Earlier this week I had the opportunity to speak again with Jeanne Payne, who serves as Director of Development for the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur. Jeanne cultivates relationships and advocates for education every day in her career and has served on a number of boards and committees over the years in the Decatur-Morgan County area.
​
The quality of life of Alabamians benefits greatly because of Jeanne and people like her who take the time to become skilled in their craft. That being said, I just wanted to take the opportunity to say, thank you, Jeanne, for all you do! #Our67

Today's Alabama Space Authority meeting focused on economic development and the aerospace industry. Our state is leading our nation in developing the talent and technology to compete in the present-day space race.
​
Huntsville is rich in technological history. While walking the halls of the Space and Rocket Center after the meeting, I was blessed to run into two NASA Emeriti - Billy Neal and Bart Fay. Thank you to all, past and present, who have worked to advance the industry of aerospace and aviation. #Our67

It was an honor to hear Major General Sheryl E. Gordon speak in Huntsville this afternoon to commemorate Armed Forces Week. The adjutant general advises our governor on military affairs and commands over 12,900 members of the Alabama Army and Air National Guard. Thank you, Major General Sheryl Gordon, for your service to Alabamians and our nation. #Our67​

Amidst an exciting week in space history, it has been great to spend time with the team at RUAG!
​
RUAG is a leading product supplier to the space industry and announced the opening of its manufacturing facility in Decatur, Alabama last January. #Our67 #jobs

At the South Huntsville Business Association meeting today, Captain Ken Brooks of the Huntsville Police Department South Precinct provided an informative update on crime statistics, prevention methods, traffic patterns, and proposed expansion/reorganization of HPD as our community grows.
​
We also learned from Brandi Quick that Ditto Landing is hosting an amazing pre-Independence Day event on Sunday 1 July. If you will be in town, trek down to the river and enjoy live music, food, and a fireworks show. #Our67

This afternoon President Donald Trump directed the Department of Defense and the Pentagon to establish Space Force as an independent branch of the military, which is critical to national security. To commemorate today's National Space Council meeting as well as historic news, here are a few photographs from Saturday's NASA in the Park, a perfectly-timed event held in downtown Huntsville.

When asked to share his experience on this year's game, Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL-05) explained, " On the one hand, it is truly an honor to be in Congress and play baseball in the Washington Nationals major league stadium in front of 16,000 people while raising close to a million dollars for children's charities.  On the other hand, our Republican team was outplayed fielding, batting, pitching, base running and every other phase of the game.  We are going to have to get a lot better if we are to overcome the Democrat's ace pitcher, Cedric Richmond, a former college pitcher who still has very good stuff." Rep. Brooks continued, "The highlight of the game was the first play, a grounder to a still-recovering Steve Scalise at second base, who somehow fielded it and threw the batter out to me at first base.  That one play, a year after his near death shooting injuries, was inspirational and made it all worthwhile."
 
Economic developer Nicole Jones attended the game and shared, "It was a joy to witness the comaraderie and sportsmanship on the field and in the stands of Nationals Park. Heartwarming moments of the evening included when Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA-01) took the field accompanied by David Bailey and Crystal Griner, two Capitol Police Special Agents who were also victims of the shooting last year." Nicole Jones continued, "My family and I are proud of our friend and Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL-05) for assisting a fallen comrade last year and for taking the field again this year. The entire field ran and hugged Steve Scalise, second baseman, after he threw the ball to Mo Brooks on first base, which resulted in an out after the first pitch thrown by Special Agent David Bailey. I am thankful to have had my daughter with me tonight to witness a historic game and see how folks join together to help others."
 
Read the Alabama Political Reporter Article here: http://www.alreporter.com/2018/06/18/brooks-scalise-fielding-the-ball-was-highlight-of-congressional-baseball-game/

It was an honor to introduce Mark 4:26-34 at Huntsville First United Methodist Church this morning. Jesus used parables as a means of illustrating profound, divine truths for those with ears willing to hear. This passage contains a parable that illustrates the Lord’s power to grow our faith.
​
I enjoy serving as a liturgist and look forward to sharing God's Word three times a year at our church, which always includes Father's Day. Many blessings to you and your loved ones today and always.

On Thursday evening, the United States Made Baseball Great Again - The Congressional Baseball Game 2018!
​
We had fine representation from Alabama in the stands and on the field. Thank you to Congressman Mo Brooks for your bravery last year and for stepping up to the plate again this year. It was an honor to watch Congressman Steve Scalise (LA) back on the field - a beautiful evening all-around!

Thank you to the Cullman County Republican Women for hosting a wonderful dinner and speaking engagement this evening.

It was an honor to meet with Mr. Julian Campbell 🇺🇸(pictured to my left), who served in World War Two, Korea, and Vietnam. #Our67 ​

Baseball is back in north Alabama! Congratulations to the City of Madison, Madison County, and our entire state on this home run! We are looking forward to the grand opening 675 days from now. #Our67