On Good Friday, my district staff and I volunteered at the Golden Isles Veteran Village, a tiny home community in Brunswick that, when completed, will house veterans. We might have just been sweeping and screwing in doorknobs, but it is important that public servants never forget that we are just that: servants of the great people of Georgia’s First Congressional District.
This completely volunteer-led project is the embodiment of that spirit. Many of you know that my background is in retail, where I spent most of my career. In retail, you show up every day to deliver great service to your customers. It is that customer-centered mentality that guided my work in local government and stayed with me when I came to Congress.
First and foremost, we are here to serve you. Everything else comes second.
On this Easter Sunday, as I reflect on the project and all the amazing ways Georgians come together in service to one another, I am in awe of the resilience and strength of our great district. While up in D.C., I take to the House floor frequently to pay tribute to people who are excelling at their craft and helping one another. It’s only April, but 2023 is already filled with stories like these. So, instead of reading a lengthy newsletter introduction, I’d like for you to take a moment and listen to some of these stories of sacrifice, heroism, and service.
Rep. Carter Honors and Recognizes Brantley County First Responders
Rep. Carter Honors the Life of Richard Davis
Rep. Carter Honors Dr. Lucy Greene
Rep. Carter Honors Law Enforcement Officials Who Participated in "Operation Ghost"
Rep. Carter Recognizes First Bryan Baptist Church of Savannah
Happy Easter and may God bless you.
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Monday, April 3, 2023: After a live interview on Newsmax Saturday afternoon, I was honored later in the day to attend the Benedictine (BC) Athletic Association’s Bands and Chefs event to support the sports programs at the school.
Yesterday, I was privileged to attend a special banquet at American Legion Post 135 in Savannah as we welcomed National American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) President Vickie Koutz from Indiana to our area.
After our all staff conference call this morning, I’m headed to Waycross in Ware County for a surprise birthday celebration for my mother-in-law, Betty Coppage, as she will be 95 years young tomorrow. Attended by family and friends, the festive event was held at Jerry J’s restaurant and included birthday cake and song.
Afterwards, I head to the Ware-Waycross Industrial Development Authority headquarters in the Industrial Park as I meet with Director Jason Rubenbauer and area leaders to learn more about the exciting projects being planned and the infrastructure needs to accommodate this anticipated growth.
Afterwards, I head to Boggy Creek Farms in Screven in Wayne County for a tour of their 465-acre commercial cow herd operation owned and operated by Kristy Griffis Arnold. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a master’s degree in agricultural education, Kristy returned home and later, she and her husband Ronnie took over the family business. Recently, Kristy has been appointed as the Georgia representative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board.
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Rep. Carter interview on Newsmax
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Tuesday, April 4, 2023: After an early morning radio interview with my good friend John Fredericks where we discuss news of the day, I head to the airport for a trip to Nashville, TN, where I am set to appear on the Mike Huckabee show tonight.
Once in Music City, I head to the Tennessee Pharmacists Association headquarters where I meet with staff and profession leaders and bring them up to date on the issues we are addressing in Congress. Afterwards, I have meetings with area leaders including orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Manny Sethi from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and businessman William Morgan, President of Bouchard and Sons and Chair of Family Action Council of TN (FACT).
Later, I head to Hendersonville, an area outside of Nashville, to a Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) TV studio, where I am thrilled to be a guest on The Mike Huckabee Show that is taped before a live studio audience and is broadcast on TBN Saturdays at 8 PM Eastern and Sundays at 9 PM Eastern. The experience is amazing as we talk about my FAIRTax legislation proposal that will eliminate the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and move our country away from the despised payroll and income taxes to a fair, simple, and preferred consumption tax.
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Rep. Carter films Mike Huckabee Show in Nashville, TN
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Wednesday, April 5, 2023: After flying back early this morning, I’m back in the district and head straight from the airport to Barnes Restaurant in Savannah where I speak to the South of Derenne Avenue (SODA) business group and bring them up to date on Washington issues.
Next, I head to our Savannah district office where I meet with students from Memorial Day School for a tour of our office and answer their questions as they have been studying government recently.
After meeting with a constituent to discuss issues related to our 2nd Amendment rights, I record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing before heading to downtown Savannah for a meeting with constituents.
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Rep. Carter speaks to SODA business group
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Thursday, April 6, 2023: I’m up early this morning and headed to Jesup in Wayne County where I join my good friends on the world famous Butch and Bob show live in the studio and we discuss a myriad of issues.
Next, I head to Sierra International Machinery in the Wayne County Commerce Park for a briefing and tour of the facility. Headquartered in Bakersfield, CA, the Jesup plant manufactures the REB-1 and REB-2 “Recycle Everything Balers” that recycle scrap metal and waste.
After a great visit and tour, I join Wayne County Industrial Development Authority Director Dell Keith for a tour of the expansion of their industrial park before heading downtown where I meet with constituents including my good friends Glynn County Sherriff Neal Jump and Glynn County County Manager Bill Fallon who have made the trip over.
Next, I head to the Federal Correctional Institute (FCI) Jesup where I meet with newly appointed Warden Jeffrey Fikes and his highly competent staff as we tour the facility and they describe the many programs offered here, such as educational opportunities, work simulation programs, and religious services.
After a great visit, I head to downtown Savannah. During the drive, I have a phone interview with FOX 28 TV in Savannah to discuss the passage of HR 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, before joining in on our all staff conference call.
Once in Savannah, I head to the Curtis V Cooper Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) where I meet with leaders from FQHC’s throughout the district to discuss the 340B prescription drug program that is so vital to the success of their operations.
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Rep. Carter receives briefing at Sierra International Machinery
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Friday, April 7, 2023: After my second interview of the week with my good friend John Fredericks, I hit the road and head to downtown Brunswick where my staff and I volunteer at the Golden Isles Veterans Village that is being spearheaded by Lorene Reid and a great group of volunteers. Among the jobs my staff and I are involved in are general cleanup, doorknob and deadbolt installation, and wall demolishing. This is a great project that will help ensure that our veterans, who are our heroes, don’t go homeless.
Later, I head to our Brunswick district office where I meet with constituents regarding commercial mail receiving agencies and recent changes made by the U.S. Postal Service. Then, I head to the Peppertree Retirement Community where I am honored to hold a meeting with the residents and bring them up to date on issues in Washington, as well as answer their questions and hear their suggestions. This great event was made possible by former Georgia State Representative Virginia Ramsey, a delightful young lady, who I very much enjoyed getting to know.
Later, once back in Pooler, I head to the inauguration of Sarveshwar Dham & Mansarovar in Bloomingdale at the SGVP temple as I am honored to be one of the special guests at this magnificent facility and wonderful service organized by Shree Dharmajivan Mission Trust USA.
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Rep. Carter and staff volunteer at Golden Isles Veterans Village
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My interview on the Mike Huckabee Show will air tonight at 9/8c on TBN. Tune in!
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