Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-14

HONORING MERRITT ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL'S AFEX STUDENTS

EnvironmentDefenseVeterans

Context

On 2026-04-14, Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MERRITT ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL'S AFEX STUDENTS" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered defense, veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING MERRITT ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL'S AFEX STUDENTS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H2840] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MERRITT ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL'S AFEX STUDENTS (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to visit Merritt Island High School to highlight their outstanding work being done in astronautics and flight exploration. The program is a 4-year program that prepares students for careers in aerospace, aviation, and engineering. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, using the tools that are used in the everyday workplace. Programs like this show that success does not just follow one path. Not every student follows the traditional 4-year degree to build a strong future. Career-focused education gives students the opportunity to graduate with the practical skills necessary to step into aerospace jobs. On the Space Coast, where aerospace drives our economy, this program and others like it are essential. They connect students with real opportunities right in our home community. The students and educators at Merritt Island High School are building the workforce of the future. This is what education should look like--relevant, practical, and focused on results. Honoring Lieutenant Commander Mark Majcher Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Lieutenant Commander Mark Majcher, United States Navy, retired. He proudly served our Nation as a naval aviator. His service reflects the discipline, courage, and commitment that define the very best of our military. Beyond his time in uniform, he remained a part of our veteran community, carrying forward the values of service and sacrifice that have guided his life. I had the privilege of meeting Lieutenant Commander Majcher on Veterans Day last year, and it was clear he took great pride in his service and the men and women who served beside him. I also recognize his loving wife, Fran, whose support and devotion were a constant in his life. Today, we honor not only a veteran but a life defined by service to others and a love of country. May we never forget his contributions or the example set by this remarkable American. Highlighting Artemis II Mission sucess Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the successful mission of Artemis II, a defining moment in American leadership once again in space, as these four brave astronauts traveled further than any astronauts have ever traveled before, marking our next new era in space exploration. I also, of course, applaud our President, who has steadfastly committed to space as he has created the Space Force, and our amazing new NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman, who has brought new life to NASA as we are reaching further than ever. It confirmed the strength of American engineering, the precision of our NASA employees, and the skill of our amazing astronauts. Artemis II is more than exploration. It supports national security, drives our economy, and creates jobs across the country, especially on Florida's Space Coast. As we look ahead to future missions, we celebrate this achievement to reaffirm our commitment to space. Madam Speaker, America is going back to the Moon, and we are leading the way forward. Honoring Rita Vastano Simas on Her 100th Birthday Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable constituent, Rita Vastano Simas of Melbourne, Florida, as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Born on April 24, 1926, Rita's life is a testament to resilience, love, and devotion to her family and our country. During World War II, she married the love of her life, George Simas, in Italy before coming to the United States to build a life together based on faith, hard work, and opportunity. Her husband earned multiple Purple Hearts and served our Nation with pride, as they are part of the Greatest Generation. Together, they represent a generation that sacrificed, endured, and helped shape the freedoms that we enjoy today. Rita's life reflects the values of our Nation. Today, she celebrates 100 years. I wish Rita a happy birthday. ____________________

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HONORING MERRITT ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL'S AFEX STUDENTS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H2840] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MERRITT ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL'S AFEX STUDENTS (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to visit Merritt Island High School to highlight their outstanding work being done in astronautics and flight exploration. The program is a 4-year program that prepares students for careers in aerospace, aviation, and engineering. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, using the tools that are used in the everyday workplace. Programs like this show that success does not just follow one path. Not every student follows the traditional 4-year degree to build a strong future. Career-focused education gives students the opportunity to graduate with the practical skills necessary to step into aerospace jobs. On the Space Coast, where aerospace drives our economy, this program and others like it are essential. They connect students with real opportunities right in our home community. The students and educators at Merritt Island High School are building the workforce of the future. This is what education should look like--relevant, practical, and focused on results. Honoring Lieutenant Commander Mark Majcher Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Lieutenant Commander Mark Majcher, United States Navy, retired. He proudly served our Nation as a naval aviator. His service reflects the discipline, courage, and commitment that define the very best of our military. Beyond his time in uniform, he remained a part of our veteran community, carrying forward the values of service and sacrifice that have guided his life. I had the privilege of meeting Lieutenant Commander Majcher on Veterans Day last year, and it was clear he took great pride in his service and the men and women who served beside him. I also recognize his loving wife, Fran, whose support and devotion were a constant in his life. Today, we honor not only a veteran but a life defined by service to others and a love of country. May we never forget his contributions or the example set by this remarkable American. Highlighting Artemis II Mission sucess Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the successful mission of Artemis II, a defining moment in American leadership once again in space, as these four brave astronauts traveled further than any astronauts have ever traveled before, marking our next new era in space exploration. I also, of course, applaud our President, who has steadfastly committed to space as he has created the Space Force, and our amazing new NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman, who has brought new life to NASA as we are reaching further than ever. It confirmed the strength of American engineering, the precision of our NASA employees, and the skill of our amazing astronauts. Artemis II is more than exploration. It supports national security, drives our economy, and creates jobs across the country, especially on Florida's Space Coast. As we look ahead to future missions, we celebrate this achievement to reaffirm our commitment to space. Madam Speaker, America is going back to the Moon, and we are leading the way forward. Honoring Rita Vastano Simas on Her 100th Birthday Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable constituent, Rita Vastano Simas of Melbourne, Florida, as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Born on April 24, 1926, Rita's life is a testament to resilience, love, and devotion to her family and our country. During World War II, she married the love of her life, George Simas, in Italy before coming to the United States to build a life together based on faith, hard work, and opportunity. Her husband earned multiple Purple Hearts and served our Nation with pride, as they are part of the Greatest Generation. Together, they represent a generation that sacrificed, endured, and helped shape the freedoms that we enjoy today. Rita's life reflects the values of our Nation. Today, she celebrates 100 years. I wish Rita a happy birthday. ____________________