Clinton City Schools Visit
I had the wonderful opportunity to tour Clinton City Schools and speak with many bright, young students hard at work. Additionally, we discussed learning challenges and successes, educational resources, school needs, and legislative priorities with teachers and staff.
Education is one of the greatest investments we can make, not just in ourselves, but in our communities and our country. We want our students to be taught how to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with the world around them. Learning should be a lifelong quest, and so much of that love for learning comes from a teacher’s mentorship.
As a member of Congress, I have the honor of representing the great people of Eastern North Carolina. My pledge is to make sure our voices are heard in Washington. Every vote I cast, I think about our students, their families, farmers, business owners, and everyone working hard to make our communities stronger.
Clinton High School and the surrounding schools also ensure our students are well-rounded and engaged in the community. It is important for students to involve themselves in our democratic system of government functions through understanding the issues that affect their lives and taking part in the process that shapes them.
Whether our students choose to serve in public office, the military, business, medicine, or education, they are being prepared because of the hard work of educators in Clinton going the extra mile to ensure they are civically responsible. Thank you to the faculty for the work you do every single day to help the next generation succeed.
42nd Observance at the Beirut Memorial
I attended a solemn service at the Beirut Memorial in the Lejeune Memorial Gardens to observe the 42nd anniversary of the Beirut bombing and honor the lives of those service members who were tragically taken.
On October 23rd, 1983, two Hezbollah terrorist suicide bombers took the lives of 220 Marines, 18 Sailors, and 3 Soldiers at the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Another 128 Americans were wounded. A few minutes later, in a coordinated attack, another suicide bomber blew up the French barracks about 4 miles away, killing 58 French paratroopers.
Jacksonville is home to the world-renowned Camp Lejeune, from which the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit deployed to Beirut under the direction of President Ronald Reagan. Their mission was a peacekeeping one. And, etched in the stone of the Beirut Memorial in Jacksonville is a line that reads, “They came in peace.”
Eastern North Carolina continues to grieve today for the loss of life and loved ones in the devastating attack 42 years ago.
Tour of High Speed Gear
I enjoyed touring High Speed Gear’s facility in Swansboro, North Carolina, and learning more about the company’s mission and how it supports our state. We discussed the challenges the company can face with contracting and the Berry Amendment.
High Speed Gear was founded in 1999 as a custom shop that produced gear for Marines at Camp Lejeune. The products manufactured are magazine pouches, battle belts, concealment holsters, duty holsters, and related accessories that are all 100% made in the USA. High Speed Gear aims to provide battle-proven tactical gear that is distinct and innovative for its users while reinvesting back into North Carolina’s workers and our communities.
Thank you to the staff who spent time showing me the facility and for your commitment to providing for service members, law enforcement, and licensed individuals, while investing in North Carolina and our country.
