HONORING DOROTHY LINSON

HONORING DOROTHY LINSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2639-H2640] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DOROTHY LINSON (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary citizen from Florida's Space Coast, Dorothy Linson, affectionately known in our community as Ms. Dot. She is actually joining us here today on this very special day. I had the pleasure of meeting with her earlier today and sharing her experiences in the Sunshine State. She came here at the age of 19 from the State of Alabama with her four kids to make a new start. Today we celebrate that success in helping others in our community. Ms. Dot has dedicated her life to one simple powerful mission. No child in her community should ever grow hungry. Through the years of tireless service, compassion, and leadership, she has worked to provide meals, support families, and ensure children have the nourishment they need each and every day to learn, grow, and succeed. Because of her tireless lifelong commitment to serve others, Ms. Dot earned the 2026 Citizen Honors Award Service Honoree by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Each year the award is personally selected by living Medal of Honor recipients, our American heroes. They recognize the courage, character, and dedication of our Nation's finest just like Ms. Dot. Ms. Dot's work reminds us that service is not limited to grand stages or national headlines. Often the most powerful acts of service and leadership come from our neighbors helping our neighbors. Florida's Space Coast is proud of Dorothy Linson, an American leader and community champion. I recognize her for this well-earned award. {time} 1245 Honoring Alec Hall of Alliance Cyber Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding veteran, entrepreneur, and leader from Florida's Space Coast, Alec Hall. Alec is the president of Alliance Cyber, a service-disabled, veteran- owned small business based in Cocoa, Florida, right in Brevard County. [[Page H2640]] Through his leadership, Alliance Cyber provides cybersecurity and IT security solutions to others. However, Alec's most important impact goes far beyond business success. Through the Alliance Cyber Gives Foundation, his team supports STEM education, workforce development, and career pathways for those transitioning servicemembers, investing directly in the next generation. In recognition of his leadership and service, Alec was named the 2025 National Small Business Vetrepreneur of the Year and received the Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year Award from the National Veteran-Owned Business Association. These honors reflect a continued commitment to service first in uniform and now in our communities. Florida's Space Coast is proud of Alec Hall and the work of Alliance Cyber. Vero Beach High School CTE Programs Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the incredible work being done at Vero Beach High School through its career and technical education programs. During my recent visit to the school, I had the opportunity to tour programs in automotive technology, biotechnology, culinary arts, digital design, business management, and nursing. These programs are equipping students with real skills that translate directly into the workforce. Career and technical education provides a strong alternative to a traditional 4-year college path. It allows students to graduate high school with hands-on experience, industry certifications, and a clear path into high-demand careers. This approach strengthens our workforce, supports local industries, and gives students the opportunity to succeed on their own terms. The leadership of the school districts in Indian River County and the educators at Vero Beach High School are preparing the next generation for the practical tools they need to find success. These programs reflect what education should be: focused, forward-looking, and connecting to real-world opportunity. ____________________