- Record: House Floor
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: May 14, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: This section came from the House floor portion of the record.
Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Carter of Georgia was recognized for 30 minutes.)
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Griff Lynch for his outstanding service as president and CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority.
For more than a decade, Mr. Lynch has led Georgia's ports through historic growth.
- busiest cargo hub outside of Los Angeles and New York.
The authority also put more than $4 billion into infrastructure improvements during Mr. Lynch's tenure. These investments have strengthened our supply chain, supported thousands of jobs, and expanded economic opportunities across our great State.
Mr. Lynch has announced he will retire in August of 2027 after years of dedicated service to Georgia.
State's economy. I am confident the company will see continued success as we welcome Kevin Price who will begin serving as president this July and will succeed Mr. Lynch as CEO.
Honoring Life and Legacy of Ted Turner
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and a former Savannah resident.
Mr. Turner passed away on May 6 after a battle with Lewy body dementia.
He was a trailblazer in many fields, including media and sports. He founded CNN and grew it from a little-known cable news network to the media giant that it is today.
broadcast them nationally, making them America's team to many across the country.
- culminating in a World Series title in 1995.
- legacy that will never be forgotten.
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Recognizing Michael Alexander
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Alexander, who is retiring from King & Prince Seafood after 15 years of leadership.
prestigious awards for their quality of food service. K&P is a major contributor to our coastal economy in southeast Georgia and, for the past century, has been part of the Brunswick community.
has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support people in the community.
need. Michael has presided over significant growth for the company and has given back to the Brunswick community in a big way.
We thank him for his work and wish him well in the future.
Honoring the Memory of Mark Robertson
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the memory of Mark Robertson, whom I recognized on the House floor recently last September. Sadly, Mr. Robertson tragically passed away last month after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
microphone at 97.8 radio, becoming one of the most recognizable media figures in the area. Mr. Robertson began his career at 97.8 in 1977 and was a beloved voice on the air.
Mark was a generous and philanthropic man who raised over $1 million for his annual Christmas Wish campaign, providing Christmas gifts for families dealing with cancer.
Honoring the Life of Demetria Blount
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Demetria Blount, who passed away on April 30 in a tragic accident.
during Operation Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating her courage and unwavering commitment to the U.S. and to those around her.
- testament to her care for others in all aspects of her life.
- a 5K walk. She was a resilient woman with a fighting spirit.
Recognizing University of Georgia Mock Trial Team
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Georgia Mock Trial team, which, for the first time, placed first at the American Mock Trial Association competition.
- brilliant minds embodied the best of the Bulldog spirit.
No one wanted it more than these students. They organized and funded their team entirely on their own.
the University of Georgia, a place I was fortunate to attend. If you put in the work, trust that success will follow.
generations as we entrust them with the responsibility of carrying our communities and country into the future.
- tremendous success, and go Dawgs.
Recognizing Adams Drugstore
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Adams Drugstore in Cordele, Georgia, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
small business. Adams Drugstore is a full-service pharmacy that has proudly served the Cordele and Crisp County community for decades and plans to continue to do so for many more.
- Difference, truly embodies the service they provide to the community.
communities, providing not just medications but also trusted care, personal relationships, and essential access to healthcare for families in rural areas like so many in Georgia.
Congratulations to Adams Drugstore for this momentous accomplishment. Cordele, Georgia, is truly blessed to have such a dedicated small business serving its pharmaceutical needs.
Honoring Emory University Nursing
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing.
- Nation for 4 straight years by the U.S. News & World Report ranking.
Nation, having maintained a top 10 placement over the last several years across a ranking of over 200 schools.
collaborating with several Atlanta area hospitals to further this effort.
outstanding service to our community, and we are all proud of their momentous accomplishment.
- and we are very thankful for that.
Honoring the Legacy of William Ligon III
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and the legacy of William Ligon III. Will tragically passed on May 3 after a life full of compassion and service to others.
father, William Ligon. His father was and continues to be a dedicated public servant, showing his passion for serving others every day, and I am confident that Will embodied that very same spirit.
bachelor of
- Construction in South Carolina.
- deep love for his family, his friends, and the outdoors.
- him was already so clear.
We are praying for his wife, Sawyer; his parents, Kim and William; his grandparents; and the entire Ligon family during this incredibly difficult time.
recognizing the savannah country day school
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Savannah Country Day School faculty, staff, and parents' association. These individuals have put in countless hours, and in some cases decades, of service to their school and community, supporting students and giving them opportunities to learn and grow.
- students' lives, making Savannah Country Day School feel like home.
- school, and their community, and I thank them.
recognizing the port of brunswick
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Port of Brunswick for their second year in a row as the busiest automotive port in the country.
- than the Port of Baltimore, in second place.
the Georgia Ports Authority, a large contributor to southeast Georgia's economy.
Brunswick's first place spot will be cemented throughout the country and become a global hub for roll-on/roll-off shipping.
- forward to their future success.
honoring the life of bobby cox
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Georgia baseball icon Bobby Cox.
Cox was more than a Hall of Fame manager. He was the heart of an era that defined Atlanta baseball.
divisional titles, 5 National League pennants, and a World Series championship in 1995. His 2,504 career wins rank among the greatest in Major League Baseball history.
way he led with toughness, loyalty, humility, and an unwavering belief in his players.
and inspired countless players, coaches, and fans along the way. In Georgia, Bobby Cox was family.
legacy that will forever be woven into the story of the Atlanta Braves and our great State.
- friends, former players, and all who loved him.
May he rest in peace.
honoring mack jackson
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mack Jackson, who announced his retirement from the Georgia House of Representatives after 18 years of service.
Representative Jackson was first inspired to serve others by John F. Kennedy's famous words: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
committees, always prioritizing the needs of rural communities. On the Health Committee, he worked to eradicate healthcare deserts in rural communities by incentivizing students to work in them. As chair of the Rural Development Committee, he passed legislation to bring the same economic development prosperity that metro areas enjoy to rural communities.
{time} 2000
Project where he works to give people opportunities for a second chance. I thank Representative Jackson for his service and wish him the best in this next chapter of his life.
Recognizing Dr. Joshua Howard
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and to congratulate Dr. Joshua Howard on his retirement after decades of dedicated service to the people of southeast Georgia.
professor at Valdosta State University, and mentor to countless students and educators, he has helped shape generations of young Georgians.
wildlife firefighter with the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, demonstrating early on his commitment to protecting one of our Nation's greatest natural treasures.
Today, Dr. Howard continues that mission as president of the Friends of the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, where he has been a strong advocate for conservation, education, and the preservation of the Okefenokee Swamp for future generations.
On behalf of Georgia's First Congressional District, I thank Dr. Joshua Howard for his remarkable service and wish him, his family, and all those who have worked alongside him the very best in this next chapter.
Brian Patterson Honored With Carnegie Medal of Heroism
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Brian Patterson who was recently honored with the Carnegie Medal of Heroism for his courageous acts in a 2022 car crash.
Brian is a retired soldier and LifeStar mechanic. On July 8, 2022, while driving down the highway in Midway, Georgia, Brian saw something that would change his life. A car carrying Christina Tschantz and her 11-year-old daughter Alexa collided with a dump truck and struck its fuel tank.
Mr. Patterson quickly pulled both Christina and Alexa safely out of the wreckage. Because of his courageous action, lives were saved that very day.
Mr. Patterson is one of only 18 people in the U.S. and Canada to receive the Carnegie Medal for Heroism in 2026. I thank Brian for his lifesaving action.
Honoring Mark Adamchik
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Adamchik, who announced that he will retire from the position of FLETC Assistant Director for The National Capital Region Training Operations Directorate on May 31.
over 26 years. He oversees coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, Congress, and law enforcement partners, while leading FLETC's training operations in Cheltenham, Maryland, and the international training division.
States Park Police field operations division, where he directed law enforcement operations for major national events, including Presidential inaugurations, Independence Day celebrations, and more.
positions, including SWAT team member, Homeland Security division commander, operations commander for The National Mall, and commander of special forces, icon protection, and workforce development.
- best in the next chapter of his life.
48th IBCT Soldiers Named Georgia Army National Guard 2026 State Best
Warrior Winners
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate members of the Georgia Army National Guard who recently were honored at the 2026 State Best Warrior Competition.
in Cumming, Georgia; Catoosa Volunteer Training Site in Ringgold, Georgia; and Clark Range Complex, Anniston, Alabama.
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Sean Hayes, representing the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, was named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and U.S. Army Specialist Mitchell Oneal representing the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team earned the title of Soldier of the Year.
- dedication to keeping our Nation safe.
It is my honor to congratulate these remarkable National Guardsmen.
Recognizing Islands High School Boys' Soccer Team
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Islands High School boys' soccer team.
Tuesday night. The team ended the first half with 4 points and claimed the championship title by ending the game 6-0, giving them an amazing season of 22-2 overall.
No team scored a goal during the Sharks entire postseason. The Sharks made school history by claiming the Islands' first State championship in any sport. They are also the first Savannah public school to win a boys' soccer State championship. An accomplishment like this deserves recognition from their community and their classmates.
- and determination that made it possible.
Go Sharks.
Honoring Anderson “Chase” Childers
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the heroic sacrifice of Anderson “Chase” Childers.
- and a devoted father, gave his life saving others.
swimmers who were caught in a rip current off a South Carolina beach. He risked his life for strangers, selflessly putting their safety above his own.
Tragically, Chase was caught in the current and did not survive. Cobb County Police Department said that this embodied the same bravery and commitment he showed every day as an officer.
death is felt most heavily by his wife and three children, even those who never met Chase can be inspired by his life.
Honoring the Life of L. David Sparks
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. David Sparks who unexpectedly passed away on May 9 at the age of 82.
Mr. Sparks served as the board chairman of Precision Health Holding and the past CEO of PCCA. He was a true visionary of the compounding pharmacy industry.
who led a life of integrity, generosity, and a genuine passion for those around him.
with a capable board staff deeply experienced executives. The growth of PCCA is a credit to Mr. Sparks' servant leadership.
Sarah Mitchell Honored as Living Kidney Donor
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sarah Mitchell, a member of the Piedmont Hospital Home Help team who recently became a living kidney donor.
needed a transplant. However, after many tests, she found out that she was not a match for this patient.
Last October, Ms. Mitchell decided to continue her journey as an organ donor when she underwent surgery and then donated her kidney to a California patient in need of a transplant.
advocate for organ transplant awareness as she hopes her story will inspire others to become donors.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.