Recognizing Martin Hogan
Floor Speech
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martin Hogan for being named the grand marshal of Savannah's 202nd St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Mr. Hogan was chosen from hundreds of nominees to lead the parade and represent the community. Savannah's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the largest festivals in the country and has been taking place for more than 200 years.
Each year, the fountain in Forsyth Park is dyed green, and thousands of people travel to Savannah to celebrate.
Mr. Hogan hopes to bring back deeper meaning to the holidays, focusing on the importance of the St. Patrick's Day feast, not just the mischief and fun, and there is plenty of that.
Martin is a logistics and trucking professional who has many years of experience and has made significant contributions to the community. Mr. Hogan is a dedicated and hardworking individual who is more than qualified for this role.
We are excited to see Mr. Hogan represent the city of Savannah with honor and distinction.
``Ireland forever''; ``Erin go bragh.'' Honoring Linda Davis
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Linda Davis, the beloved special education teacher who was tragically taken from us on February 16, 2026.
A native of Beaufort, South Carolina, she made her home in Pooler, Georgia, bringing warmth and positivity to every community she touched.
In her first year at Hesse K-8 School in Savannah, Dr. Davis taught young students with special needs, greeting each with an infectious smile, patience, and belief in their potential.
For nearly 18 years, Linda devoted her career to education, creating nurturing spaces where every child felt seen and valued. Colleagues recall her kindness and her ability to make everyone feel that they truly mattered.
A devoted wife, a mother of five, sister, and mentor, Linda loved dancing, singing, and family.
Linda's was a life taken too soon by an individual fleeing ICE, who never should have been in our country in the first place.
May we cherish educators like Dr. Linda Davis, who shaped brighter futures one child at a time.
I thank Linda for her beautiful spirit. She is deeply missed. Celebrating Visit Savannah on 50th Anniversary
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Visit Savannah as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. This marks a significant milestone for the city's journey in becoming a major tourist destination.
Visit Savannah began its work by attempting to attract drivers off of the interstate. The organization has now grown into a major contributor to the major growth of Savannah's tourism industry. Visit Savannah attracts approximately 16 million visitors each year, generating billions of dollars in economic impact.
Savannah is Georgia's third biggest city and now one of the most popular places to visit. Visit Savannah has generated $4.1 billion in direct spending annually.
The city's tourism has not only generated over 28,000 local jobs but also improved infrastructure and advanced the culinary scene across Savannah and Chatham County.
We thank Visit Savannah for 50 years of dedicated and impactful service to Georgia's First District. Recognizing Steven C. Anderson
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable 20-year tenure of Steven C. Anderson as president and CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
Mr. Anderson has announced his retirement from NACDS, effective at the end of this year. Under his leadership, NACDS transformed from a challenging period into one of the Nation's strongest and most respected healthcare trade associations.
Mr. Anderson guided the organization through the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilding its foundation for long- term strength, contributing to America's recovery, and elevating the organization into a trusted source for research and policy.
His tenure has shaped pharmacy's vital role, helping shift community pharmacies from underappreciated to essential frontline providers of care. His efforts led to landmark PBM reform legislation, helping to deliver transparency and accountability.
Steve's legacy is one of unity, innovation, and commitment to advancing pharmacy's mission and serving communities and families.
Mr. Speaker, we thank Steve Anderson for two decades of transformational and dedicated service. Recognizing Elana Meyers Taylor
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize American bobsledder, Elana Meyers Taylor.
After making Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which made her a five-time Olympian, Elana went on to bring home the gold medal in women's monobob.
A Douglasville, Georgia, native and George Washington University graduate, Meyers exhibits true sportsmanship and grit, highlighting outstanding American athleticism.
Since 2007, Elana has been a dominant force in bobsledding. In 2009, she secured a silver medal in the two-woman bobsled at the FIBT World Championships. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics and a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
In 2010, she also helped the U.S. win its first women's Bobsled World Championship title by beating three German teams. In the 2018 Olympics, she continued her storied history of success, winning another silver medal.
This year, though, she added to her titles of oldest Olympic bobsled medalist, mother, and comeback athlete, finishing her event in 3 minutes, 57.93 seconds, and earning that of Olympic gold medalist.
We are all so proud of Elana and how she has represented both Team USA and the wonderful State of Georgia.
Miss Sophie's Restaurant to Relaunch at Mighty Eighth Museum
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the relaunching of Miss Sophie's restaurant.
The restaurant located in Pooler, Georgia, was relaunched under new ownership at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
Miss Sophie's was first founded in 2006 by Hazlehurst, Georgia, native Teri Bell and her husband, Steve.
It will now be owned and operated by Kay Heritage, the founder of Big Bon Bodega, an award-winning restaurant that has been featured on Food Network's ``Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.''
The new owner will be joined by her partner and executive chef. Together, they are known for their love of quality food and hope to continue Teri's vision and honor her legacy in Pooler, continuing a tradition that the community loves by serving classic southern lunch favorites.
We thank Kay Heritage for her hard work and dedication, and we are excited to see Miss Sophie's continuing to serve the people of Pooler. Recognizing Bland Farms and the Vidalia Onion Committee
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bland Farms in Glennville, Georgia, for winning the Grower of the Year Award from the Vidalia Onion Committee. This award has been given continuously since 1991 and is a testament to the long history of onion farming in the Vidalia area.
For almost 80 years, Bland Farms has been producing high-quality Vidalia onions, now consumed around the world. Their family-run farm has been instrumental in expanding the distribution and recognition of official Vidalia sweet onions.
In 1995, Bland Farms entered the frozen market, quickly becoming the Nation's third largest distributor of frozen onion products. In the past few years, Bland Farms has implemented cutting-edge technology to improve cold storage and quality assurance of their products.
I also recognize the work of the Vidalia Onion Committee for its dedication to upholding quality and expanding access to our official Georgia State Vegetable.
Vidalia sweet onions have protected status, an official growing area in south Georgia, and strict quality control. The Vidalia Onion Committee works tirelessly to uphold these standards.
Once again, I congratulate Bland Farms on their exceptional work this past year. Honoring Baseball Legend Andruw Jones
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andruw Jones, the legendary center fielder for the Atlanta Braves, who has been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.
This honor celebrates the extraordinary talent and athleticism he brought to baseball, especially during Atlanta's golden era of dominance, making him the eighth member of the Braves' 1997 team to be elected.
Mr. Jones exemplifies Georgia's fighting spirit. He burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old, homering twice in his first World Series game in 1996, becoming the youngest ever to do so, and helping fuel 14 straight division titles.
A ten-time Gold Glove winner, five-time All-Star, and powerhouse with 434 home runs, he inspired generations, while proudly carrying the torch from Willie Mays, who once declared him the best center fielder he had seen.
Mr. Jones' induction on July 26 is a triumph for Braves nation and our great State of Georgia. Go Braves. Congratulating Donald Chase
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Donald Chase, who has been elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
The Georgia Peanut Commission was founded in 1961 and represents more than 4,000 peanut farm families across the State of Georgia.
Mr. Chase was chosen to lead this historically vital organization as the number one crop in Georgia, succeeding Joe Boddiford, due to his long experience as a grower and prior service as vice chairman.
In his own words, 2026 marks a year of change for the commission, yet its core mission remains steadfast: delivering real value to every Georgia peanut farmer. He and the board pledge that their commitment to ensuring farmers' investments yield meaningful dividends through smart research, promotion, and education. Mr. Chase's leadership will help safeguard and strengthen Georgia's position as the Nation's top peanut- producing state.
Mr. Speaker, I wish the best of luck to Chairman Donald Chase and the Georgia Peanut Commission. Honoring Cecil Holt, Jr.
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Cecil C. Holt, Jr., who sadly passed away at the age of 87 earlier this month. Born in Ambrose, Georgia, Cecil built something extraordinary from humble beginnings.
In 1965, he founded Holt's Bakery into which he poured his heart, unmatched work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit, growing it into a business that became iconic across South Georgia. What started with him and his beloved wife, Lucille, has grown into a family tradition that has delighted generations.
Even after a severe heart attack, his innovative spirit never faded. He continued inventing, always living by his catch phrase ``never give up.''
In Waycross, Holt's Sweet Shop stands as a shining testament to his vision, serving as a cherished spot where locals still line up for the best goods around. His sweet shop locations, like Waycross, keep his legacy alive, sweetening mornings and bringing smiles to hundreds of faces a day.
He leaves a family and a community forever enriched. Honoring the Life of Sandra Parker
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the gracious life of Sandra Waters Parker, who sadly passed away on February 3.
Mrs. Parker was born in Brunswick, Georgia, as the eldest of seven children. She lived in Darien for 57 years, graduating Darien High as vice president of her class and receiving the highest honor of valedictorian.
Mrs. Parker worked for the State of Georgia for 35 years in both the Department of Family and Children Services and the McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce.
For more than 70 years, Mrs. Parker was an active and devoted member of Crescent Baptist Church, holding the roles of Sunday school teacher, pianist, and treasurer.
Mrs. Parker will be remembered for her kind, generous, and honorable heart, serving her family, her State, and church diligently and compassionately.
Mr. Speaker, I pray for her family and friends in this time of grief, but find comfort in the fact Sandra has walked through the pearly gates. Honoring Rear Admiral Jay Clark
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rear Admiral Jay Clark. On February 5, Rear Admiral Clark assumed command of the Carrier Strike Group One based in San Diego, California.
Rear Admiral Clark is a Pembroke, Georgia, native and graduate of Bryan County High School.
He was previously the director of the Navy's Culture and Force Resilience Office and commanding officer of the USS Roosevelt, among other prestigious positions. His continued service to our Nation is indicative of South Georgia's broader commitment to serving our country and its Navy.
Carrier Strike Group One has a deep history of protecting our Pacific coast and broader interests abroad. Recently, CSG-1 conducted strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, protecting American shipping in the Red Sea.
Today, we celebrate Rear Admiral Clark's achievements and wish him and Carrier Strike Group One the best in their next deployment. Honoring Fernando Foster
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fernando Foster, the newly elected president of 100 Black Men of Savannah, whose leadership promises real progress for our children. After 15 years of devoted service, including three as vice president, Foster began his presidency on January 1.
A respected mentor and community advocate, he brings both deep experience and bold vision to this historic organization dedicated to empowering African-American youth.
Foster's agenda is centered around a transformative initiative known as The 100 Reads Program, which seeks to enhance literacy among children in Savannah. This program is designed to engage students through innovative reading strategies, fostering a love for literature, while improving educational outcomes. By prioritizing education, Foster and The 100 Black Men of Savannah aim to combat the challenges faced by many young learners in the area. He is determined to reverse declining literacy rates and spark a lifelong love of reading.
I congratulate President Fernando Foster for his focus on literacy as the foundation of opportunity and his resolve to inspire Savannah's next generation. Honoring MVP Matthew Stafford
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Dawg and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback, Matthew Stafford, on winning the NFL Most Valuable Player Award.
In the closest race since the 2003 co-winners, Stafford beat out Steve McNair and secured the honor, becoming the oldest player in NFL history at the time of his first MVP.
In 2006, Stafford became the first true freshman quarterback to start for the Georgia Bulldogs since Quincy Carter. While at Georgia, he sported number 7 and finished his 3 years at Georgia with a 3-0 record in bowl games and a 6-3 record in rivalry games.
While playing college ball, Stafford won many awards and honors, including SEC Freshman of the Week and the MVP of the 2009 Capital One Bowl.
When entering the NFL, Stafford became the first overall pick of the 2009 draft and since then has played for the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams.
We are incredibly proud of Stafford and look forward to the great things he does next. Once a Dawg, always a Dawg. Recognizing Mike Macdonald
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Georgia Bulldog Assistant Coach Mike Macdonald for leading the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl LX victory.
He is the third youngest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl.
Coach Macdonald attended the University of Georgia in 2010, studying finance, and graduated summa cum laude.
He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Cedar Shoals High School in Athens before joining the Georgia Bulldogs' coaching staff as a graduate assistant.
Coach Macdonald joined the Baltimore Ravens' coaching staff in 2014, became the defensive coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines in 2021, and then returned to the Ravens in 2022.
In 2024, Coach Macdonald was hired by the Seattle Seahawks as their head coach.
We are proud to see a Georgia Bulldog succeed on the biggest stage in football. Honoring Ernest Jones IV
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two- time Super Bowl champion Ernest Jones IV on his recent Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots.
Before becoming a starter for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Ernest had a standout high school career in Waycross, Georgia.
After college, he was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, with his career being a testament to persistence and resilience.
He started out in Los Angeles before bouncing through some trades and found his home in Seattle, where his regular-season stats included 124 tackles and 5 interceptions.
Jones is one of the league's most disruptive linebackers. The Seahawks' victory marked his second championship title and showcased the dedication and drive of the Georgia-born linebacker.
This win is more than just another ring. It is a heartfelt demonstration of a journey filled with personal adversity, including the loss of his father last year.
Georgia is proud of Ernest Jones and wishes him continued success in his football career. Honoring Augusta Students
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate three talented students from Augusta University: Lahari, Avery, and Anna.
These talented young leaders have rightfully earned their spot in the Georgia Legislative Internship Program for the 2026 session.
These students are immersed in the State capitol, gaining hands-on experience in the legislative process and public service.
Lahari, a junior from Cumming studying criminal justice, is eager to see how bills become law and how these laws directly impact real people.
Anna, a senior political science major, is thrilled to shadow legislators, monitor meetings, and observe the policymaking process up close under the Gold Dome.
Avery, a junior political science major from Lawrenceville, has long been drawn to history and government.
These students are forging lifelong networks, meeting Georgia leaders, and discovering how laws shape lives and livelihoods.
This service represents the highest form of public service in our great State. Honoring Pradeep Tamang and David Reed
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two brave Gwinnett County police officers who ran toward danger in the name of serving their community.
On February 1, officers Pradeep Tamang and David Reed responded to a routine fraud call at a Holiday Inn near Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Invited into a hotel room by Kevin Andrews to discuss the matter, they were ambushed. The suspect opened fire, striking both officers. In the exchange, one officer returned fire, wounding the suspect, who survived and now faces justice.
Tragically, Officer Tamang, who joined the force just last year, succumbed to his injuries and passed away. He is a hero.
Corporal Reed remains in serious but stable condition, fighting for recovery.
We owe them our deepest gratitude for their courage and sacrifice in keeping our communities and our State safe.
May we never forget those who put their lives on the line for us all. Honoring Kendria Lee
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kendria Lee, associate vice president for external affairs at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.
Kendria has been named an Emerging Leader recipient in the 2026 Leadership Forum by Leadership Southeast Georgia. This recognition honors outstanding individuals who demonstrate exceptional impact, vision, and dedication in advancing community and institutional goals.
Ms. Lee exemplifies this through her leadership and community engagement initiatives and by fostering partnerships with economic development agencies, stakeholders, and regional leaders to align the university's mission with broader goals.
She is a proud Double Eagle alumna with an M.B.A. and a B.B.A. in information services from Parker College of Business.
Kendria graduated from Leadership Georgia and holds board positions with Synovus, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, and Junior Achievement of Savannah.
Ms. Lee's passion for building meaningful connections and executing impactful initiatives is an inspiration to all.
This honor reflects not only her expertise but her unwavering collaboration and commitment to elevating Georgia Southern University and Georgia's communities. Honoring Greg Parker
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greg Parker, who has been given a 2026 Legacy Leader Award by the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum.
Greg is the founder and executive chairman of Parker's Kitchen, a convenience store chain that has earned the honor of Convenience Store Chain of the Year and is known for high-quality foodservice, strategic growth, and cutting-edge technology.
On top of building a successful business, Greg has been recognized as Foodservice Leader of the Year, Tech Executive of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Entrepreneur of the Year, among many other accolades.
While Greg's business impact is significant, his love and admiration for his community are even greater. Greg has donated more than $30 million to make a transformative impact across Georgia and South Carolina in four key areas: education, hunger, healthcare, and heroes.
We are honored to have a leader like Greg advocate for Georgia's communities. Honoring Kay Ford
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kay Ford as a recipient of the 2026 Legacy Leader Award.
Mrs. Ford is the definition of a driven and committed leader, currently serving as chair of BankSouth's advisory board for the Savannah market.
She has held numerous senior-level positions within retail banking and private wealth management, including becoming the first female chair of the Savannah Economic Development Authority Board of Directors in its century-long history.
Throughout her career, Ford has served on a wide variety of community-driven boards, like the Savannah Fund for Excellence in Education, St. Mary's Home, and Senior Citizens, Incorporated.
Her passion for engaging and contributing to her community is a testimony to the servant-leader she is: tireless, inclusive, and invested in making her community stronger.
From business ventures to community involvement, Kay Ford has left a positive impact on the southeast Georgia community. Honoring Sandra Collins
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Sandra Collins, who passed away on January 29 at the age of 81.
A lifelong member of St. Philip Monumental A.M.E. Church in Savannah, Sandra lived a life rooted in deep faith, integrity, and kindness.
Her moral strength and compassionate concern for her fellow Georgians inspired countless others and shined in her devotion to family and friends.
Sandra served her community with dedication, lending her talents to the boards of the Georgia Association for Primary Healthcare, the Savannah Branch NAACP, and the Savannah Chapter of the American Businesswomen's Association.
Known for her love of travel, she explored 6 continents and 45 States, yet her great legacy was always close to home. She maintained a generous spirit that made the world better through simple acts of fairness, intelligence, and warmth.
Though we grieve her passing, we celebrate a life of faith, service, and love. Sandra Collins will long be remembered and deeply missed. Recognizing Judge Kristi Goodwin Connell
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Kristi Goodwin Connell, who was appointed as the sixth Superior Court judge of the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
Judge Connell returns to the same circuit where she began her legal career.
Judge Connell earned degrees in biology and political science from Converse University. She later received a master's degree in healthcare policy and a Juris Doctor from Mercer University.
Judge Connell served as an assistant district attorney in the Columbia Judicial Circuit, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases. She was also a partner at the Connell Law Firm, where she handled civil, domestic, and criminal defense matters.
With more than 25 years of legal expertise, Judge Connell brings profound knowledge and expertise to the bench.
We are confident she will continue to strengthen the courts of the Augusta Judicial Circuit with integrity and dedication. Judge James ``Jim'' Kiger
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge James Kiger for his recent appointment as superior court judge for the Douglas Judicial Circuit in Douglas County.
Judge Kiger has 34 years of legal expertise, previously serving in the Douglas County Public Defenders' Office. Prior to his service as public defender, he practiced with a general law firm in Valdosta, Georgia.
Judge Kiger graduated with honors from Valdosta State College and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia College of Law in 1991.
He and his wife, Brenda, live in Douglasville, Georgia, and have two children, Atticus and Barbara.
Once again, I would like to recognize Judge Kiger for his extraordinary service to the Georgia legal system and congratulate him on a well-deserved appointment. Honoring Judge Pamela ``Pam'' Bettis
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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pamela Bettis on her appointment as judge of the State Court of Henry County. Pam was sworn in on February 3, 2026, by Governor Brian Kemp.
Judge Bettis brings over 35 years of distinguished service in criminal justice. She began as a Henry County deputy sheriff in 1990, then served as a patrol officer, undercover narcotics agent, criminal investigator, and leader at Clayton State University Police.
A Georgia State University graduate with BS and MS degrees in criminal justice, Pam earned her JD from Emory University School of Law in 2025. She advanced as assistant solicitor general, co-founded the law firm Bettis & Howard, and was appointed solicitor general by Governor Nathan Deal in 2018, earning Solicitor General of the Year in 2020.
A lifelong Georgian and 20-year Henry County resident, Judge Bettis embodies unmatched commitment to justice, accountability, and humble service.
Congratulations to Judge Pam Bettis on this well-deserved elevation.
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