I had a great time speaking with students from Jones Elementary (Bremen, Ga.) and Marietta Middle School today.  The Bremen kids peppered me with questions about Congress and President Bush, and I spoke with the Marietta students about the importance of a strong education in civics and government.

 Jones Elementary Students and Parents

Marietta Middle School

 A student askes me about my job as a U.S. Representative

 Bremen students and parents are all smiles, despite the cold weather.

I know these students are going to have a great time touring Washington this week.

One of my favorite times in Washington is spring - and not just because the weather finally turns warm.  I enjoy spring because so many school trips and families come to visit our nation’s capital over spring break.  In fact, yesterday I visited with University of West Georgia students and Rome’s student safety patrollers.

 Safety Patrol students from Rome

 University of West Georgia students

Later this morning, I’ll be speaking with Marietta Middle School’s civics class and students from Jones Elementary in Bremen. I’ll post photos from those meetings later today. A visit to Washington makes for a fun and educational vacation, and I’m certainly enjoying having these young minds around the office.

I am proud to announce that one of my military academy nominees, Ben Barrett of Bremen, has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Ben attends Bremen High School, where he is involved in the National Honor Society and plays as an offensive guard on the football team. Ben is the son of John and Lissa Barrett, and I know his parents are very proud of his accomplishment.

I am always moved by our young men and women who are so eager to defend our nation, especially in these times of critical national security. Our nation is fortunate to have Ben’s service.

One responsibility I have as a Member of Congress is nominating young men and women to the five U.S. Military Service Academies: Navy, Army, Air Force, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard. If you are a student in grades 8-12 and would like to learn more about the academies and the nomination process, please click HERE for information on the 2007 Spring Academy Day.

Today, I have the honor of presenting the Purple Heart to one of our brave Georgia soldiers. Ssgt. Sean Kelley of Haralson County was wounded in action in September of 2004 in Taji, Iraq (to the northwest of Baghdad).   Major Curtis Lewis of the U.S. Army will be joining me at the ceremony – I will post photographs later today. 

I am truly honored to have this opportunity to personally thank an outstanding member of our military.  This holiday season, I hope we can all offer our thanks and prayers to the men and women defending our nation.

Yesterday, I hosted the first 11th District Listening Session in Cartersville.  It was a great event, with nearly 40 people coming out to discuss today’s pressing issues with me.  I appreciated hearing so many opinions from around the Bartow community.

If you don’t live in Cartersville, don’t worry – there’s a Listening Session coming soon to a town near you.  Click HERE for a complete list.  Next week: Carroll and Paulding counties. I look forward to seeing you there!

Last week, Phil delivered a speech before Congress honoring Haralson County’s 150th anniversary. Here is an exert from his speech:

Mr. Speaker, one of the most recognizable sights in the city of Buchanan is the Courthouse, built in 1891 and currently listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. 

The Courthouse is symbolic of Haralson County – for as the county has grown and changed over the past 150 years, it has never lost sight of its history and founding.  And though the county’s founders might not recognize some of its recent additions like the Honda Plant, I know they would feel right at home in the warm communities that populate the county.

To watch a video of the complete speech (requires Windows Media Player), click HERE.