E90 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 2, 2021 I am proud to have them back in Georgia’s Broad Street Christian Church, which his Ms. Jessica Landry for her many accomplish- 11th Congressional District. mother had helped found. ments, and her commitment to excellence, On behalf of the 11th Congressional District Among the recognitions Mr. Walker received professionalism, innovation, and collaboration of Georgia, and the United States House of for his accomplishments were the Heck Ford in the Okaloosa County School District. I thank Representatives, I commend Sergeant Fer- Award from the Martinsville-Henry County her for her service, and wish her all the best guson for his nine years of outstanding and Chamber of Commerce and the Pillar Award for her continued success. dedicated service. from the Martinsville-Henry County Economic f f Development Council for ‘‘Lifetime Contribu- tions to the Martinsville-Henry County Busi- RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF HONORING LEE DUDLEY WALKER ness Community.’’ RICHARD RICE Mr. Walker’s survivors include his wife of 65 HON. H. years, Elizabeth Mitchell Walker; son Samuel HON. OF Stanhope Walker II and wife Janice Meredith OF MISSISSIPPI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Walker; daughters Virginia Walker Hamlet and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES her husband Burgess Harrison Hamlet III and Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Anne Walker Poole and her husband Walker Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I offer Lynch Poole; grandchildren Andrew Linwood Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, these remarks in honor of Lee Dudley Walker Shelton, Blake Thomas Walker, Harrison I rise today to commemorate the life of Mr. of Martinsville, Virginia, who passed away on Walker Hamlet, Lee Dudley Hamlet, Mitchell Richard Rice who passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2021 at the age of 90. Dudley Hudson Hamlet, Walker Lynch Poole., Jr., Vir- January 16 at North Mississippi Medical Cen- Walker was a business and community leader ginia Buchanan Poole, and Elizabeth Weaver ter. His beloved wife, Jill, passed away in No- who made a tremendous contribution to the Poole; and sister Spotswood Walker Box. I vember of 2020. Martinsville-Henry County area. offer them my condolences on this loss of this Richard was born in September of 1940 in Mr. Walker was born on July 20, 1930 in great business leader and philanthropist of the Ware, Massachusetts to Thomas and Jean Martinsville to Virginia Dudley and Samuel Martinsville-Henry County area. Lech Rice. After attending public high schools, Stanhope Walker. He graduated as the val- f Richard enlisted in the United States Navy. edictorian of Martinsville High School in 1947 During Basic Training in Millington, Ten- and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy RECOGNIZING MS. JESSICA nessee, he met his wife Jill. The two were Scouts of America. The next year, he attained LANDRY AS THE OKALOOSA married in September of 1960. Throughout his a post-graduate certificate from Riverside Mili- COUNTY, FLORIDA TEACHER OF military career, Chief Petty Officer Rice served tary Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. In 1952, THE YEAR as a meteorologist, forecasting sea swells and he graduated from North Carolina State Uni- tracking atmospheric changes for missile versity, where he had served in the Reserve HON. launches. Officer’s Training Corps and became Cadet OF FLORIDA In July, 1979, Richard and Jill moved to Regimental Adjutant. Mr. Walker served for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tupelo, Mississippi where Richard soon be- two years in the United States Army and was came a household name. He was Northeast Tuesday, February 2, 2021 assigned to the Armed Services Textile and Mississippi’s weatherman and delighted chil- Apparel Procurement Agency in New York Mr. GAETZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to rec- dren each Christmas as the ‘‘Santa Tracker.’’ City. ognize Ms. Jessica Landry as the Okaloosa He was deeply invested in the community, fre- Upon completion of his military service, Mr. County Teacher of the Year. For nine years, quently speaking to local organizations and Walker returned home to join the family busi- Ms. Landry has served James E. Plew Ele- schools about his career in meteorology. He ness, the Walker Knitting Company founded mentary School with talent, passion, and an mentored colleagues at WTVA and was a role by his father Samuel in 1928. Samuel Walker unwavering commitment to her students. model for local broadcasters. Off screen, Rich- also served as president of the Bassett-Walker In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to ard was a dedicated husband, father, and Knitting Company. Dudley Walker became have some of the best teachers in the Nation. grandfather, as well as an accomplished gar- president of the Walker Knitting Company, and It is recognized that the teaching profession is dener. upon his father’s death in 1960 he led both one of the most difficult professions in exist- Richard Rice is survived by his daughter, companies. They merged in 1964 under the ence—yet it can also be one of the most re- Debbie; three grandchildren, John, Robert, Bassett-Walker Knitting Company name. warding. Ms. Landry has performed her teach- and Scotty; and three great-grandchildren, Under Mr. Walker’s leadership, Bassett- ing duties exceptionally, while also being an Lauren, Aaryn, and Chloe. Walker grew. It built a sewing plant in Stuart active and supportive member of her commu- Richard Rice was a local hero, community in 1965 and in Hillsville and Brookneal in the nity. leader, and role model to many. I sincerely 1970s. It subsequently acquired yarn manu- Ms. Landry attended Northwest Florida thank him for his service to the state of Mis- facturer Johnston Mills Co., opened divisions State College, where she earned a Bachelor’s sissippi and extend my deepest condolences in Ferrum and Stoneville, North Carolina, and of Science in Elementary Education. She later to his loved ones. opened a distribution center in Henry County. attended the University of West Florida and f At its zenith, Bassett-Walker owned 13 plants earned a Masters of Education in Educational and employed more than 7,000 workers, help- Leadership. HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE ing Martinsville earn its reputation as ‘‘The Her support and outreach extend far beyond WORK OF THE U.S. CAPITOL CUS- Sweatshirt Capital of the World.’’ The com- the walls of her classroom through her in- TODIAL WORKERS pany became part of VF Corp in 1984. Mr. volvement in other programs, such as the Walker operated as Chairman of Knitwear for School Advisory Council and Plew’s Parent HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN VF until 1986 and remained on the company’s Leadership Association, and serving as the OF VIRGINIA board until 2000. He acted not only as an ex- Senior Building Representative for Okaloosa IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ecutive but as a community leader whose County Schools. Ms. Landry has spent her businesses were an important support to the time outside of school hours as the Academic Tuesday, February 2, 2021 people of the area. Team coach, Young Astronaut Club coordi- Mr. MCEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise Beyond his role in this industry, at the time nator, and as a mentor to new mathematics today to honor and recognize the work of the so fundamental to the Martinsville-Henry and science teachers. I commend her for her U.S. Capitol custodial staff, specifically the County area, Mr. Walker was a dedicated phi- steadfast willingness to serve those who mat- Black and brown members, for their excellent lanthropist. Wanting to keep young people in ter most—the students and youth of our Na- work every day, but especially for their work the region, he became a driving force behind tion. across the Capitol complex after it was dese- the founding of Carlisle School, playing active For all of her admirable contributions to our crated on January 6, 2021 by a mob of rioters roles from helping to choose the school’s site community, I am truly proud to have Ms. and insurrectionists trying to reverse the re- to recruiting staff. He donated to Patrick Henry Landry as a constituent in Florida’s First Con- sults of a fair and free election. It is a privilege Community College, the YMCA, and the Boys gressional District. to work alongside such dedicated stewards of and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge, among other Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United our temple of democracy, and their exemplary organizations. He was a lifelong member of States Congress, I am privileged to recognize work deserves to be acknowledged.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:00 Feb 03, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A02FE8.010 E02FEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS February 2, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E91 The labor of Black and brown Americans is even as he doubled the size of SEIU, even as that demands the very best among us tackle integral to the history of our Capitol building. he became the consensus choice to lead the monumental challenges in the name of self- When the Capitol was first constructed, only insurgent takeover of the AFL–CIO in its less service to others. Sergeant Meador’s in- enslaved Black laborers were brought in from history, even as he helped transform its poli- credible service to the public will be remem- across the country to build the home of our cies to focus on organizing, support immigrant bered by many in Grapevine and I join them nation’s democracy. Enslaved laborers were workers and much more. John Sweeney never in congratulating him on not only heeding the involved in nearly every step of construction, saw himself as being above any of the work- call to serve, but for doing so with the devo- from quarrying marble and sandstone to ma- ers he came to represent, and he fought for tion and passion he has exhibited for the past sonry to devising the architectural innovations them with unquestioned integrity and an open- three decades. needed to install the Statue of Freedom in ness to innovation and change possible only It is my honor to congratulate Sergeant 1863. with true humility. I ended up spending five Meador on his successful career and retire- Today, our Capitol continues to rely on the years organizing with SEIU, then returning ment. labor of Black and brown Americans. Our years later to help his campaign to take over f Black and brown custodial staff make sure the the AFL–CIO, and then working 11 years RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF entire Capitol complex is pristine and acces- under his leadership there. Throughout that ROSE ROBERTS sible to all that visit, and throughout the time, I trusted President Sweeney completely- COVID–19 pandemic, they have worked to he gave me big assignments and the leeway maintain our community’s health and safety. I to make them my own. He drew the best out HON. TRENT KELLY see the pride they take in their work each and of me by letting me know he had faith in me. OF MISSISSIPPI every day and thank them for their endless He tolerated mistakes, but not lapsed ethics. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dedication. One story that captures John well is that Tuesday, February 2, 2021 On January 6, 2021, Black and brown cus- when I was creating Union Summer, a pro- Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, todial staff were in attendance as well. While gram to put 1,000 young people onto the front I rise today to recognize the life of Mrs. Rose media coverage has largely focused on the lines of union organizing and bargaining cam- Roberts who passed away at North Mississippi experiences of House Members and Senators, paigns in the summer of 1996, shortly after he Medical Center in Pontotoc on January 8 of custodial and administrative staff throughout became AFL–CIO president, he insisted on this year. the Capitol complex weathered the siege all making the ‘Summeristas’ as we called them Mrs. Roberts was born to Charlie and Rosa the same. Once the Capitol was secured, employees of the AFL–CIO, even though they Nell Smith Dickerson in March of 1930 in these dedicated employees were the first back were essentially doing a three-week summer Tippah County. In 1948, she graduated from to work, scrubbing the stains inflicted on our camp. He knew it would be much more expen- Ripley High School and attended Wood Junior temple of democracy by the same rioters who sive and a lot more work, but he insisted on College before earning her degree in Edu- made them fear for their lives. taking full responsibility for every one of them. cation from Blue Mountain College in 1956. Our colleagues’ work to clean the Capitol is John put the interest of other people and She taught for many years in Dumas, Centre, particularly commendable considering the ap- the labor movement above his own, every Ripley, Hickory Flat and Walnut before becom- palling racial nature of the riots. Former Presi- time. I loved John Sweeney in an uncompli- ing a Social Worker in 1963. Rose went on to dent Trump and his supporters spread base- cated way that feels hard to describe and that earn her Master’s Degree in Social Work from less allegations and lies about the integrity of I hope remains possible in our troubled world. Tulane University. She continued to serve the the 2020 presidential election, including about He was an honest leader, a great soul, doing state of Mississippi as Supervisor of Region II the validity of votes cast in majority Black or his best to keep faith with his God and lift up of the MS Welfare Department and upon her brown cities. When election officials and the his fellow human beings. Godspeed, John retirement she was EEOC for the Mississippi courts refused to overturn the results, a pre- Sweeney. Department of Human Services. dominately white mob, including proud white f Mrs. Rose Roberts was a dedicated servant supremacists, stormed the Capitol. After see- to her community, Throughout her career she ing these white rioters treated more kindly HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF SERGEANT JON MEADOR aided in facilitating both local and overseas than protestors for racial justice often are, the adoptions, also serving as a board member for largely Black and brown custodial staff were the Mississippi Department of Mental Health left to clean up the mess. They cleaned up HON. and the Northeast Mississippi Chapter of the broken glass, blood, empty bottles, and other OF TEXAS American Red Cross. She worked as an asso- items left by the mob. I read that a staff mem- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ciate professor in the Social Work Department ber described the experience of cleaning up Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Ole Miss and worked with B.S.W. students after the insurrection as ‘‘degrading.’’ To that Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise in selecting a career path. She was often seen end, I say we see you and we appreciate your at the schools of her children, serving as efforts. Their work was not made in vain, nor today to thank Sergeant Jon Meador for his service with the Grapevine Police Department homeroom mother, assisting the Girl Scouts, did it go unnoticed. or working in the concession stand at Ripley Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join and to congratulate him on his retirement. His 30 years of law enforcement service is incred- High School football games. me in recognizing these distinguished mem- Mrs. Rose Roberts is survived by her hus- ibly deserving of recognition, and, on behalf of bers of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff for their band, James Roberts Jr.; children, Pat Har- the North Texans he has dedicated his career hard work in the aftermath of January 6, 2021 rison, Ava Jordan, and Kim Harrison; and to serving and protecting, I am proud to ex- and for the professionalism they show each grandchildren, Stacy, Shannon, Trey, Megan, tend my sincere appreciation for his selfless and every day. Gage, Guy, Rob, and Sarah. Left to remember service before the House of Representatives. f her are also five greatgrandchildren. I was impressed to hear of Sergeant Mrs. Rose Roberts lived an admirable life of PASSING OF JOHN J. SWEENEY Meador’s background prior to joining law en- service and embodied dedication to faith and forcement, specifically his experience in the family. My deepest condolences are with her banking industry that he utilized to investigate HON. loved ones. OF MICHIGAN financial crimes in conjunction with the FBI, f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ICE, and the Secret Service. The courage and dedication he has displayed during his many IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF DENNY Tuesday, February 2, 2021 years of service in law enforcement is admi- LINABURG Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rable and the law enforcement community is first met John Sweeney when I was 22 and better for having the benefit of his service and HON. his staff offered me a job helping nursing knowledge. OF VIRGINIA home workers organize with SEIU in my home In these unprecedented times, I know it is a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES state of Michigan. The union was hiring a nov- source of comfort for North Texans to have ice, front-line organizer, but I was ushered into law enforcement officers like Sergeant Meador Tuesday, February 2, 2021 the office of the president of the national union working tirelessly to serve and protect us. It Ms. WEXTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to meet the man himself. He was modest and has always been my view that public service to congratulate Frederick County Fire Res- unassuming that day, and he never changed, is among the most admirable of callings, one cue’s Chief Denny Linaburg on his retirement

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