HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM "SKATE" PARKS

On 2026-02-23, Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM "SKATE" PARKS" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered taxes, the environment.

HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM "SKATE" PARKS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2239-H2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM ``SKATE'' PARKS (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel William ``Skate'' Parks, an exceptional officer in the United States Air Force, who was awarded the Silver Star Medal, one of our Nation's highest honors for valor. In early 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Parks served as mission commander for a 21-aircraft strike package in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. He led four F-16 Fighting Falcons on a suppression of enemy air defenses mission, deliberately placing himself in range of a heavily defended air defense zone. For more than 15 minutes, with enemy missiles exploding mere feet from his aircraft and fuel below minimum levels, Lieutenant Colonel Parks flew defensive maneuvers, coordinated emergency refueling, and prevented the likely loss of multiple aircraft. His courage and leadership contributed to a larger operation that defended our allies and advanced United States' security interests. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Lieutenant Colonel William Parks for his extraordinary valor and dedicated service to our Nation as a member of the United States Air Force. Securing Funding for Sea Turtle Conservation on the Space Coast Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a meaningful investment in conservation on Florida's Space Coast. We recently secured $1.75 million in Federal funding for the Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center at Port Canaveral and in Melbourne, building upon the amazing legacy of the Bowen family and so many other families that have been generous to the zoo and our community. This funding will expand rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured sea turtles and strengthen research and response capabilities along our Space Coast. Sea turtles face threats from boat strikes, fishing gear, and environmental hazards. The Healing Center provides critical medical care and returns these animals to the wild whenever possible. I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with some of these folks who care for our sea turtles just last week. This investment reflects a commitment to responsible stewardship and local priorities. I am proud this funding was secured to support marine life and the community that depends on healthy waterways for all. Honoring Brett Bolton and Team USA at Winter Paralympics Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, we all saw the exciting victory by the United States men's national ice hockey team securing a Gold Medal for the United States for the first time since the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. Before that, the 1960 American team had won the Gold out in California. It was the first time we won it overseas, but there are still more Olympics to come. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding athlete from our district, Brett Bolton, as he prepares to compete in the upcoming Winter Paralympics. Hailing from Rockledge, Florida, Brett is a member of Team USA's Sled Hockey Team, which is pursuing its fifth Gold Medal. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to excellence represents the very best in American competition. Representing our country on the world stage is an extraordinary honor, and our community is proud to see one of our own chasing that historic achievement of a Gold Medal, potentially the fifth in a row. Hockey holds a special place in communities across our Nation as it builds upon resilience, teamwork, and character as also recognized by our women's team that also won in overtime earning the Gold Medal over the Canadians. [[Page H2240]] Brett's journey reminds us that the sport can unite us and inspire the next generation to push beyond its limits. As Team USA takes the ice in March in the Paralympics, we will be cheering on loudly for Brett Bolton and his teammates as part of Team USA. Go USA! Recognizing a Manatee Rescue in Melbourne Beach Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated effort of first responders and wildlife experts who rescued a trapped manatee from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach. Local police officers, firefighters, and wildlife officials quickly responded to the call. Working carefully and patiently, they assessed the situation, monitored the animal's condition, and coordinated a safe extraction. This rescue highlights something special about our coastline communities. Floridians understand that protecting wildlife is part of protecting our way of life. Our waterways are home to remarkable species, and safeguarding them requires vigilance and teamwork. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Melbourne Beach Police Department, local fire crews, and wildlife partners for their swift action. Their professionalism protected one of Florida's most cherished marine animals. ____________________