Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-23

HONORING JOE LEEPER

Crime & Justice

Context

On 2026-02-23, Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JOE LEEPER" in the House. The speech addressed crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING JOE LEEPER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2238-H2239] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JOE LEEPER (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, if you want to understand the strength of a community, look at the men and women who quietly built it, not for recognition or reward, but because it was the right thing to do. Today, I rise to honor one of those men, Joe Leeper of Fernandina Beach, Florida, who passed away at 97 after an amazing life of service. Born in 1928, Joe was part of a generation of Americans who answered the call to serve, worked hard, raised strong families, and built communities. In 1946, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably during [[Page H2239]] the Korean war, even doing an assignment in Florida. That is where, Mr. Speaker, he met the love of his life, Alberta Jordan. They were blessed with four children, Brenda, Bill, Durwin, and Danny, building a family legacy that spans generations and continues to grow. After the Navy, Joe drove a Greyhound bus but sought to become a police officer in Fernandina Beach. The story goes, he approached the chief with: ``Chief, how do I become a police officer?'' The chief asked him: ``Can you start today?'' and he did. {time} 1215 After several years in law enforcement, Joe went on to spend 27 years at Container Corporation, starting at the scale shack and retiring as a timber accountant. Joe's greatest legacy, Mr. Speaker, and his greatest impact is on the kids in Nassau County, Florida. He coached Little League, led championship teams, and helped establish youth football, which continues to this day, giving thousands of kids the chance to play and cheer, including me and so many other Bean boys. Joe also served 62 years as a Shriner and delighted so many by driving in parades with his three-wheeled motorcycle and dune buggy raising money for sick children. Mr. Speaker, Joe Leeper didn't seek recognition. He simply showed up year after year for his country, his family, and his community. On behalf of Florida's Fourth Congressional District, I and my wife, Abby, extend our deepest condolences to the entire Leeper family and Joe Leeper fans across northeast Florida. Joe's legacy lives on in every kid who plays and cheers in programs he pioneered through decades of faithful service. May he rest in peace. ____________________

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HONORING JOE LEEPER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2238-H2239] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JOE LEEPER (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, if you want to understand the strength of a community, look at the men and women who quietly built it, not for recognition or reward, but because it was the right thing to do. Today, I rise to honor one of those men, Joe Leeper of Fernandina Beach, Florida, who passed away at 97 after an amazing life of service. Born in 1928, Joe was part of a generation of Americans who answered the call to serve, worked hard, raised strong families, and built communities. In 1946, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably during [[Page H2239]] the Korean war, even doing an assignment in Florida. That is where, Mr. Speaker, he met the love of his life, Alberta Jordan. They were blessed with four children, Brenda, Bill, Durwin, and Danny, building a family legacy that spans generations and continues to grow. After the Navy, Joe drove a Greyhound bus but sought to become a police officer in Fernandina Beach. The story goes, he approached the chief with: ``Chief, how do I become a police officer?'' The chief asked him: ``Can you start today?'' and he did. {time} 1215 After several years in law enforcement, Joe went on to spend 27 years at Container Corporation, starting at the scale shack and retiring as a timber accountant. Joe's greatest legacy, Mr. Speaker, and his greatest impact is on the kids in Nassau County, Florida. He coached Little League, led championship teams, and helped establish youth football, which continues to this day, giving thousands of kids the chance to play and cheer, including me and so many other Bean boys. Joe also served 62 years as a Shriner and delighted so many by driving in parades with his three-wheeled motorcycle and dune buggy raising money for sick children. Mr. Speaker, Joe Leeper didn't seek recognition. He simply showed up year after year for his country, his family, and his community. On behalf of Florida's Fourth Congressional District, I and my wife, Abby, extend our deepest condolences to the entire Leeper family and Joe Leeper fans across northeast Florida. Joe's legacy lives on in every kid who plays and cheers in programs he pioneered through decades of faithful service. May he rest in peace. ____________________