Recognizing Frank W. Harris, III
Floor Speech
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Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Frank W. Harris III, a United States Marine Corps Colonel whose extraordinary life of service spans three defining conflicts in our Nation's history: World War II, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war.
In each of these wars, Colonel Harris stood in defense of freedoms at moments when it was tested most. Colonel Harris has demonstrated time and again what it means to put Nation before self.
In doing so, he has embodied the highest ideals of the Marine Corps: honor, courage, and commitment.
Having lived through a century of American history, Colonel Harris represents more than remarkable longevity. He represents resilience. To witness 101 years and to have spent so many of them in service to others is itself extraordinary. His life tells the story of perseverance through hardship, faith through uncertainty, and leadership through change.
Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to have him as my constituent. From this Army colonel: Oorah and Semper Fidelis. Constituent of the Week: Patrice Summers
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Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Patrice Summers on her 26 years of exceptional service to Prince William County.
Inspired by her mother's civic engagement, Patrice committed herself to public service from a young age. For over two decades, she served as an elections officer and then chief elections officer right here in Prince William County.
Patrice is also actively involved in the Virginia 512 organizing committee.
Beyond her public sector and union work, Patrice is a devoted caregiver to two of her family members. Her dedication to uplifting her neighbors, her family, and giving back to her community embodies a lifetime of selflessness.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate her on this well-earned recognition and honor her as this week's Constituent of the Week. Congratulations, and I thank her for all that she does. Constituent of the Week: Pranav Vedula
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Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, today, I honor my Constituent of the Week, Pranav Vedula, of Stafford County, Virginia, for winning the Seventh Congressional District's App Challenge.
The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages students to explore STEM, coding and computer science by creating original software applications.
Pranav, a senior at Colonial Forge High School, did exactly that by developing an innovative app called ReCheck. ReCheck is a productivity app designed to assist individuals experiencing memory loss.
It allows people living with dementia to build customized to-do lists that help them maintain independence and confidence in their daily lives.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Pranav for using his skills to bring awareness to this critical issue and for his clear commitment to improving people's quality of life. I wish him continued success in his future academic and professional pursuits. Constituent of the Week: Curry Roberts
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Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate my constituent of the week, Curry Roberts, on his retirement from serving as the president of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at the University of Mary Washington.
A Fredericksburg-area business leader, Mr. Roberts has dedicated his career to our community.
Mr. Roberts has attracted over 6,000 new jobs to the region, laying groundwork for key opportunities for industry to work with local government.
In addition to work on the FRA, Mr. Roberts also had a 35-year career in leadership on various nonprofit, public sector, and private-sector jobs.
Mr. Roberts has always had the back of our communities, and I am committed to paying this forward in Congress.
I congratulate him on his retirement, and I wish him well on his next chapter. Constituent of the Week: Richard E. Toye, Sr.
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Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Richard E. Toye, Sr., a 98-year-old World War II veteran, for his service to our country.
Mr. Toye was drafted in 1944 and stationed in Okinawa as the member of the Quartermaster Corps.
After being discharged from Active Duty, he reenlisted and served in the Navy Reserves until 1950.
Mr. Toye has been a steady voice for positive change in Spotsylvania County. He volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, United Way, and the Spotsylvania County Democratic Committee.
As a 25-year Army veteran and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know the depth of sacrifice that his service to our country demands.
That is why this week I am proud to recognize Mr. Toye as a constituent of the week. I thank him for his service to our Nation and for his continued work in our community. I will always work to deliver for veterans like him.
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