HONORING PRIVATE BENNET WATERS

On 2026-04-21, Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING PRIVATE BENNET WATERS" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, the environment. It referenced legislation: S2026.

HONORING PRIVATE BENNET WATERS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3039-H3041] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PRIVATE BENNET WATERS (Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Carter of Georgia was recognized for 30 minutes.) Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Private Bennett Waters, a serviceman who tragically died as a prisoner of war during World War II. Private Waters was a southeast Georgia serviceman whose remains were recently identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. A member of the Army Air Force 17th Bombardment Squadron, 27th Bombardment Group, Private Waters was stationed in the Philippines. He was taken prisoner during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in April of 1942 and remained a POW until his death in 1944. He is forever memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. His remains will now be transferred from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu to his final resting place among family in Georgia. We thank Private Waters for his bravery, service, and sacrifice to our Nation 82 years ago. St. Marys Submarine Museum Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 30th anniversary of St. Marys Submarine Museum in St. Marys, Georgia. The museum is the largest of its kind in the South and the fifth largest in the country, with nearly 5,000 square feet of exhibit. After being converted from an old movie theater, St. Marys opened its doors on March 30, 1996, receiving thousands of visitors since. It is here visitors get the opportunity to see, enjoy, and learn about submarines and their artifacts. Thousands of these artifacts, some older than 100 years, are on display, including patrol reports, uniforms, and battle flags. Mr. Speaker, you can even operate a real submarine periscope to view the beautiful St. Marys River. Former submariner and current executive director, Keith Forest Post, has been dedicated to preserving submarine history and artifacts at the museum since 2010. The historical importance of this museum cannot be understated. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate St. Marys Submarine Museum on this fantastic accomplishment and wish them 30 more years of success. Honoring Thomas ``Tom'' Draffin Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tom Draffin for his work as the president and CEO of the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority. Tom is retiring after several years dedicated to the growth and development of McIntosh County. During his tenure, he has led a number of major initiatives promoting the county's hospitality, tourism, and seafood industries. He is also a founding member of the Tri-95 Georgia Joint Development Authority, where he also serves on the board of directors. Tom's work on the Tri-95 and McIntosh County Development Authorities is critical to the development of southeast Georgia. I thank him for all the work he has done over the years to grow our region. He has been a close friend to me over the years, and his retirement will be a significant loss for the community. Honoring Cecily Hill Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cecily A. Hill of St. Marys, Georgia, who passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 83. Cecily was born in Woodbine, Georgia, in 1942, where she learned to embody true southern grace and strength. With a heart rooted in deep faith in Jesus Christ, she made every person feel seen, valued, and genuinely loved. A true trailblazer, Cecily became the first female and first Republican State representative from Camden County. Serving District 108 in the Georgia House from 2003 to 2011, she chaired the subcommittees on ports and on tourism and film. She also served with distinction on appropriations, transportation, and economic development committees, earning respect across party lines. A respected businesswoman, she co-owned Prudential Magnolia Realty for over 30 years and earlier operated Hill's Drug Store and Gift Shop with her late husband, Meredith Langley Hill, Jr. A devoted mother, she cherished her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, who carry forward her spirit of hospitality and love. Her legacy of faith, service, and kindness endures along the Georgia coast she called home. Recognizing Macy Johnson Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true young hero from Richmond Hill, Georgia, 12-year-old Macy Johnson. [[Page H3040]] After school, Macy stepped off the bus to see flames tearing through her family's garage. Thick smoke filled the two-story home where her two older brothers were inside, completely unaware. Instead of running for safety, Macy raced to the front door and screamed: Get out. Her urgent warning gave them just enough time to escape unharmed. Thanks to Macy's quick thinking and courage, her entire family survived. Five crews from Richmond Hill and Bryan County knocked down flames, but the home suffered severe damage. The Johnsons lost nearly 80 percent of their belongings and are now relying on the American Red Cross as they begin to rebuild. Lisa Johnson, Macy's proud mother, calls her daughter incredible. In the face of danger, this 12 year old showed bravery far beyond her years and put her family first. Macy Johnson reminds us that heroes come in all ages and selfless actions save lives. Recognizing Brunswick, Georgia Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a shining honor for coastal Georgia. Brunswick has been named one of the 13 Prettiest Towns in the United States by World Atlas, earning the number seven spot among more than 19,000 communities nationwide. Nestled along our scenic coast near the Golden Isles, Brunswick charms visitors with its waterfront, moss-draped live oaks, and timeless southern charm. Once known as the Shrimp Capital of the World, its historic fishing industry still defines its vibrant identity. At the heart of its beauty stands the majestic Lover's Oak, a 900-year-old southern live oak stretching over 13 feet in diameter, wrapped in local folklore. In the Brunswick Old Town Historic District there is a plethora of historical sites, like the century-old city hall and the skillfully restored 124-year-old Ritz Theatre, still welcoming audiences today. With breathtaking waterfront views, rich history, and easy access to pristine beaches, Brunswick blends natural beauty and cultural heritage. This national recognition reminds us why Georgia's coast remains one of America's treasures. Recognizing St. Joseph's/Candler Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Joseph's/Candler Health System, recipient of the President's Ambassador Award at Georgia Southern University's 2026 Gratitude Gala. For over two centuries, these pillars of compassionate care have served southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry. Candler Hospital, the second oldest hospital in America, dates to 1804, while St. Joseph's Hospital was founded in 1875. Together they now reach 33 counties with expert healing. They hold true to their mission statement: Rooted in God's love, we treat illness and promote wellness for all people. Guided by values of compassion, integrity, and teamwork, St. Joseph's/Candler treats the mind, body, and spirit while empowering communities to thrive. Their strong partnership with Georgia Southern University is shaping the future. Through clinical training and the state-of-the-art 8,000 square foot St. Joseph's/Candler Nursing Suite, they prepare the next generation of skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. St. Joseph's/Candler embodies excellence and service, and their dedication strengthens our region and honors the best of Georgia. {time} 1800 Honoring the Leonard Bevill Family Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bevill family of Georgia as recipients of the President's Innovator Award at Georgia Southern University. Leonard ``Lenny'' Bevill; his wife, Sandra; his sons, Josh and Andrew; and his daughters-in-law, Jenna and Taylor, are all proud Georgia Southern alumni. Together, their close-knit family has poured their hearts into Georgia Southern with extraordinary generosity. They have given their time, talent, and resources to lift Eagle Athletics and support student athletes in powerful ways. Through the Eagle Victory Plan, and especially the Eagle Nation Fund, they have backed capital projects, sport accounts, and initiatives to create new opportunities for our young athletes. What sets the Bevills apart is their ongoing commitment. They continue strengthening programs like the Erk Russell Fund while helping elevate the entire Georgia Southern community. Leonard Bevill embodies true innovation and leadership, and the Bevill family's legacy reflects deep dedication and a vision of gratitude. Georgia is profoundly grateful for their nonstop support. Honoring Greg Parker Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Greg Parker, recipient of the President's Visionary Award at Georgia Southern University. From humble beginnings in 1976 as a one-man operation, Greg Parker built Parker's Kitchen into a powerhouse, serving over 1 million customers weekly across 110 locations. Through relentless innovation and determination, he redefined the convenience store industry and created immense success. Yet, Greg measures his legacy not only by business growth but by his generosity. He has donated more than $30 million to advance education, healthcare, childhood hunger relief, and veterans' causes across our region. In 2019, Parker made the largest gift in Georgia Southern history, transforming the College of Business into the Parker College of Business in support of the next generation of business leaders in Georgia. That single investment created new scholarships, strengthened faculty, and ex