Every year, for Valentine’s Day, our office hosts our “Friends of the First” initiative where we deliver Valentine’s Cards, made by students, to our district’s first responders. This is always an incredible event, and it helps to teach the First District’s young people how important it is to respect and appreciate our first responders. Thank you for hard work to keep our communities safe!

This April, we got to see a solar eclipse! I took a second in a busy district work day to enjoy one of the many amazing wonders that God created. Taking a second to appreciate the beauty that God placed in our world is something that I try to do as much as I can, and the solar eclipse was one of those moments this year.

In May, I was fortunate to be able to join some of my colleagues on a congressional delegation to Africa. It was an eye-opening experience where I met many great people, saw beautiful sights, and learned a lot. Learning about the many rare earth metals present in Africa was something that helped me a great deal during my time as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials.

One of my favorite parts of my job as your representative is being out in the district. The Rincon Stars and Stripes Freedom Parade this year was amazing, and getting to meet constituents is always an honor. Whenever I have an opportunity to join in on these fantastic celebrations in our community, for our community, I am reminded of what a privilege it is to be able to serve you as your representative.

Our district is growing and growing fast. In July, I was able to be at a Coastal Community Health Center Grand Opening and I was so honored to have it dedicated in my name. As a health care provider, I am always encouraged to see the many great people in our district working towards more accessible, affordable, and quality health care for all Americans. This was a profound moment in my career.

This year, our office began a new program called “Take Buddy to Work” where I join you for a day on the job. One stop we made was at Pooler Paws where I spent time with some adorable cats and learned about how important animal rescue is to our community. I even was able to spend time with a feline friend of mine that reminded me of my childhood cat, Boots.

Another stop we made for “Take Buddy to Work” was at B-Mac’s Buffet. Our district is so full of incredible people doing incredible work and serving our community, and B-Mac’s is no exception. I learned first-hand how tough the restaurant industry can be, but it was great getting to meet with the great people of Waycross.

Our district suffered tremendously during hurricane season this year. Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene devastated our community. Our friends and neighbors rallied behind each other, and that was so heartwarming to see. I know that any challenges the First District faces in the future, we will meet them head on and come out on the other side stronger than we were before. I also want to thank the first responders, EMAs, county officials, and everyone who had a hand in keeping our community safe.

In November, Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh, the first active-duty service member to earn the title, visited our district. While she was here, we were honored to join a Dolphin Pinning Ceremony for Sonar Technician (Submarine) Seaman Khalil Wilkerson. During this ceremony, which is held after much training, the submariner is presented their “dolphins” which are worn on each uniform to show that the sailor’s qualifications. This ceremony gives each sailor a sense of belonging on to the submarine force. God bless our troops!

In December, the Hinesville VA Clinic was renamed after four heroes from Liberty County. The newly named “John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic”, four sons of Georgia’s First District that were killed in action in Vietnam, will stand as a testament to our district’s commitment to our servicemen and women and our deep respect for our armed forces. I am so proud of this achievement and proud of all the work from many community members to make this happen.