Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) has introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to honor six soldiers from Fort Stewart who intervened during a shooting incident on August 6, 2025. The soldiers—First Sergeant Joshua Arnold, Master Sergeant Justin Thomas, Staff Sergeant Melissa Taylor, Staff Sergeant Robert Pacheco, Sergeant Aaron Turner, and Sergeant Eve Rodarte—acted quickly to subdue the gunman and prevent further harm.
According to Rep. Carter, “I am so proud of these six individuals for putting their own lives on the line to protect their fellow soldiers. While this devastating event should have never occurred, and we continue to pray for those wounded, it is encouraging that we have heroes in the First Congressional District who run towards danger when tragedy strikes. Thank you for your bravery and service to your country.”
The resolution notes that no lives were lost due to the actions of these soldiers and extends Congress’ thoughts and prayers to those injured in the attack, wishing them a full recovery.
Original co-sponsors of the resolution include Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Rick Allen (R-GA), and Mike Collins (R-GA).
Rep. Buddy Carter has represented Georgia’s 1st district since winning his first election in 2014 against Brian Reese with 60.9% of the vote compared to Reese’s 39.1%. He continued his tenure by defeating Joyce Griggs in 2020 with 58.35% of the vote versus Griggs’ 41.65%, Lisa Ring in 2018 with 57.8% against Ring’s 42.2%, Wade Herring in 2022 with 59.15% over Herring’s 40.85%, and Patti Hewitt in 2024 with a margin of 62% to Hewitt’s 38%.
Read the full resolution text here.
