“I want to honor Rodney Eagle. He was a good man in Harrisonburg. He served in the Marine Corps. He was married for 67 years. He was mayor three times. He helped his community quietly. He loaned tents and donated a truck. He gave people advice. He lived a fun life. He loved his town. We should remember him.”

“I am honoring Rodney Eagle, who recently died. He was a Marine, a three-term mayor of Harrisonburg, and a dedicated helper to his community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Rodney Eagle, a true pillar of the Harrisonburg community. Rodney passed away just shy of his 90th birthday, leaving a lasting impression on the city he loved. Rodney served our country honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of corporal. Shortly after his discharge, he married Sylvia Liskey. Together, they shared 67 years of devoted marriage. While Rodney served Harrisonburg in many official capacities, including three terms as mayor, he may be remembered most for the countless unofficial ways he stepped up to serve others. He supported numerous civic organizations and nonprofits, often quietly lending a hand wherever it was needed--from loaning Eagle Carpet tents for community events to personally driving and then donating the company truck to help Open Doors move from one host church to the next. Rodney freely offered his wisdom and advice to everyone, from young, aspiring realtors and fellow city councilmembers to the person sitting on the barstool beside him. Mr. Speaker, let us toast a man who lived a genuinely colorful life, whether riding his turquoise Harley-Davidson downtown, wearing purple to cheer on the JMU Dukes, or adding a few extra maraschino cherries to his glass. Here is to Rodney Eagle, a man who cared for Harrisonburg deeply and spent his life making it a better place for all.”

“I want to honor Spencer Suter. He is a local government worker in my district. He was a county administrator for 14 years. He expanded rural broadband. He helped build a social services office with other counties. He made an economic plan for the county. A factory invested millions. He helped make a natural landmark a state park. He was good to his employees. He put the community first. He worked hard on many tasks. Please honor him. Wish him and his wife well in retirement.”

“I want to honor Spencer Suter as he retires. He served in local government for 30 years, including 14 years running Rockbridge County. He helped bring internet to rural areas, build a social services center, grow local business, and make Natural Bridge a state park. I wish him the best in retirement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable public servant from Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, Mr. Spencer Suter. A native of Rockingham County, Spencer dedicated 30 years to local government, including 14 as administrator of my home, Rockbridge County, a community he and his family also proudly call home. Under Spencer's leadership, Rockbridge County experienced significant progress. The county expanded broadband into rural communities and worked with neighboring localities to open a joint Department of Social Services building. His tenure also saw the creation of the county's first strategic economic development plan and millions of dollars in investment and expansion at Modine Manufacturing. Spencer also helped oversee the transition of Natural Bridge into a Virginia State Park, preserving one of Rockbridge County's most treasured landmarks. These accomplishments reflect Spencer's calm, practical, and people- centered approach to public service. He treated county employees like family, placed the needs of the community first, and demonstrated that no task was beneath him, whether managing a crisis, shoveling snow, or picking up trash along the road. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Spencer Suter for his distinguished service and lasting impact on Rockbridge County. We wish Spencer and his wife, Tina, all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

“I want to honor Walnut Springs Christian Church. It is 200 years old. It started in 1826. David Stickley donated land in 1848. The church survived the Civil War. It survived a fire in 1945. Members saved church items from the fire. Those items are still used today. Pastor Wendell Shurtz has led for 41 years. The church has faith and welcomes people. I congratulate the church. Be faithful.”

“I am congratulating Walnut Springs Christian Church in Strasburg on its 200th anniversary.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Walnut Springs Christian Church in Strasburg as it celebrates 200 years of faith, fellowship, and service. The congregation traces its founding to August 26, 1826, when members made the Stickley Meeting House their permanent place of worship. In 1848, David Stickley donated the land where the church stands today. Over two centuries, Walnut Springs has endured hardships, such as the Civil War and a devastating fire in 1945. Yet, through every challenge, its members persevered. Remarkably, when the church burned just 2 days before Christmas in 1945, members rushed inside and saved the communion table, piano, and pews--pews that remain in use today. That spirit of faithfulness continues under Pastor Wendell Shurtz, who has served Walnut Springs for an extraordinary 41 years. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Shurtz continues a tradition of faith and welcome that has defined generations of this church family. I congratulate the Walnut Springs congregation. May their simple but powerful message continue to guide them. Be faithful.”