Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Joseph Eugene Fricks of Ocala, Florida, who passed away in December 2023. Joe was a gifted aviator and a treasured family man. During his life, Joe had the honor of serving on the flight deck and transporting the Presidential press corps during the Presidencies of Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush Sr., and Clinton. Later in life, Joe proudly flew countless American troops home from the Middle East while transporting critical equipment and supplies. Whether it was fundraising by piloting airplanes at local air shows, transporting the Presidential press corps, or volunteering to clean the bathrooms every Sunday after Mass at Ocala's Blessed Trinity Church, he continued giving until the very end. He was considered an expert and an authority among his peers, a smiling face to his neighbors, a daddy to his children, and a loving pa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family, friends, and community miss him dearly. Joe, you will be sincerely missed. Thank you for your service. Recognizing UF Provost Scott Angle”