Recognizing William ``buddy'' Bennett

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the tourists up there in the gallery who, I am sure, are not here to hear me speak but are just getting out of that horrible heat. I welcome them to their Nation's Capital.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Trooper William ``Buddy'' Bennett and his impactful career of protecting The Volunteer State for three decades.

Trooper Bennett is well known by the Tennessee General Assembly members and State House members and senators as a member of the Tennessee Highway Patrol's Capitol Protection Unit, where he was a friend to all.

In my 16 years in the State legislature, Mr. Speaker, I came across many State troopers who were as much a part of the legislature as we were. Trooper Bennett was always selfless and kind no matter who was there. He will be dearly missed by the State capitol and his colleagues, current and former members and Senators alike, and me, as well.

As a devoted father and husband, he will commit his time following his retirement to his wife and two children at his home in Lebanon.

I thank Trooper Bennett for his service to our great State of Tennessee, and I wish him well in his retirement. Recognizing Don W. White

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Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding career of my very good friend and fellow motorcycle rider Don White, who has spent more than three decades serving and protecting the citizens of Lenoir City.

A lifelong resident of Lenoir City, Don dedicated his career to public service by keeping drugs off the street and putting bad people behind bars. He built strong, lasting partnerships with the Federal and local agencies. He strengthened drug enforcement efforts, and he set a standard of excellence that has elevated the entire department.

As chief and later as public safety director, Don guided Lenoir City through periods of growth and challenge with steadiness, integrity, and a devotion to the good people of Loudon County. His influence was so impactful that the city opened the Don W. White Public Training Center in his honor, ensuring future public servants will carry forward the values he championed.

After 33 years of service, Don White leaves behind not just a career but a safer, stronger Lenoir City shaped by his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, as I have always said, that bald head is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a solar panel for a think tank. Recognizing Kyle Hixson

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Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the appointment of Justice Kyle Hixson to the Tennessee Supreme Court. As a seventh- generation Tennessean, Justice Hixson is the true embodiment of what it means to be a true Volunteer.

Justice Hixson has spent nearly two decades as a public servant and will continue to serve the good folks of east Tennessee in the highest court of our great State.

In appointing Justice Hixson, Governor Bill Lee selected a judge whose career is dedicated to upholding and fighting for the constitutional values necessary to maintain liberty and justice in Tennessee.

Justice Hixson has been a lifelong pillar of our great community. From working in his family's grocery store as a kid to raising his three very lovely daughters, he understands the strength of Tennessee lies in its families, its communities, and the people who call it home. Throughout his great career, he has remained committed to serving both his profession and his fellow Tennesseans with humility and integrity.

Justice Kyle Hixson embodies the volunteer spirit through hard work, faith, and principles. His appointment is a testament to Tennessee, and I am honored to recognize him today and call him a friend.

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