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HONORING 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MIGHTY EIGHTH
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 80th anniversary of the Mighty Eighth Air Force unit. The Mighty Eighth Air Force was organized in Savannah, Georgia, on January 28 in 1942. It was comprised of 48 bomber groups, 21 fighter groups, and three photo reconnaissance groups, making it the largest of its kind at the time.
The Mighty Eighth was utilized heavily over the course of World War II, participating in primarily heavy bombardment of strategic and military targets in Nazi-occupied Europe and Germany. The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum opened its doors in 1996, in Pooler, Georgia, during my tenure as mayor. It tells the heroic story of the Mighty Eighth, along with the story of World War II.
Featuring a B-17 project from the National Air and Space Museum, a fire truck used at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, along with multiple other aircraft and state-of-the-art technology, the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is a remarkable tribute to our brave soldiers.
The celebration kicked off on the 28th of January and events will be held throughout the year to celebrate this momentous occasion. I am proud to have been involved in the construction and dedication of this tribute to American heroism and want to thank the staff and supporters for making this celebration possible.
Honoring Gus Bell
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in gratitude for the service of a friend and an instrumental member of the First District of Georgia, Mr. Gus Bell.
Gus is a proud graduate of The Citadel, where he received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. From The Citadel, he continued his education at the University of Kentucky. Gus Bell has worked in every aspect of engineering, starting his career with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Virginia and Albuquerque before joining his private firm.
I am proud to call Gus Bell a friend and have had the pleasure and opportunity to work with him throughout the years. He has had an enormous impact on my career. The work that Gus has done to better the First District is nothing short of remarkable and deserves recognition.
The red brick waterfront, Rousakis Plaza, in Savannah and the I-95 corridor in Pooler are just examples of how Gus' expertise has led to growth and new development for the great State of Georgia. His commitment to his community is an inspiration, and I cherish the time we had to work together.
Gus is an example of a servant to others, and we are very grateful for his years of work and commitment. Thank you, my friend.
Recognizing Jekyll Island's 75th Anniversary
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Jekyll Island's 75th anniversary as a State park. Under Governor M.E. Thompson, Jekyll Island was purchased in 1947 and Jekyll authorities will be having events throughout 2022 to celebrate 75 years.
This island has been a vacation spot for Georgians across the State for decades, and it will continue to be for years to come. Recently, Jekyll has experienced increasing growth with the construction of a hotel in 2010, parks, camp sites, public beaches, and more.
The biggest addition to Jekyll Island was conducted in 2015 with a revamped shopping center, Beach Village, hotels, and the Westin Jekyll Island opening. I had the privilege of attending the kickoff celebration, complete with fireworks and synchronized swimmers, and am excited for what the rest of 2022 has in store for Jekyll.
COVID hit the hospitality industry especially hard and Jekyll Island was no exception. Through resiliency, hard work, and a dedicated community, Jekyll Island will be back in full force and better than ever.
This great Georgia vacation spot will be back on the map as a must-
see for residents and people across the country.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 25
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