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[Page H73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN REMEMBRANCE OF GREG KIRK
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life
of Georgia State Senator Greg Kirk, who passed away on December 22 at
the age of 56 after a battle with cancer.
A former pastor, Senator Kirk was first elected to the State senate
in 2014. Representing Americus in southwest Georgia, he spent his 6
years in the State senate working hard for rural Georgians: spurring
job creation, protecting life, and always putting God first.
His colleagues in the State senate remember him as an exceptional
public servant who was always a champion for doing what is right,
making him one of the State's most fervent and gracious leaders.
One of his most important pieces of legislation included a bill that
would legally protect people who broke into a vehicle to help rescue a
child that had been left unattended in hot weather.
His presence, leadership, and passion for service will be dearly
missed in the Georgia State senate. Senator Kirk's family and friends
will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
In Recognition of International Seafarers' Center
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
International Seafarers' Center in Brunswick, Georgia, for all of their
work throughout the First Congressional District of Georgia.
Operating in coastal Georgia for the last 38 years, the International
Seafarers' Center strives to provide spiritual, emotional, physical,
and material support to mariners passing through our area. Currently,
the Port of Brunswick, alone, receives 16,000 seafarers annually who
have very little access to the conveniences of home while they are at
sea.
The International Seafarers' Center is guided by its Christian faith,
and with their two hospitality centers, they have done an exceptional
job of serving those mariners from all walks of life, different
religions, countless languages, and diverse races.
One of the most notable examples of their work includes their effort
to provide clothing and food to 20 crew members of the Golden Ray cargo
ship that had capsized off the coast of St. Simon's Island in September
of 2019.
I cannot thank everyone involved with the International Seafarers'
Center enough for making the First Congressional District of Georgia
such a welcoming place for seafarers to pass through during their time
at sea.
Keep up the good work.
{time} 1100
Honoring the Service of Betty Gillis
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms.
Betty Gillis, who is retiring after 41 years serving as supervisor of
Ware County's Board of Elections and Registration.
Throughout the past 4 decades, Ms. Gillis has done an exceptional job
in the First Congressional District, ensuring that Ware County's
elections are both robust and fair.
Looking back on her time, she remembers that she has enjoyed every
minute of it, and she has come to think of her colleagues as extended
family.
In her retirement, Ms. Gillis is planning to spend more time with her
family. However, it will simply be impossible to replace a public
servant as dedicated and excited about her role as Ms. Gillis.
Thank you for your service to the First Congressional District of
Georgia, Ms. Gillis. Congratulations on a retirement well-deserved.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Clair Wofford Frazier
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life
of Ms. Clair Wofford Frazier, who passed away on December 23, 2019, at
the age of 58, after a battle with cancer.
Ms. Wofford Frazier dedicated her life to serving her alma mater,
Young Harris College. A member of the Board of Trustees for over a
decade, she served on a number of different committees that impacted
daily campus life, including committees on academic affairs,
development, and student affairs.
She also created the Wofford-Frazier scholarship to help a Young
Harris education be as accessible as possible for deserving students. A
testament to her work, the executive board room at the college is named
in her honor, and she won the Susan B. Harris Award from the Alumni
Association in 2008.
Similar to her generosity with the college, those who knew her
remember that Ms. Wofford Frazier was always the first person to offer
help to someone in need.
My thoughts and prayers will be with Ms. Wofford Frazier's family
during this most difficult time.
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