HONORING FIRST SERGEANT JERRY WOOTEN

On 2026-09-10, Representative Scott Franklin (R-FL-18) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING FIRST SERGEANT JERRY WOOTEN" in the House.

HONORING FIRST SERGEANT JERRY WOOTEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 143 (Thursday, September 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 143 (Thursday, September 10, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E890] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING FIRST SERGEANT JERRY WOOTEN ______ HON. SCOTT FRANKLIN of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, September 10, 2026 Mr. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of First Sergeant Jerry Wooten, who dedicated decades of his life to serving our country and shaping the next generation of leaders. First Sergeant Wooten served 20 years in the United States Army before continuing his service as the JROTC instructor at Mulberry High School for more than two decades. To generations of cadets, he was known simply as ``First Sergeant.'' He taught his students the same values that guided his own life: discipline, integrity, service and leadership. Those lessons stayed with them as they went on to serve in the military, attend college, build careers and give back to their communities. First Sergeant Wooten lived a life of service, and our community is better because of the example he set. My condolences are with his wife, Carol, their two children and all those whose lives he touched. First Sergeant stood the watch faithfully. May he rest in peace. ____________________