HONORING THE LIFE OF CARL JOHNSON, SR.

On 2026-08-31, Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF CARL JOHNSON, SR." in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE OF CARL JOHNSON, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026)] [House] [Pages H5350-H5354] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF CARL JOHNSON, SR. (Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Carter of Georgia was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.) Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of retired Glynn County Fire Rescue Chief and former Glynn County Commissioner Carl Johnson, Sr. Chief Johnson began his career with Glynn County Fire Rescue in 1971 and dedicated over 33 years protecting coastal Georgians. Through hard work, integrity, and leadership, he rose through the ranks [[Page H5351]] before serving as fire chief from 1992 until his retirement in 2004. His commitment to Glynn County did not end with retirement. He served as a member of the Glynn County Board of Commissioners from 2006 to 2010, always putting the needs of his community ahead of his own. Chief Johnson understood that public service is not simply a profession. It is a calling. Whether leading firefighters through emergencies or helping guide the future of Glynn County, he exemplified an unwavering dedication. As his family, friends, former colleagues, and the people of Glynn County gather to celebrate his remarkable life, we join them in remembering a man whose impact will be felt for generations. Recognizing Bill Gross Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend, Bill Gross, of Kingsland, Georgia, on his appointment as chairman of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. Mr. Gross is the third generation of his family to grow up in Camden County and founded W.H. Gross Construction in 1983. Under his leadership, the firm became a leading developer of tax credit-financed senior and affordable housing across southeast Georgia. His company has also restored historic landmarks, including the Ware Hotel in Waycross and the Romana Riley Lofts in Savannah. Bill is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Georgia, where he received the program's Frederick B. Kerr Service Award in 2022. He currently serves on the boards of the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation and Cooperative Healthcare Services and previously chaired the health system's Camden Advisory Committee for 11 years. He also received the Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation's 2019 Distinguished Service Award. The First District of Georgia is grateful for Bill's years of service. Honoring Colonel Robert Fairel Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Robert Fairel on assuming command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. Colonel Fairel, a native of Rockmart, Georgia, commissioned as an Army Engineer Officer in 2001. He most recently served as Command Engineer for the U.S. Forces Command and U.S. Western Hemisphere Command at Fort Bragg. He commanded the 40th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Bliss and deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Throughout his years of service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge. Fairel will be replacing Colonel Sturgeon, who I thank for his service, including his leadership on the construction of the Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, along with his work with Robins Air Force Base and Tyndall Air Force Base. The First Congressional District is grateful for the Corps' work protecting our coast and supporting our military installations. Honoring Lone Wolf Lounge Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lone Wolf Lounge of Savannah, Georgia, for earning a spot on USA Today's Bars of the Year list for 2026. Owners Andrew Ripley and Tom Worley opened Lone Wolf Lounge in Savannah's Starland District in 2018. Through its welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, they have built a reputation on their Caribbean feel, referencing the Savannah-Caribbean trade routes established in the 1700s. The lounge has earned the spotlight for their creative cocktail menu, crafted by some of Savannah's most skilled bartenders. USA Today Network food journalists named it one of 38 bars nationwide honored on this year's list. The recognition follows Lone Wolf Lounge's selection last year as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar. This honor reflects the kind of small business success that strengthens Savannah's Starland District and draws visitors from around the country. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Andrew, Tom, and the entire Lone Wolf Lounge team on this well-earned recognition. {time} 1940 Congratulating Carl Gilliard Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my good friend, State Representative and Reverend Carl Gilliard, on his 43 years of public service to Savannah and the State of Georgia. A Savannah native, Representative Gilliard is a graduate of Beach High School and Morris Brown College. He went on to launch the Gilliard Foundation and the Feed the Hungry Foundation, which has served 2 million meals to families in need over 17 years. He then served a decade in the Georgia General Assembly, chairing committees and authoring significant legislation for our community. On July 31, the State of Georgia and the Savannah community gathered at Savannah Technical College to honor him with the Rosa Parks Civil Rights Award. Representative Gilliard was also recognized for his work on the television series ``The Family Business'' and ``Shameless.'' His decades of service reflect a deep commitment to the people of Georgia's First District, and we are proud to call him one of our own. Congratulating Bread and Butter Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bread and Butter on being recognized as one of America's best new places to eat. Bread and Butter is the largest venture from Auspicious Baking Co., a local favorite that first opened its doors in Savannah in 2017 and has since grown to multiple locations. Today, Bread and Butter has become a destination all its own, combining an inviting atmosphere with exceptional food, handcrafted pastries, and the hospitality that makes coastal Georgia so special. Last month, the restaurant even hosted a six-course wine dinner overlooking Turner Creek, bringing together outstanding local cuisine and beautiful waterfront views in our vibrant community. Businesses like Bread and Butter do more than just serve great meals. They create jobs, support our local economy, and showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that makes Georgia's First Congressional District such a special place to live and work. Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone visiting the Savannah area to stop by and experience this outstanding local establishment for themselves. I congratulate the entire Bread and Butter team on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for representing coastal Georgia so well. Congratulating Susan Gardner Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susan Gardner of the Georgia Ports Authority, who has recently been promoted to the role of chief information officer. Susan previously served as vice president of operations, where she oversaw daily port operations in Savannah, which handles around 40 ships per week and 15,000 truck transactions daily. Joining the Georgia Ports Authority in 2020, Susan first served as the senior director of operations and projects. Prior to her work with GPA, Gardner worked for the terminal operations software company Kaleris/Navis. The Georgia Ports Authority is one of the greatest drivers in our State's economy. Susan's long-term commitment will ensure that the GPA sees continued growth and development. I am confident that the leadership in the Georgia Ports Authority is in good hands, and I would like to further congratulate Susan on her new role. Honoring William Dunlap Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William ``Bill'' Dunlap of St. Simons Island, Georgia, who passed away July 17 at the age of 92. Bill graduated from Georgia Tech, where he played varsity basketball and led his fraternity chapter, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, as president. He served his country in the Army Reserve at Fort Detrick, working as an air control engineer. He went on to earn his MBA at Emory University before joining Georgia Power and its parent company, Southern Company, where he spent 25 years as a senior vice president. Bill served as the president of the Atlanta Association of SAE, Atlanta Black Tie Club, and the Nine O'clock. [[Page H5352]] He was a long-time member of North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta and remained a faithful member of Wesley Church at Frederica. Bill is survived by his wife Sandra and his family. Coastal Georgia is grateful for his decades of service and leadership. Honoring Catherine Sumner Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Catherine Sumner on her appointment as district attorney of Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. Governor Brian Kemp appointed Ms. Sumner to fill the vacancy left by the passing of District Attorney D. Robert Busbee. She has served the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit for 12 years, including six years as Bulloch County's elected solicitor general. Sumner graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Southern University in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in political science. She earned her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2014. As a former assistant district attorney, she led felony prosecutions involving four sheriffs' offices, the Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. She also serves on the Bulloch Family Violence Task Force and is a past president of the Bulloch County Bar Association. Congratulations to Catherine on this well-earned appointment. The State of Georgia is in great hands. Honoring Jim Cole Mr. CARTER of