This was a sad week for America. Regardless of your political ideology, we can all agree that the arrest of a former president is not something to celebrate. It’s understandable if you’re feeling frustrated with the state of our country right now – from a suffering economy to a weaponized justice system, the cards can feel like they’re stacked against hardworking Americans.
Fortunately, I had a unique opportunity this week that reminded me just how lucky we are to live here in this country, and I wanted to share that with you all.
On Friday, I spoke at a naturalization ceremony in Brunswick, where I addressed individuals about to take the oath of citizenship. This was the first post-pandemic naturalization ceremony held in this area, so it was a particularly special experience.
The people I spoke with came from all walks of life, but they all had one thing in common: they worked hard and sacrificed to be able to call themselves a citizen of the freest nation on earth. America is the land of opportunity, and these newly naturalized citizens were willing to do whatever it took to achieve the American Dream for themselves and their family.
Truly, is there anything more American than that?
You’ve heard me say it before, and you’ll probably hear me say it again, but I was born and raised right here in Georgia’s First District. It’s where I’ve lived all my life, where I intend to live the rest of my life, and it is an honor to represent my home in Congress. I didn’t come from a wealthy or connected family. My grandfather was a sharecropper. He didn’t own the land, he worked the land. My father worked shift work in a paper mill. He worked hard. He provided for my sister and I, for our family. Because of their excellent example, I learned from a young age that hard work creates opportunities. That belief got me through college, through starting up a small business, and through the many public offices I would go on to hold.
In no other country, in no other place in the world, is a story like mine possible. And the best part is that my story is not unique. Seemingly every day, I hear stories about people who overcame great odds, far greater than mine, to achieve something amazing. That’s the promise of America and that promise is alive and well today.
I am so proud to be an American and so proud of the dozens of men and women who put their hand over the hearts this week and, for the very first time, pledged their allegiance to the United States of America.
Welcome home. |
Carter speaks at naturalization ceremony in Brunswick |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're talking about a bill I introduced that will improve the passport application process. |
Monday, August 21, 2023: I’m at Factors Walk in downtown Savannah this morning as I visit the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center for an update on the great work they are doing in our district providing tools, training, and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed.
Staying in the downtown area, I head to the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce (COC) where I meet with staff including new President/CEO Bert Brantley and VP of Govt. Affairs, Jared Downs. The Savannah Area COC does a great job representing the interests of the business community and providing leadership and advocacy in the Coastal Region.
Afterwards, I head to the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island where I participate in a destination conference power hour roundtable sponsored by the U.S. Travel Association’s Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) that is meeting in Savannah this week. During the roundtable discussion, I am able to share news from Washington, D.C. and hear the concerns and challenges from travel experts such as Visit Savannah President Joe Marinelli, Savannah Tourism Leadership Council CEO Michael Owens, and other destination marketing professionals from across the nation.
Next, I head to Ft. Stewart in Liberty County where I meet with Commanding General (CG) Christopher Norrie and other leadership for a briefing and tour of this great military facility that is home to the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) and is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River, covering 280,000 acres.
After a great visit that includes the briefing and a tour of the barracks and living facilities, I head home to Pooler where I have a virtual call with the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) executive committee as I review health care legislation currently being considered in Washington. |
Carter meets with troops at Ft. Stewart |
Tuesday, August 22, 2023: I’m live on the radio this morning on the Steve Gruber show as we discuss former President Trump's indictment in Atlanta as well as the horrendous impact Bidenomics is having on our economy.
Next, I head to Effingham Hospital in Springfield where I have a virtual call with Augusta University President Brooks Keel and staff as they bring me up to date on the exciting expansion that is taking place with the medical school, including starting a new program on the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University in Savannah.
Afterwards, I head to the most impressive Effingham Pediatrics Center near the hospital where I meet with Effingham Health System President and CEO Dr. Fran Witt and members of her leadership team for a tour and introduction of the staff, including Dr. Bailey Alford who heads up the center.
Staying in Springfield, I head to the Effingham County Sheriff’s office where I meet with my good friend, Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, who has served this community as Sheriff since 2002. After a great visit, I head to Rincon where I meet with Effingham County Commission Chairman Wesley Corbitt, and Commissioners Jamie Deloach and Phil Kieffer, as they bring me up to date on plans for this fast-growing community.
Next, I head to Pooler where I visit my good friend Cal Patel at one of his hotels in the area, the Courtyard by Marriott. Cal is a member of the Asian American Hotel Owners of America (AAHOA), the largest hotel owners' association in the nation. Over 60 percent of the hotels in the U.S. are owned by the nearly 20,000 AAHOA members who are responsible for 1.7 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
After heading to our Savannah district office where I record a video for GABCON, the annual event for the Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB), I head to the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club (FCBGC) on Charlton St. in Savannah. The FCBGC is run by my good friend and fellow Sunday school class member, Mark Lindsay, who along with Senior Unit Director Karen Thompson and their fine staff are providing young people with programs and resources that change lives and help local kids and teens thrive. |
Carter with Effingham County Sheriff |
Wednesday, August 23, 2023: As I’m traveling down to Brunswick in Glynn County this morning, I have a conference call with a developer in the district to discuss the need for affordable housing in our area. Once in Brunswick, I meet with former Georgia State Representative Virginia Ramsey who, at the spry age of 95, still follows politics. Along with some of her neighbors at Peppertree Crossing, she shares with me their feelings regarding student loan repayment.
Next, I remain in Brunswick and head to the Coastal Republican Women meeting where I am honored to address the group along with Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones.
Afterwards, I head to Jacksonville and, during the drive, I have a recorded virtual interview with One America News (OAN) to discuss the Atlanta indictment of former President Donald Trump. Once in Jacksonville, I have a taped interview with Kent Justice at WJXT as we discuss the Atlanta Trump indictment as well as legislation I have introduced regarding passports and right whales.
Afterwards, I head to Darien in McIntosh County where I join Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Speaker of the House Jon Burns and community supporters for a reception honoring State Senator Mike Hodges and State Representative Buddy Deloach. |
Carter meets with residents of Peppertree Crossing |
Thursday, August 24, 2023: I’m delighted to be able to join the Band of Brothers (BOB) lunch today in Brunswick as we hear from our leader, Rev. Kenny Grant. We have two BOB meetings in the Savannah area and are trying to expand to Brunswick.
Once back home in Pooler, I have a phone interview with WTOC-TV in Savannah to discuss the Atlanta Trump indictment. Then, I head downtown to the Savannah Area COC where First Tee Savannah announces that one of their volunteer coaches, Ariel Brown, has been awarded the First Tee National Teacher of the Year Award for dedicated service to education and golf.
Next, I head to our Savannah district office where I film two more Tech Talk videos before heading to Skidaway Island where I join friends in honoring a true jewel in our community, Marolyn Overton, the founder and outgoing President of Ladies on the Right (LOTR).
Later in the evening, I have a taped virtual interview with WJCL-TV in Savannah as we discuss the Atlanta Trump indictment. |
Carter congratulates First Tee National Teacher of the Year |
Friday, August 25, 2023: I’m up early and on the way to Waycross in Ware County this morning and, during the drive, I have a radio interview with my good friend Scott Ryfun, as we discuss news of the day.
Once in Waycross, I join in a ceremony naming a traffic intersection on Hwy 84 in honor of Col. Frank Norton, Jr., a great husband, father, and citizen. Col. Norton served in Vietnam, West Germany, and South Korea, and is the father of our Washington legislative correspondent, Lee Norton.
Afterwards, I head to St. Simons Island in Glynn County where I meet with Dave Snyder, owner of Tramici Restaurant to discuss proposed NOAA rules regarding right whales and red snapper. Next, I head to the federal courthouse in downtown Brunswick where I have the honor of joining Judge Lisa Godbey Wood in a naturalization ceremony where we welcome 36 new American citizens from 16 foreign countries as they receive their certificates of citizenship. I have the honor of speaking at many ceremonies and, while all are important and meaningful, this is one of the most important and meaningful of all.
Afterwards, I head back to Savannah to Hutchinson Island where the Savannah Pilots Association have the christening ceremony for their two new 64-foot aluminum pilot boats.
Next, I head to Richmond Hill in Bryan County where I perform the coin toss for the Ware County-Richmond Hill football game. Afterwards, I head back to downtown Savannah where I speak to the Conservative Policy Leadership Institute (CPLI) and share with them news from Washington, D.C. |
Carter at Ware County-Richmond Hill football game |
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