tripp made on the Marion County community at large will never be forgotten.
On behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Marion County Fire Rescue family as we mourn his loss. Tripp will forever be remembered by his colleagues and the fire station family for the unforgettable difference he made and the lives he touched during his 16-plus years of service. Honoring the Life of Nickolas Tilliman
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I solemnly rise today to honor the life of Mr. Nickolas Tilliman, a member of the Alachua County Sheriff's Department, who tragically passed away last month.
Nick was a loyal servant and protector of our community, serving Florida's Third Congressional District as a deputy in Alachua County and our Nation through his military service. After completing high school, Nick joined the United States Navy as a gunner's mate. Following his Naval service, he joined the United States Army Reserves. He joined the Alachua County Sheriff's office in 2018, and he was then deployed to Afghanistan. It is safe to say, he had a heart for service.
Upon returning from deployment, he returned to his service with the sheriff's office where colleagues will remember the memes that he was known for, as he would brighten someone's day, or when he would share with a smile and a laugh, not callous, his ``#thoughtsfromthethrone.''
We will miss Nick.
Our heroes in uniform display the utmost courage and selflessness, risking their lives every day in pursuit of protecting and keeping our communities safe. Nick is one of these heroes. On behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family, and the ASO as our community mourns his loss. Honoring Ansil Lewis as the 2022 Veteran of the Year
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District to honor Mr. Ansil Lewis as our 2022 Veteran of the Year. Each year, our office gives this award to a veteran who has exemplified the utmost courage, sacrifice, and benevolence throughout our local communities.
Mr. Lewis served as a sergeant major in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 2017. While serving, he received the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. That is impressive.
After years of military service, Mr. Lewis has continued to show his dedication to our community as the past commandant of the Roy S. Geiger Marine Corps League Detachment 1047, a proud member of the board for Operation Barnabas, and the president of the Veterans Council of Clay County.
From his distinguished military service to his organization of dozens of events for our Nation's heroes, I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor. It is a privilege to recognize Sergeant Major Ansil Lewis before this body for his honorable service to our Nation and our community, and I hope his volunteer spirit will continue for many years to come as well as inspire those who follow.
Madam Speaker, may I inquire of the time remaining?
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jim Painter, who passed away following an unforeseen complication during his yearlong battle with cancer.
Jim was a third-generation brick mason who devoted his life to the masonry industry in Gainesville, Florida. The first of many jobs the Painter family would work on at the University of Florida, one of Jim's family's first projects was working on Williamson Hall on the UF campus.
Over the course of 40 years with Painter Masonry, Jim worked alongside his father, Abe, and his brother, Jerry, to set the standard for quality masonry for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings at the University of Florida and across north central Florida.
From 1990 to 1996, Jim served as a city commissioner in Gainesville and as the mayor from 1993 to 1996. While he was mayor, Gainesville earned the title of America's Most Livable City award. He gave his time and talents to many organizations, including the Alachua-Bradford County Workforce Development Board, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Gainesville Elks Lodge, the Builders Association of North Central Florida, the Florida Home Builders Association, and the Girls Club of Alachua County.
A stranger to none, Jim was a public servant, a friend, and a confidant to many. I know that I will miss Jim, and so many will miss him, as well. Congratulating the Hawthorne Girls Basketball Team
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the hard work of the Hawthorne High School girls varsity basketball team, this year's 1A State champions.
Former Florida Gator Cornelius Ingram led the Hawthorne Hornets to the championship win over Wildwood this past Friday night. The game was down to the wire, all the way until the final buzzer in the fourth quarter. With a final score of 42-38, the Hornets were victorious.
This is not the first victory for Coach Ingram, who also led the Hawthorne Hornets varsity football team to a State championship this past fall. A former tight end for the Florida Gators, Ingram has had tremendous success encouraging his teams and leading them to victory, and we could not be more proud of their outstanding accomplishments on the field and on the court.
Congratulations to the Hawthorne Hornets on the new trophy that they will add to the growing trophy case that they continue to expand in north central Florida.
Go Hornets. Congratulations to Senator Ben Sasse
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Senator Ben Sasse for becoming the new president of the University of Florida.
Florida's flagship university came from humble beginnings. Being one of the original two State universities, UF was created through the Land Grant Act of 1862 and the Florida State legislature, combining four existing institutions in Lake City, Gainesville, Bartow, and St. Pete to establish the University of the State of Florida.
Now, UF is the gem in the crown that is our State's university system and the fifth-ranked public university in the Nation.
Ben Sasse himself also comes from humble beginnings. He is the son of a teacher and football coach who grew up in Plainview, Nebraska. He worked hard in his youth, earning degrees from Harvard, St. John's College, and Yale. Ben led a successful private sector career, then went on to become one of the youngest college presidents at Midland University back in his hometown, saving that institution from insolvency. Answering the call for public service, Ben ran and won a seat in the United States Senate, serving his State and country for 7 years.
Now, it is my pleasure to welcome him to the Gator Nation, a tight- knit community with worldwide reach.
Ben, we look forward to yours and the university's continued success. As always, it is great to be a Florida Gator.
Madam Speaker, may I inquire of the time remaining?
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Don Quincey, an advocate for the industry and role model for future generations. Don Quincey has an undeniable passion and dedication to the agricultural industry, leading by his actions in business and in service.
Born in Gainesville, Don is a fifth-generation Florida cattleman. Upon graduation from Cleveland High School, he felt called to serve in law enforcement. But after 2 years of service, his unquestionable love for the land and raising cattle brought him back to the family's feed store and cow-calf operation. He was actively engaged in ownership and operations from 1977 to 2003, when the store was eventually sold.
While supporting the family business, Don founded Quincey Cattle Company in 1992, a diversified cattle feeding operation in Chiefland, Florida. The operation has grown in size and scope to meet fellow cattle producers' needs and goals, providing services to improve marketability and options for Florida cattle. His commitment to innovation has led to improved sustainability for the industry, with approximately 80 percent of his commodity needs coming from within 20 miles of his ranch. That is pretty significant. For folks in agriculture who know how difficult that is, that is a big deal.
His record of service and leadership is well-documented and tremendous. Don is a lifelong supporter of FFA, Future Farmers of America, and a founding member of the Florida Cattle Ranchers. He has held all elected officer positions with the Florida Cattlemen's Association and served on the board of directors for Drummond Community Bank, Florida Beef Council, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and CattleFax.
He also has been recognized by the University of Florida's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences with an award of distinction and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association with the leadership award.
Don has been an advocate for mutually beneficial environmental and agricultural policy--seeking to bridge the gaps between production and regulation--as well as a member of the Suwannee River Water Management District board for many years. He served as chair for 9 of his 12 years at the district. During his tenure, he initiated the district's cost-share program and was instrumental in developing a water-use monitoring program to assist agricultural producers with reporting actual water use instead of estimated data.
With lifelong roots in Florida's agriculture, carving out a niche in the Florida cattle industry was not for Don's personal gain, but to set the foundation for future generations to provide a safe, wholesome, local Florida beef supply.
We are so glad to know Don and his family. We are proud and grateful for all that he has done in service to north central Florida and our farmers, ranchers, and producers. Gators Gymnastics SEC Champions
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Florida Gators' women's gymnastics team, this year's regular season SEC champion. Florida's Super Seniors, including Leah Clapper, Savannah Schoenherr, Halley Taylor, and Trinity Thomas now have a handful of rings, claiming their fifth consecutive SEC title on Friday with a win over number 12 Kentucky.
This is UF's 15th SEC gymnastic title and 5th consecutive title. The gymnastics team joins volleyball and men's and women's swimming and diving as regular season champions during this academic year.
During the SEC championship meet, Florida led on vault with season bests by Leanne Wong and Sloane Blakely. Kayla DiCello led the Gators on the balance beam, while DiCello, Trinity Thomas, and Wong boosted the Gators' overall score on the uneven bars--a whole heck of a lot more than most of us in this Chamber can do.
It is with tremendous pride that we say congratulations to the Gators Gymnastics team, Coach Rowland, and the Super Seniors on a great regular season. We look forward to cheering them on at the collegiate NCAA championship that is soon to come. Go Gators.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), my good friend and colleague.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source