“I want to honor the life of Carl Johnson, Sr. He served Glynn County for over 33 years as a firefighter and fire chief, and later as a county commissioner.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of retired Glynn County Fire Rescue Chief and former Glynn County Commissioner Carl Johnson, Sr. Chief Johnson began his career with Glynn County Fire Rescue in 1971 and dedicated over 33 years protecting coastal Georgians. Through hard work, integrity, and leadership, he rose through the ranks before serving as fire chief from 1992 until his retirement in 2004. His commitment to Glynn County did not end with retirement. He served as a member of the Glynn County Board of Commissioners from 2006 to 2010, always putting the needs of his community ahead of his own. Chief Johnson understood that public service is not simply a profession. It is a calling. Whether leading firefighters through emergencies or helping guide the future of Glynn County, he exemplified an unwavering dedication. As his family, friends, former colleagues, and the people of Glynn County gather to celebrate his remarkable life, we join them in remembering a man whose impact will be felt for generations.”

“I want to recognize Bill Gross for being named chairman of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. He has built affordable housing and served on community boards in Georgia for years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend, Bill Gross, of Kingsland, Georgia, on his appointment as chairman of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. Mr. Gross is the third generation of his family to grow up in Camden County and founded W.H. Gross Construction in 1983. Under his leadership, the firm became a leading developer of tax credit-financed senior and affordable housing across southeast Georgia. His company has also restored historic landmarks, including the Ware Hotel in Waycross and the Romana Riley Lofts in Savannah. Bill is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Georgia, where he received the program’s Frederick B. Kerr Service Award in 2022. He currently serves on the boards of the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation and Cooperative Healthcare Services and previously chaired the health system’s Camden Advisory Committee for 11 years. He also received the Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation’s 2019 Distinguished Service Award. The First District of Georgia is grateful for Bill’s years of service.”

“I want to recognize Colonel Robert Fairel as he takes charge of the Savannah District of the Army Corps of Engineers. I also want to thank Colonel Sturgeon for his service as the previous commander.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Robert Fairel on assuming command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. Colonel Fairel, a native of Rockmart, Georgia, commissioned as an Army Engineer Officer in 2001. He most recently served as Command Engineer for the U.S. Forces Command and U.S. Western Hemisphere Command at Fort Bragg. He commanded the 40th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Bliss and deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Throughout his years of service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge. Fairel will be replacing Colonel Sturgeon, who I thank for his service, including his leadership on the construction of the Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, along with his work with Robins Air Force Base and Tyndall Air Force Base. The First Congressional District is grateful for the Corps’ work protecting our coast and supporting our military installations.”

“I want to congratulate Lone Wolf Lounge in Savannah, Georgia. USA Today named it one of the best bars in the country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lone Wolf Lounge of Savannah, Georgia, for earning a spot on USA Today’s Bars of the Year list for 2026. Owners Andrew Ripley and Tom Worley opened Lone Wolf Lounge in Savannah’s Starland District in 2018. Through its welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, they have built a reputation on their Caribbean feel, referencing the Savannah-Caribbean trade routes established in the 1700s. The lounge has earned the spotlight for their creative cocktail menu, crafted by some of Savannah’s most skilled bartenders. USA Today Network food journalists named it one of 38 bars nationwide honored on this year’s list. The recognition follows Lone Wolf Lounge’s selection last year as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar. This honor reflects the kind of small business success that strengthens Savannah’s Starland District and draws visitors from around the country. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Andrew, Tom, and the entire Lone Wolf Lounge team on this well-earned recognition.”

“I want to honor State Representative Carl Gilliard for his 43 years of public service to Georgia. He has fed millions of people in need and served for 10 years in the state legislature.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my good friend, State Representative and Reverend Carl Gilliard, on his 43 years of public service to Savannah and the State of Georgia. A Savannah native, Representative Gilliard is a graduate of Beach High School and Morris Brown College. He went on to launch the Gilliard Foundation and the Feed the Hungry Foundation, which has served 2 million meals to families in need over 17 years. He then served a decade in the Georgia General Assembly, chairing committees and authoring significant legislation for our community. On July 31, the State of Georgia and the Savannah community gathered at Savannah Technical College to honor him with the Rosa Parks Civil Rights Award. Representative Gilliard was also recognized for his work on the television series ``The Family Business’’ and ``Shameless.’’ His decades of service reflect a deep commitment to the people of Georgia’s First District, and we are proud to call him one of our own.”

“I want to congratulate a local Savannah restaurant, Bread and Butter, for being named one of the best new places to eat in the country. Businesses like this create jobs and help our local economy.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bread and Butter on being recognized as one of America’s best new places to eat. Bread and Butter is the largest venture from Auspicious Baking Co., a local favorite that first opened its doors in Savannah in 2017 and has since grown to multiple locations. Today, Bread and Butter has become a destination all its own, combining an inviting atmosphere with exceptional food, handcrafted pastries, and the hospitality that makes coastal Georgia so special. Last month, the restaurant even hosted a six-course wine dinner overlooking Turner Creek, bringing together outstanding local cuisine and beautiful waterfront views in our vibrant community. Businesses like Bread and Butter do more than just serve great meals. They create jobs, support our local economy, and showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that makes Georgia’s First Congressional District such a special place to live and work. Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone visiting the Savannah area to stop by and experience this outstanding local establishment for themselves. I congratulate the entire Bread and Butter team on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for representing coastal Georgia so well.”

“I congratulate Susan Gardner on her promotion to chief information officer at the Georgia Ports Authority. The ports are very important to Georgia's economy, and I know she will do a good job helping them grow.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susan Gardner of the Georgia Ports Authority, who has recently been promoted to the role of chief information officer. Susan previously served as vice president of operations, where she oversaw daily port operations in Savannah, which handles around 40 ships per week and 15,000 truck transactions daily. Joining the Georgia Ports Authority in 2020, Susan first served as the senior director of operations and projects. Prior to her work with GPA, Gardner worked for the terminal operations software company Kaleris/Navis. The Georgia Ports Authority is one of the greatest drivers in our State’s economy. Susan’s long-term commitment will ensure that the GPA sees continued growth and development. I am confident that the leadership in the Georgia Ports Authority is in good hands, and I would like to further congratulate Susan on her new role.”

“I am honoring William Dunlap, who died at age 92. He was a veteran, a business leader, and an active member of his community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William ``Bill’’ Dunlap of St. Simons Island, Georgia, who passed away July 17 at the age of 92. Bill graduated from Georgia Tech, where he played varsity basketball and led his fraternity chapter, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, as president. He served his country in the Army Reserve at Fort Detrick, working as an air control engineer. He went on to earn his MBA at Emory University before joining Georgia Power and its parent company, Southern Company, where he spent 25 years as a senior vice president. Bill served as the president of the Atlanta Association of SAE, Atlanta Black Tie Club, and the Nine O’clock. He was a long-time member of North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta and remained a faithful member of Wesley Church at Frederica. Bill is survived by his wife Sandra and his family. Coastal Georgia is grateful for his decades of service and leadership.”

“I want to congratulate Catherine Sumner on being named the new district attorney for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Catherine Sumner on her appointment as district attorney of Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. Governor Brian Kemp appointed Ms. Sumner to fill the vacancy left by the passing of District Attorney D. Robert Busbee. She has served the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit for 12 years, including six years as Bulloch County’s elected solicitor general. Sumner graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Southern University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She earned her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2014. As a former assistant district attorney, she led felony prosecutions involving four sheriffs’ offices, the Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. She also serves on the Bulloch Family Violence Task Force and is a past president of the Bulloch County Bar Association. Congratulations to Catherine on this well-earned appointment. The State of Georgia is in great hands.”

“I want to congratulate my friend Jim Cole on his retirement as Mercer University's athletics director. He spent 16 years leading the school's sports programs and helping student-athletes succeed.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my good friend and former Georgia House of Representatives colleague, Mr. Jim Cole of Mercer University, on his recent retirement. Mr. Cole started his college career as a student-athlete at Mercer, then later returned to serve in administration after serving in the Georgia State House of Representatives. Jim served as Mercer University’s athletics director, where he dedicated 16 years to the betterment of student-athletes. Under Jim’s tenure, the Mercer Bears upset Duke in the 2014 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. From 2010 to 2026, they won 51 conference championships in numerous sports. Jim’s dedicated efforts ensured that students could succeed on and off the field through enhancing athletic facilities, increasing game day programming, and finding pathways for students to excel in the classroom. As Jim moves into the next chapter of his life, I would like to thank him for his long-term commitment to Mercer University. I am grateful for his selfless leadership and his dedication to the Macon community.”

“I am honoring Guerry Lumber for partnering with a local charity to feed 100 children on weekends this school year. The company is doing this as it approaches its 100th anniversary.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Guerry Lumber for its new partnership with People of Action Caring for Kids ahead of the company’s 100th anniversary in Savannah. Founded in 1927, Guerry Lumber has served Savannah and the surrounding region for nearly a century. As it approaches this milestone, the company is giving back to the community that helped build it. Through this partnership, Guerry Lumber is sponsoring 100 local children through PACK’s weekend food assistance program for the incoming school year. Guerry Lumber employees will also volunteer with PACK each month, helping pack and distribute food to children and families across the Savannah area. PACK works every day to fight childhood food insecurity, ensuring kids have continuous access to meals over weekends and school breaks. I want to thank Guerry Lumber President Will Wheat and PACK founder Malena Stone for their leadership and commitment to Savannah’s children. This is a wonderful example of a First District business stepping up for its neighbors.”

“I want to congratulate Abby Leaventon from Savannah, Georgia. She is a finalist for a major national jewelry award for her artwork and business skills.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Abby Leaventon, a jewelry artist from Savannah, Georgia, who was recently named a finalist for the 2026 Halstead Grant. Abby is the founder and designer of Abigail Leaventon Jewelry, where she creates handcrafted sterling silver and gold jewelry inspired by nature, places, and memory. She earned her bachelor of fine arts in jewelry from the Savannah College of Art and Design. The Halstead Grant is one of the jewelry industry’s most respected honors, judging finalists on both creative and entrepreneurial skills. Abby was selected from applicants nationwide. Abby now plans to grow her business into new galleries and gift shops, including museum and botanical garden retailers, all while keeping her work rooted in Savannah. Congratulations to Abby Leaventon on her well-earned national recognition. Her craftsmanship and business skills are a credit to Savannah and the entire First District of Georgia.”

“I am honoring John Francis Morrissey, Jr., who recently died at age 96. He was an engineer, a community leader, and an Army veteran who served in the Korean War.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Francis Morrissey, Jr., of Clermont, Florida, a Korean war veteran and accomplished civil engineer, who passed away on June 14, 2026, at the age of 96. Born in 1929, Jack graduated from Brown University with a bachelor of science in civil engineering and became a licensed professional engineer. He served as a lieutenant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean war. Jack spent 34 years in Cheshire, Connecticut, where he served as president of White Oak Corporation, The Farms Country Club, Cheshire Junior Football, and the Connecticut Road Builders Association. Known for his active lifestyle, Jack was an avid golfer, cyclist, walker, and devoted Dodgers fan. He is survived by his three sons: David, Gary, and Bill and their families, along with his significant other, Amy DeVore. Jack’s life reflected decades of service, leadership, and dedication to his community and to his country.”

“I want to congratulate Heather Teilhet on becoming the new leader of Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. She has decades of experience in energy and government, and she will do a good job leading the group.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Heather Teilhet on being selected as the next president and CEO of Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. Heather brings nearly two decades of electric utility leadership experience and 28 years of experience in government affairs and communications. She previously served Georgia EMC from 2009 to 2017 in advocacy and government relations roles and most recently served as executive vice president of external affairs at Oglethorpe Power Corporation, one of the largest generation cooperatives in the U.S. Earlier in Heather’s career, she served as director of communications and press secretary for Governor Sonny Perdue during portions of his first and second terms in office. I am confident Heather’s experience and leadership will serve Georgia EMC and its members well as our State’s energy needs continue to grow. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Heather Teilhet in this well-deserved opportunity. I look forward to seeing Georgia EMC continue its important work across our great State.”

“I am honoring my friend Dick Estus, who died at 92. He spent his life working in advertising and helping build Savannah's economy and community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my good friend, Richard ``Dick’’ Estus of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on August 1 at the age of 92. Dick built a decades-long career in outdoor advertising, eventually founding Estus Outdoor in Savannah in 1971 after a 63-year career in the industry. He served as president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and later chaired the Savannah Economic Development Authority, helping bring Home Depot’s distribution operations to our region. He was the founding chairman of the First City Club, built from its first day to welcome everyone. Dick was inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame and received the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Oglethorpe Leadership Award. He also led the United Way of Savannah and served on the board of Savannah Technical College. Dick Estus spent his life building up Savannah’s economy and civic institutions, and the First District of Georgia is a better place because of him.”

“I want to honor Judge Timothy Walmsley, who is stepping down from the Chatham County Superior Court after more than 14 years of service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Timothy Walmsley on his resignation from the Chatham County Superior Court bench. Judge Walmsley was appointed to the Eastern Judicial Circuit in 2012 by Governor Nathan Deal and was re-elected by the people of Chatham County in 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. Before joining the bench, he practiced commercial and real estate litigation in Savannah and served as a part-time magistrate judge. Judge Walmsley presided over the 2021 trial in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, guiding the courtroom through one of the most closely watched cases in our State’s history. With over 14 years on the bench, he handled thousands of cases with fairness and integrity. As he transitions to his next stage in life, Judge Walmsley remains committed to the continued success of the judicial system in Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the First District of Georgia is grateful for Judge Walmsley’s years of dedicated public service.”

“I want to recognize Charles Brad Dixon. Governor Brian Kemp appointed him as a Superior Court judge.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles ``Brad’’ Dixon on his appointment by Governor Brian Kemp to the Atlantic Judicial Circuit Superior Court. Dixon is a partner in the law firm of Dixon and Lasseter, Attorneys at Law, P.C., in Richmond Hill. His practices have included domestic relations, criminal defense, probate, estate planning, real estate, and civil litigation matters. Before entering private practice, Dixon served for 8 years on Active Duty in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, ultimately attaining the rank of major. He has served as a general crimes prosecutor, special victims prosecutor, and trial and defense attorney as well as being a trainer for military prosecutors worldwide. Dixon earned a bachelor of arts in communication studies from West Virginia University in 2006, and his Juris Doctor from West Virginia College of Law in 2009. Dixon and his wife, Ivona, reside in Richmond Hill with their two sons, Charlie and Vance.”

“I want to honor Billy Joe Nelson. He has served our area as a lawyer and district attorney for over ten years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Billy Joe Nelson. District Attorney Nelson has dedicated more than a decade serving the Atlantic Judicial Circuit, where he first served as an assistant district attorney in 2011 and was then elected to district attorney in 2022. In 2017, Governor Nathan Deal appointed Nelson to serve as a part- time solicitor general for the State court of Long County. Prior to that, he began his legal career in 2009 as a law clerk for the Superior Court judges in the Brunswick Judicial Circuit. Nelson is a native of McIntosh County and attended the University of Georgia where he earned a bachelor of business administration in real estate, graduating cum laude. He then attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. He and his wife, Kathryn, have three children and reside in Liberty County.”

“I am honoring Melissa Blanchard. She is a successful business owner from Georgia who started a fund to help college students pay for school.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melissa ``Sissy’’ Blanchard, a Brunswick native, Georgia Tech alumna, and accomplished entrepreneur whose career exemplifies determination, resilience, and service to others. After graduating from Georgia Tech in 1995, Sissy turned her entrepreneurial spirit into a remarkable career spanning retail, hospitality, and small business ownership. From building a handbag and accessories brand carried by hundreds of boutiques nationwide to operating a successful wine bar and restaurant in California, Sissy has never been afraid to pursue a new opportunity. Eventually Sissy and her husband, Bob, returned home to coastal Georgia where they built Porch+Patio into a leading outdoor furniture retailer with multiple locations. Throughout her journey, Sissy has overcome challenges, embraced reinvention, and remained committed to strengthening the communities around her. Now, she is giving back through the Melissa J. Blanchard MBA Fellowship Endowment Fund at Georgia Tech, helping future students pursue their own dreams. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Sissy for her entrepreneurial success and her commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.”

“I am congratulating Goshen United Methodist Church in Rincon, Georgia. The church is celebrating 275 years of service to its community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Goshen United Methodist Church in Rincon, Georgia, as its congregation celebrates an incredible 275 years of faith, fellowship, and service. Dating back to around 1751, Goshen Church has witnessed generations of Georgia history, first serving congregations along Abercorn Creek near the Savannah River. Around 1790, the church itself was remarkably cut into two sections and moved to its present location using logs, horses, and mules. In 1820, the Methodist Church was organized at Goshen, beginning more than two centuries of Methodist ministry that continues today. Through changing times and a growing community, Goshen has remained rooted in its mission to love God, love others, and serve both. Today, under the leadership of the Reverend Chance Ward, Goshen continues building on that extraordinary legacy by sharing the way of Jesus and serving as a light to the community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the entire Goshen United Methodist Church family on 275 years of ministry and pray its legacy of faith and service continues for generations to come.”