November 8, 2024

Friends,

I hope you and your family are well! I wanted to provide you with a few updates regarding what’s going on –

Congratulations to President Trump!

Congratulations to President Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance! America is ready for a comeback! Let's unleash U.S. energy and innovation and make the future brighter, safer, and healthier for our children.

Congratulations to Sheri Biggs

Congratulations to Sheri Biggs, elected to become the next Representative for South Carolina’s Third District! I’m confident in her leadership and excited to see her fresh approach to the challenges ahead as she carries on the fight for conservative values.

Veterans Day Local Hero

On Veterans Day, we honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, to commemorate the bravery and exemplary service of Major Thomas D. Howie, the inspiration for Tom Hanks role in Saving Private Ryan, I introduced legislation to posthumously award Major Howie the Congressional Gold Medal.

A native of Abbeville, South Carolina and The Citadel graduate, Major Howie is known as the "Major of St. Lo" for his heroism during the Battle of Normandy in the summer of 1944. Armed with nothing more than hand grenades and bayonets, Howie led his U.S. Army battalion through heavily fortified German lines outside of the strategically important town of St. Lo, France to relieve another battalion that had been encircled on the outskirts.

Having saved his fellow soldiers, Howie was soon presented with a new challenge—capturing the town itself. Major Howie displayed remarkable resolve as he reassured his superior, Major General Charles Gerhardt, with a simple yet powerful "See you in St. Lo." This unwavering determination became a rallying cry that inspired his men throughout the battle.

Tragically, Major Howie was killed in action one day before the town's liberation. However, his bravery and leadership did not fade with him. In a powerful display of respect, his unit carried his flag-draped body into St. Lo, placing it atop the ruins of the Church of Saint Croix. His actions further served as inspiration for the character of Captain John Miller, portrayed by Tom Hanks, in the film Saving Private Ryan.

With the best-of-the-best fighting to stop the Axis of Evil in World War II, countless examples of American heroism and exceptionalism went unrecognized. Major Howie defied the odds and disregarded his own safety to protect his fellow troops and free France from the grip of the Nazis.

Helene Disaster Relief and Recovery

FEMA Assistance: The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362.

You can also take advantage of in-person Disaster Recovery Centers located throughout the 3rd District:

Open this week in:

Anderson County
Anderson County Library
300 N. McDuffie St.
Anderson, SC 29621
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This Disaster Recovery Center will temporarily close on Mon - Wed, 11/4 - 11/6 and re-open on Thurs, 11/7 normal operational hours. This Disaster Recovery Center will close at 5 p.m. on November 15, 2024.

Greenville County
Freetown Community Center
200 Alice Avenue
Greenville, SC 29611
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
This Disaster Recovery Center will close at 7 p.m. on November 15, 2024.

Pickens County
Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library
304 Biltmore Rd
Easley, SC 29640
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
This Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will end operations and close on Nov. 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm.

Saluda County
Saluda County Administration Building
407 W Butler Ave
Saluda, SC 29138
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
This Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) 31 will end operations and close on Nov. 13, 2024, at 7:00 pm.

Aiken County (for those closer in Edgefield country)
Aiken Technical College
2276 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Graniteville, SC 29829
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
This Disaster Recovery Center will close at 6 p.m. on November 15, 2024.

For a list of additional Resources by County, please visit my website.

It is an honor to serve the Third District of South Carolina. Should you or your family need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office directly.