Georgia is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and important historic sites in America, and I want the next generation to have every opportunity to experience them firsthand.

This week, the National Park Foundation announced nearly $4.7 million through its Open OutDoors for Kids program to support 83 projects across more than 90 national parks during the 2026–27 school year. Through field trips, classroom programs, virtual learning, and other hands-on educational experiences, this program helps bring our national parks to life for students.

I am especially excited that three treasured sites in Georgia are among this year's recipients: the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Preservation District, and our very own Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia's First Congressional District.  

From the undeveloped beaches and maritime forests of Cumberland Island, to the Chattahoochee River, to the places in Atlanta that tell the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, Georgia's national parks preserve pieces of our natural beauty and our American story.

These places belong to all of us, and programs like Open OutDoors for Kids help ensure that more young Georgians can experience them, learn from them, and develop an appreciation for preserving them for generations to come.

I am proud to see Georgia so well represented in this year's program, and especially proud that students will have new opportunities to experience one of the greatest treasures we have right here in the First District: Cumberland Island.

In this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing, we’re discussing the rapid growth of data centers and how we can protect hardworking families from footing the bill for their massive energy demands.

 Monday, September 28, 2026: On Saturday, I had a live interview on NewsNation as we discussed the upcoming midterm elections, the Iran conflict and gas prices. This morning, I have a meeting on St. Simons Island in Glynn County with a constituent as we discuss Medicare reimbursement of medical equipment. Afterwards, I head to Fort Stewart in Hinesville in Liberty County and meet with General John Lubas and Garrison Commander Gabe Weaver as they give me an update on the activities of this vital military installation. Fort Stewart is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River covering roughly 280,000 acres, is the home base for the historic 3rd Infantry Division (“Rock of the Marne”), and has over 11,000 residents. Named after Revolutionary War hero General Daniel Stewart, it was established in 1940 as Camp Stewart, an anti-aircraft artillery training center. It operates as a combined armored power projection and training platform alongside Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. After a great visit, I head to Savannah in Chatham County where I attend the Downtown Rotary Club meeting where we hear from Georgia Power CEO Kim Greene, who gives us an update on what the utility provider is doing to protect consumers from higher energy rates caused by high load users such as datacenters. Founded in January of 1914, The Rotary Club of Savannah is one of the oldest and most prominent service clubs in Georgia and serves as the primary “downtown” Rotary chapter in Savannah. Later, I have a conference call with our office’s new system Administrator to discuss staff issues. 

Rep. Carter meets with Fort Stewart leadership

Tuesday, September 29, 2026: I’m up early this morning and in the radio studio with my good friend Joe Willie Sousa in Brunswick as I join him on his morning show and we discuss news of the day as well as my future plans. For over 40 years, Joe Willie has been on the local radio airways and earned induction into both the Georgia Radio Museum and Hall of Fame and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Before leaving the studio, I also have an interview with Yolanda Neely, the dynamic host of The Yo Show and a back-to-back GABBY award winner as the Small Radio Personality of the Year. Afterwards, I head to Jesup in Wayne County and during the drive, I join in on our all-staff conference call. Once in Jesup, I attend the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce State of Public Safety Luncheon where we hear from leaders from across Wayne County’s public safety agencies as they provide updates on current initiatives, discuss community challenges and share their collaborative efforts that help keep the community safe. Among the many fine public safety officials to present is my good friend, Wayne County Sherriff Chuck Moseley, who shares news of the fine work being done by his department. Next, I head back to Glynn County to the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport for the Woody Woodside terminal dedication and bronze bust unveiling. Milton H. “Woody” Woodside served as the President of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce for 34 years and was one of the areas most impactful advocates. Among the many infrastructure projects that he was involved in was the Sydney Lanier Bridge, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and improvements to the airport. Most importantly, Woody Woodside was not only my good friend but was a good friend to numerous people in this area and throughout the State. Afterwards, I head to our Brunswick office where I record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefings before heading to an event in Brunswick for a statewide candidate.

Rep. Carter attends Woody Woodside Terminal Dedication

Wednesday, September 30, 2026: My morning starts with a phone conference with representatives from Restoration of America, a conservative advocacy organization. Afterwards, I head to Richmond Hill in Bryan County where I attend the Welcome Home Celebration for U. S. Army Chief Warrant Office 2 Steve Smith. Building Homes for Heroes, along with Pulte Group’s Built to Honor program, are providing Steve and his family with a new, mortgage-free home in the Dell Web community in Richmond Hill today. In March 2003, while deployed to Kuwait, Steve was performing a high-altitude night parachute jump when his parachute became entangled and partially collapsed, and he fell roughly 2000 feet to the ground. He was honorably and medically discharged and has been recovering from those injuries ever since. I was honored to speak at the ceremony and to present Steve with a flag flown over the U. S. Capitol in his honor. After the ceremony, I have a virtual interview with WSAV TV in Savannah to discuss FEMA funding for victims of Hurricane Helene. Next, I head to Hinesville in Liberty County where I attend the welcoming ceremony for Atlantic Judicial Circuit Judges Billy Joe Nelson and Charles Bradley Dixon. 

Rep. Carter attends Welcome Home Celebration with Building Homes for Heroes

Thursday, October 1, 2026: I’m on the road this morning and headed to Rhine in Dodge County in middle Georgia where I attend Griff Bowen’s fish fry. For 54 years this weekly event has been held at Griff’s farm and although he passed away several years ago, the fish fry continues. While the fish and hush puppies were delicious, the red velvet cake that followed was my favorite. Afterwards, I head south to Valdosta in Lowndes County and during the drive I have a very good call with the National Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director William Marshall to discuss some situations at FCI Jesup. I also have a call with an allergist in South Georgia who is trying to obtain a national-interest waiver. Once in Valdosta, I attend Speaker Jon Burns Georgia’s Future event where local elected officials and community leaders gather to hear from Georgia’s 75th House Speaker. 

Rep. Carter attends fish fry in Rhine, GA

Friday, October 2, 2026: I’m honored to be at the Lowndes/Valdosta Chamber Legislative Breakfast this morning held at the Rainwater Conference Center. Before heading into the meeting, I have a radio interview with my good friend, Valdosta Mayor Scott James, on his morning radio show and I’m excited to hear the great things that are happening in this area under his leadership. I am honored to lead the invocation and pledge of allegiance this morning and to give some brief comments afterwards. After hearing from the local state delegation including State Reps. John Corbett, John LaHood, James Burchett and State Senator Russ Goodman, I have a live interview with Stuart Varney on Fox News to discuss the midterm elections and data centers. After a conference call with our Chief of Staff and District Director, I head to Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in Valdosta for a visit and tour of the facility. PCA is an American manufacturing company of corrugated packing solutions with approximately 15,500 employees.  

Rep. Carter tours PCA Paper Mill in Valdosta

Georgia once had a town called “Yamacraw” that essentially disappeared beneath Savannah. Yamacraw Bluff, where James Oglethorpe landed in 1733, became part of modern Savannah, but the name survives throughout the city’s history.