Hello, Friends —
This year, I am especially thankful for you, the people of Northwest Florida. Your support has moved me; your faith has inspired me; and your love for this great nation is why I continue to serve.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends as you give thanks for your blessings. From my family to yours, happy Thanksgiving!
AROUND THE DISTRICT
REP. GAETZ ANNOUNCES 2023 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNERS
Last Saturday, I announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Florida's First District at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. I was proud to be in the presence of some of the most talented students in our community!
The Congressional App Challenge is a competition where members of Congress encourage students in their respective districts to create programs and applications using any coding language. Middle and high school students have the option of competing in teams or as individuals, and the winners from each district present their finished work product in Washington, D.C., the following year at an annual showcase. The challenge exists to encourage students interested in coding to pursue careers in cybersecurity, computer science, and other closely related fields.
The winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, their schools, and their winning submissions are listed below:
1st Place: Assets4Kids created by Andrew Putman of Niceville High School
2nd Place: Neighboor created by Connor Brock, Liam Wenzel, Sydney Foggo, and Isabella Cardona-Vega of Niceville High School
3rd Place: Homeless Helper created by Logan Michel, Morgan Harrington, and Simon Loffler of Niceville High School
Honorable Mention: Retro Geometry created by Carter Deering, Katelyn Darrow, and Jaedyn Ellis of Okaloosa STEMM Academy
REP. GAETZ ATTENDS AFSOC MEETING AND CEREMONY AT HURLBURT FIELD
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to meet with Brigadier General Rebecca Sonkiss, Deputy Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and Colonel Allison Black of 1st Special Operations Wing at the headquarters of the 319th Special Operations Squadron to discuss the state of AFSOC and its priorities. Our meeting was highly productive, covering a variety of topics affecting our air commandos at Hurlburt Field and around the country.
Later that day, I was honored to be invited to the presentation of Distinguished Flying Crosses and Bronze Stars to nine of our local AFSOC heroes — the airmen who were instrumental in the historic airlift from Hamid Karzai International Airport in 2021.
These airmen risked their lives to save their fellow service members, Americans in harm's way, and partners during the final withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. The harrowing stories of their bravery and skill in the face of hostile threats were inspiring and a reminder of the sacrifice of the brave men and women here in Northwest Florida and across the nation who put their own safety on the line in defense of this country. Congratulations to all the recipients, whose recognition is more than deserved, and thank you for your service!
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
DC Enquirer — November 21, 2023
Matt Gaetz Takes Action After Air Force Threatens To Kick Out Service Members Who Attend Pro-Trump 'Patriot' Rally
"Last week, Air Force leaders in North Dakota issued a warning text to service members at the Minot Air Force Base about the November 17th "Dakota Patriot Rally" that was set to be hosted by a pro-Trump speaker from Turning Point Action, a 501(c)(4) that supported President Trump's reelection efforts in 2020. The base's leaders also warned service members 'that participation with groups such as Turning Point Action could jeopardize their continued service in the U.S. military.' In response to the warning sent to airmen, Rep. Matt Gaetz demanded a hearing on the matter, writing on X/Twitter, 'Whoever thought sending this message out was a good idea is definitely gonna be answering questions under oath in the Armed Services Committee.'"
The Daily Wire — November 21, 2023
House Republicans Probe NSA For Answers On Woke Glossary Revealed By Daily Wire
"The document has also drawn ire from Rep. Matt Gaetz, who warned that the radical leftists were taking over the powerful tools of government. 'We need to put an end to it before we figure out what it looks like when the CRT regime is latched to the most exquisite spying and surveillance tools that have ever existed on the planet,' Gaetz said."
WHAT WE'RE READING
The Federalist — November 21, 2023
Exclusive: Republicans Subpoena Lesley Wolf, Who Blocked Hunter Biden Investigators From Probing Joe
Breitbart — November 22, 2023
Exclusive: 500 Migrants Cross into Texas Border Town in Single Group
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