RECOGNIZING GRIFF LYNCH

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Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3524-H3526] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GRIFF LYNCH (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. Under his leadership, the Port of Savannah has become the Nation's 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. We thank him for his strong leadership and lasting impact on our 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. He also bought the Atlanta Braves, a Major League Baseball team, and broadcast them nationally, making them America's team to many across the country. His vision turned the Braves into a dominant force in the nineties, culminating in a World Series title in 1995. His contribution to the State of Georgia and the Nation has left a legacy that will never be forgotten. {time} 1950 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. Under Michael's leadership, King & Prince has earned multiple 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. Beyond seafood, K&P has launched its Be the Difference campaign that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support people in the community. The company matches employee donations to boost giving for people in 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. He retired in July of last year after a long career behind the 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. His passing is a loss to the Savannah community, and his memory will never be forgotten. 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. From 2000 to 2004, she proudly served her country in the Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating her courage and unwavering commitment to the U.S. and to those around her. Demetria was a small business owner and licensed massage therapist, a testament to her care for others in all aspects of her life. In 2023, she faced significant health challenges yet still completed a 5K walk. She was a resilient woman with a fighting spirit. I am praying for her friends and family as they carry her legacy of love and strength. 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. Overcoming many difficulties, including financial obstacles, these 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. These are the valuable lessons learned from faculty and friends at the University of Georgia, a place I was fortunate to attend. If you put in the work, trust that success will follow. Stories like these give me the utmost faith in our younger generations as we entrust them with the responsibility of carrying our communities and country into the future. Congratulations to the University of Georgia Mock Trial team on their 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. As a pharmacist myself, I am very proud to recognize this thriving 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. With thousands of satisfied patients, their motto, Experience the Difference, truly embodies the service they provide to the community. Local pharmacies like Adams Drugstore are the cornerstone of their 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. Their master's degree program has now been ranked number one in the Nation for 4 straight years by the U.S. News & World Report ranking. Emory's bachelor and doctoral programs have also earned second in the Nation, having maintained a top 10 placement over the last several years across a ranking of over 200 schools. The Woodruff School of Nursing maintains a large research program, collaborating with several Atlanta area hospitals to further this effort. The quality of Emory's nursing programs prepares students for outstanding service to our community, and we are all proud of their momentous accomplishment. Through their work, they helped Georgians across the State each day, 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. I had the pleasure of serving in the Georgia State Senate with his 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. Will recently graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor of [[Page H3525]] science degree in construction management and worked at Richard Best Construction in South Carolina. Will was a bright young man with a kind heart, a strong faith, and a deep love for his family, his friends, and the outdoors. He had his whole life ahead of him, and his impact on those around 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. May God surround them with His peace, His comfort, and His strength in the days ahead. 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. Teachers and staff retiring this year have been a steady presence in students' lives, making Savannah Country Day School feel like home. I admire these educators for their service to their students, their 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. In 2025, the port transported 779,000 vehicles, which was 50,000 more than the Port of Baltimore, in second place. The long-term growth of this port has been driven by development from the Georgia Ports Authority, a large contributor to southeast Georgia's economy. With the opening of its fourth berth in November 2027, the Port of Brunswick's first place spot will be cemented throughout the country and become a global hub for roll-on/roll-off shipping. I congratulate the Port of Brunswick on this achievement and look 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. For generations of Braves fans across Georgia and the Nation, Bobby Cox was more than a Hall of Fame manager. He was the heart of an era that defined Atlanta baseball. Over a legendary career, Bobby led the Braves to 14 consecutive 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. Beyond the wins and championships, Bobby Cox was respected for the way he led with toughness, loyalty, humility, and an unwavering belief in his players. He helped build one of the greatest dynasties baseball has ever seen and inspired countless players, coaches, and fans along the way. In Georgia, Bobby Cox was family. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate an extraordinary life and legacy that will forever be woven into the story of the Atlanta Braves and our great State. We are praying for his wife, Pam, and his children, grandchildren, 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.'' To do this, Representative Jackson has served on eight legislative 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 Representative Jackson is also involved with the Georgia Justice 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. As principal of Charlton County High School, CTAE director, adjunct professor at Valdosta State University, and mentor to countless students and educators, he has helped shape generations of young Georgians. Before his years in education, he also served as a forestry aide and 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. May God bless him, and may God continue to bless the great State of Georgia. 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. Mark Adamchik has faithfully served in Federal law enforcement for 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. Before joining FLETC, Mark Adamchik was deputy chief of the United States Park Police field operations division, where he directed law enforcement operations for major national events, including Presidential inaugurations, Independence Day celebrations, and more. Throughout his USPP career, Mark Adamchik held numerous leadership 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. Madam Speaker, I thank Mark Adamchik for his service and wish him the 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. [[Page H3526]] The week-long competition took place at the Cumming Readiness Center 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. These prestigious honors come from many long hours of training and 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. The Islands boys' soccer team won the State championship game on 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. The boys should be proud of their victory and remember the hard work 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. Chase, a former Baltimore Orioles baseball player, police officer, and a devoted father, gave his life saving others. Chase acted with extraordinary courage to save a family of five 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. While Chase is mourned by his entire community, the weight of Chase's death is felt most heavily by his wife and three children, even those who never met Chase can be inspired by his life. We should all honor Chase as the highest standard of heroism, courage, and sacrifice. 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. Dave quickly became a well-respected leader in the pharmacy industry who led a life of integrity, generosity, and a genuine passion for those around him. His vision for his company allowed the organization to strengthen with a capable board staff deeply experienced executives. The growth of PCCA is a credit to Mr. Sparks' servant leadership. My heart goes out to Dave's family and his loved ones as they grieve his passing. 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. In early 2025, Sarah noticed a Facebook acquaintance in Georgia who 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. Now, Sarah has returned to her daily life where she continues to advocate for organ transplant awareness as she hopes her story will inspire others to become donors. Sarah embodies what it truly means to graciously serve others in a large capacity. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. ____________________

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