Trent Kelly

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Adams after 32 years of service to the United States and the State of Mississippi. I thank him for his dedication and wish him well in this new chapter. Over the course of his career, Lieutenant Colonel Adams has served in every leadership role within the Commissioned Officer Ranks, from a Bradley Track Commander to the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team Executive Officer. He enlisted into the Mississippi Army National Guard on March 25, 1989 in Det 1, Headquarters Company, 1-198th Armor, Fulton, MS. LTC Adams served as an NCO until March 1992 and was commissioned as a 2LT in August 1992 as an Armor Officer. He received his baccalaureate degree in history from the Mississippi University for Women in 1995. He then served as the executive officer and then Commander for Co C, 1st BN, 198th Armor Regiment from October 2000 to September 2003. He was hired into the Active Guard Reserve program on March 15, 2006. LTC Adams was deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2005 and 2009 to 2010. During the 2009 deployment I had the honor of serving alongside LTC Adams. LTC Adams served as my Operations Officer and was always a consummate professional that embodies the qualities expected of our commissioned officer corps. Accordingly, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his contributions. After returning from deployment, he served at the Mississippi National Guard Joint Force Headquarters from September 2012 until September 2017. LTC Adams mobilized again from June 2018 to March 2019 in support of Operation lnherent Resolve. When he returned, he served as the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team Executive Officer and the full-time Administrative Officer. Glenn also served his community and state outside of the Armed Services. For nearly three decades, he officiated football at the high school and collegiate level. Most recently, he officiated with the Mississippi Community College, Gulf South, and Great American Conferences. LTC Adams celebrates one of the most storied careers in the Mississippi National Guard, and I am grateful for his 32 years of service to our state and this Nation. I have the upmost respect and admiration for Glenn and am happy to call him a friend and brother in arms.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Grady Wigginton, as he passed away on February 12, 2013. Mr. Wigginton was born just west of Guntown, MS on June 30, 1937. Mr. Wigginton was proud to grow up in rural Mississippi where he was able to learn about the nature and creatures of God's creation. After graduating from High school Mr. Wigginton decided to join the USMC. In his time serving the country he achieved the great accomplishment of being promoted to the rank of Sergeant (E-4) in just twenty-two months. He believed in God first, Country second, and family third. We thank him for his commitment to service. After Mr. Wigginton's service to his country he worked for CPI. At CPI he went on to become both a district and regional manager. He enjoyed hiring and working with new employees as he saw it was his responsibility to motivate them to do their jobs to the best of their ability. Due to his commitment to a hard-working staff both his district and regional teams won multiple awards for sales and profit. Mr. Wigginton will be greatly missed, and we thank him for his service to his country and community.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the service of Fulton Police Chief Mitch Nabors. Chief Nabors has been serving the great state of Mississippi for the last 30 years. He has served the force since shortly after his 22nd birthday, and announced his retirement this year. Chief Nabors is a well renowned leader within the department. His colleagues speak to his loyalty and commitment to those with which he served. The city of Fulton is a better and safer place because of him. I congratulate Chief Nabors on a successful career in public service, and thank him for his lifetime commitment to the community.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mike Hainsey on his retirement from the Golden Triangle Regional Airport. He has greatly served as the executive director for the last 19 years. Under his command, many great projects took place to help better the airport operations. I have witnessed personally the great expansions he has made in growing this business. In his time, he oversaw 30 million dollars' worth of total expansion. In the 30 million worth of expansion projects the highlights were runway expansion to help Air Force, growth of two terminals, and an increase in passenger traffic which led to adding more parking. These are all viewed as important projects to help better the overall functionality of the airport. Lastly, I want to thank Mr. Hainsey again for his hard work for the first district of Mississippi. The community and I are very grateful for what he has done. We are excited to welcome Matt Dowell as the new executive director, and we know he had a great teacher to learn from in Mr. Hainsey.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, l rise today to celebrate the life and service of Major General Gary Wayne Johnston who passed away on January 20, 2022. My deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this time of mourning. Gary Johnston was born on October 21, 1964 in Russellville, Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Army for over 34 years. He served overseas in Germany, the first Gulf War and Afghanistan and commanded the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Additionally, he was a director of intelligence of the United States Special Operations Command and the deputy chief of staff for intelligence for Resolute Support Mission. After retiring from the Army in 2021, Gory joined Touchstone Futures as the executive Vice President for Intelligence, Security, and Risk. He served on the advisory board for Leyden Solutions. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Brigadier General Amy Johnston; his mother, Bonnie; children, Lauren, Blake, and Parker. The Johnston family and all those who had the opportunity to know and serve with him are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Ronald Curtis Knight who passed away on Monday, February 21, 2022 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Curtis was born December 9, 1953 in Amory to Hubert Caroll Knight and Emma Mill er Langford. He briefly lived in Texas before returning to Amory. He attended Amory High School and joined the Army, where he served for 6 years. He worked on a riverboat on the Mississippi River for 15 years and was also employed by True Temper Sports. In 1994, he began his 28 year career in law enforcement. He began his career with the Aberdeen Police Department then joined the Monroe County Sheriffs department. He served as a jailer, patrol, chief investigator, and retired as Chief Deputy. He served as Sheriff of Monroe County from June to December 2021. Outside of his law enforcement career, Curtis was a Master mason in the J.A. Mayfield Lodge and he played golf, fished, and woodworked. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Amory. Left to cherish his memory are wife, Tina; son, Josh; daughters Nikki and Tiffany; along with his brother, sister, and grandchildren. I am grateful for Curtis' lifetime of service to the state of Mississippi. My deepest condolences are with his family at this time.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, Colonel John C. Michaud has honorably served the United States Army for more than twenty-six years. He has served in numerous leadership roles within the officer corps from platoon leader to the Command Inspector General for the Mississippi National Guard. Colonel Michaud leaves a legacy defined by selfless service and sacrifice which will have a lasting impact on the U.S. Army. Colonel Michaud received a commission as a Second Lieutenant after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 3, 1995. Upon completion of the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, He was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barrack, Hawaii where he served in numerous leadership roles, culminating in his serving as a battery commander. In 2005, Colonel Michaud graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School with a degree in Operations Research and was subsequently assigned to the TRADOC Analysis Center in FT. Leavenworth, Kansas where he served in numerous roles as a strategic analyst. In 2007, Colonel Michaud was mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and assigned to Combined Joint Task Force 82 located in Bagram, Afghanistan. Upon his return from Afghanistan, he continued his service as an analyst for major commands across the Department of Defense including the Defense Logistics Agency; United States Central Command; and United States Strategic Command. In 2018, Colonel Michaud was assigned as the Command Inspector General for the Mississippi National Guard where he provided his assistance and expertise on complicated and critical matters affecting the Soldiers and Airmen of the Mississippi National Guard. Colonel Michaud will effectively retire on August 31, 2022, after having led an exemplary career. I am grateful for Colonel Michaud's service to the state of Mississippi and this Nation.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Major General Gary Wayne Johnston who passed away on January 20, 2022. My deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this time of mourning. Gary Johnston was born on October 21, 1964 in Russellville, Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Army for over 34 years. He served overseas in Germany, the first Gulf War and Afghanistan and commanded the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Additionally, he was a director of intelligence of the United States Special Operations Command and the deputy chief of staff for intelligence for Resolute Support Mission. After retiring from the Army in 2021, Gary joined Touchstone Futures as the executive Vice President for Intelligence, Security, and Risk. He served on the advisory board for Leyden Solutions. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Brigadier General Amy Johnston; his mother, Bonnie; and children, Lauren, Blake, and Parker. The Johnston family, and all those who had the opportunity to know and serve with him, are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Grady Wigginton, as he passed away on January 31, 2022. Mr. Wigginton was born just west of Guntown, MS on June 30, 1937. Mr. Wigginton was proud to grow up in rural Mississippi where he was able to learn about the nature and creatures of God's creation. After graduating from High school, Mr. Wigginton decided to join the USMC. In his time serving the country he achieved the great accomplishment of being promoted to the rank of Sergeant (E-4) in just twenty-two months. He believed in God first, Country second, and family third. We thank him for his commitment to service. After Mr. Wigginton's service to his country, he worked for CPI. At CPI he went on to become both a district and regional manager. He enjoyed hiring and working with new employees as he saw it was his responsibility to motivate them to do their jobs to the best of their ability. Due to his commitment to a hard-working staff, both his district and regional teams won multiple awards for sales and profit. Mr. Wigginton will be greatly missed, and we thank him for his service to his country and community.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Ricky Allen Peebles who passed away Tuesday, January 4 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Born November 8, 1955 to Reverend Billy Allen Peebles and Earlene Edwards Peebles, Ricky grew up to earn his Bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry from Southern Assemblies of God in Waxahachie, Texas. He was a fan of Ole Miss Football and enjoyed traveling with family and friends. He served as the pastor of Canaan Assembly of God in Booneville and was also employed as the deputy jail administrator for the Prentiss County Sherriff's Department. He has served in a variety of churches and received many awards for his service to the sheriff's office. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Sarah McNair Peebles; daughter, Erica and Rachel; brother, Mark; sisters, Martha and Mitze; and granddaughter Katie. I am grateful for Ricky's life of service to the state of Mississippi and the kingdom of God. My deepest condolences are with his loved ones.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Mike Doss who recently passed away after serving the great state of Mississippi as a member of the Pontotoc Police Department. Since 1999 Mr. Doss has been a great servant to the Police Force and community spending most of his time in the narcotics division of the department. Mr. Doss hails from Houston, Mississippi. He is predeceased by; Arthuer Lee his father, and survived by Eva Criddle Doss his mother, Elizabeth Ann Walters Doss his wife, Jonathan Doss his son, and Leann Nabors his sister. He also had a grandson Conner Doss. I am so thankful for Mr. Doss' years of service to the great state of Mississippi. I send my deepest condolences to the extended Doss family.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Martha Ann Segars who passed on January 19. I join her family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Born on September 16, 1931 to Due and Ruby Nabers Thompson in Red Bay, Alabama, she graduated from Red Bay High School in 1949 and enrolled at the University of Alabama. She proved to be a talented seamstress in her fashion design classes, though she was a dietetics major. In 1952, she married Kelly Segars, her high school sweetheart. In 1953 she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Institutional Management and accepted an internship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Her husband was soon called to serve in the Korean War. When her husband returned in 1955, she finished her internship and he worked as a pharmacist to prepare for Medical School. Their first son was born at Vanderbilt Hospital, and soon after Kelly was accepted into the University of Mississippi Medical School. Martha became a dietician at the VA medical center in Jackson. They soon settled in Iuka with their two sons and daughter. She continued to sew, work as a dietician, and manage the family farm. Martha was dedicated to the Tishomingo County community and served in a variety of roles: she has served on the boards of the Yellow Creek Port Authority, Yellow Creek Watershed Authority, Tishomingo County Economic Development, Tishomingo County Tourism Council, and dozens more. She has also served as the President of the Iuka Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Arts and Historical Committee. She spearheaded the `Trash and Treasures along the Tenn-Tom,' and served as a tour guide for the Eagle Watch Cruises and the Fall Foliage Cruises on Pickwick Lake. Left to cherish her memory are her children Scott, Mark, and Leigh; grandchildren Tyler, Jackson, Thompson, Annie and James; nieces, nephews, and countless community members whose lives she impacted. Martha Ann Segars was a selfless community leader and an outstanding Mississippian. My thoughts and condolences are with those who knew and loved her.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Circuit Judge Kenneth Coleman, as he passed away on January 25, 2022. Judge Coleman was born in Montpeiler in Clay county. He was the son of Robert W. Coleman and Maurine Anderson Coleman. He attended both Itawamba Coummunity College and the University of Mississippi. He later went on to earn a juris doctor degree from Samford University. He also served the great state of Mississippi in the Army National Guard and Reserves, reaching the rank of sergeant First Class. Judge Coleman is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patsy McKee Coleman, his daughter Catherine Coleman McClinton, his son Robert W. Coleman, and eight grandchildren. Judge Coleman's dedication to the state of Mississippi and kind heart towards the community will be greatly missed.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Jeffery Clayton Short who passed away January 22, 2022 in Tupelo, Mississippi. My deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones. Jeffery was born in Booneville, Mississippi to William Clayton and Havis Owens Short. He graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1961. He joined the National Guard and then the Army in 1964. He served for 15 years on active duty and then in the National Guard and Army Reserve. He was promoted to Captain after completing Officer Training School. He served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict. He was awarded the Bronze Stars for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Parachute Riggers Patch. He was awarded the Green Beret after completing the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg. Jeffery also completed the Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy in 1969 and served on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during Hurricane Camille. He graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in business and then earned his Masters in Real Estate from Lindwood University in Missouri. He was a guest lecturer in eminent domain and went on to own a real estate appraisal business. He was a dedicated member of First Methodist Tupelo and a beloved youth soccer and baseball coach. He was a gifted photographer. Left to cherish his memory are wife, Ellen Tate Short; children Clay, Andy, and Elizabeth; and eight grandchildren. Jeffery Clayton Short was a dedicated servant of God, country, and state. My prayers will be with those mourning his loss.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, l rise today to celebrate the service of Command Sergeant Major Christopher L. Young. He has served in every leadership role within the non-commissioned officers ranks of the Mississippi Army National Guard, and it has been an honor to serve in this capacity with him. I am grateful to his dedication and many years of service to this nation and the state of Mississippi. CSM Young enlisted into the Mississippi Army National Guard on May 23, 1988. He joined the 1-155th Infantry Regiment ``Mississippi Rifles'' in McComb, Mississippi. He was mobilized in 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. When he returned, CSM Young served in various leadership roles in the 155 Armored Brigade Combat Team. In 2001, he mobilized again in preparation for deployment to Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Stabilization Forces-10 rotation. There he served as the task force's Chief Protective Services Officer and the Scout Platoon Sergeant. He returned in April 2002 and was promoted to E-8. He also became the Chief Paralegal NCO in the 155. In 2004, CSM Young was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III and the War on Terror. There he led a company of 134 Infantry soldiers who were responsible for counter-insurgency and combat operations against hostile insurgents in the Babil providence. In 2010, he was promoted to Sergeant Major and would go on to become the Command Sergeant Major in 2012. In this role, he became the senior enlisted advisor to the Battalion Commander and was responsible for the well-being of the soldiers in his unit. In 2019, CSM Young was promoted to the Mississippi Army National Guard State Command Sergeant Major position. In this role, he serves as both my Senior Enlisted Advisor and as the Command Sergeant Major over all Mississippi Army National Guard Soldiers where he enacted positive reforms that will impact the MSARNG for years to come. I am grateful for CSM leadership, advisement, and friendship. CSM Young has set a precedent for future readers in the MSARNG and will leave a legacy of compassionate, selfless leadership.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and career of Dr. Ken Harvey who is retiring from medical practice after 37 years of serving the Tupelo community. I am so grateful for his dedication to keeping our State healthy and thank him for his lifetime of service. Dr. Harvey is a native of Picayune, Mississippi where he graduated from Picayune High School in 1967. He went on to attend Mississippi College where he studied chemistry. He returned home to work in research at Crosby Chemicals. While there, he experienced an accident that introduced him to a doctor who inquired why he never considered medical school. He was skeptical at first, but eventually went on to attend the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and graduated in 1977. He stayed there for his residency in internal medicine. He attended on scholarship from the U.S. Air Force and was assigned to Columbus Air Force Base. Upon completing his assignment, Dr. Harvey joined a practice in Tupelo founded by Drs. Tannehill, Lummus, Murphey and Wood. They were remarkably busy both in their clinic and at North Mississippi Medical Center. ln 1993, these doctors formed the IMA Foundation and worked with North Mississippi Health Services. Dr. Harvey is known for continuing to see patients long after their standard term of care. He still sees patients from his early days of practicing as well as patients from Columbus Air Force Base. He is truly dedicated to all he has worked with. While Dr. Harvey has missed practicing medicine, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 46 years, Patricia, and their son Jeff. In his free time, he hopes to travel and enjoy Ole Miss sports. I am grateful for the outstanding care Dr. Harvey has provided to North Mississippians for nearly four decades and wish him well in this new chapter of life.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Private First Class Jimmy Rowland of Baldwyn Mississippi who was reported missing in action during the Korean War. In 1956, his remains were declared nonrecoverable. In November of 2021, Rowland's family was informed his remains were accounted for and will be brought back to Baldwyn for burial and a full military funeral. In July of 1950 Jimmy Rowland, at 19 years old, came under heavy fire fighting North Korean forces at the Kum River north of Taejon, South Korea. He was a member of the Heavy Mortar Company, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was reported wounded and then missing in action on July 16 and was dropped from his unit's rolls on August 16, 1950. In February of the next year, four sets of remains were found at the foot of a bridge west of the Seoul-Taejon main supply route. Three individuals were identified as members of the 19th infantry regiment but the fourth was not identified. These remains were designated as Unknown X-418 Tanggok, His remains, along with all other unidentified soldiers killed in the Korean War, were transported to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. In July of 2018, anthropologists and historians from the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency planned to identify the 652 Korean War casualties that remained unknown. On March 4, 2019, Rowland's remains were disinterred and transferred to the DPAA Laboratory at Joint Basse Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Using dental and anthropological analysis as well as circumstantial evidence, scientists identified Jimmy Rowland. Though many have passed on, it is expected 20 to 30 of Jimmy's family members will be in attendance at his funeral on Saturday. The Baldwyn community is grateful to honor Jimmy nearly 70 years after he was declared missing in action. Though thousands of casualties from the Korean War remain unidentified, I am thankful that one Mississippi soldier will return home to be honored by his family and community. I am grateful for the work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and express my most sincere condolences to Jimmy's family, friends, and loved ones.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Olin R. Pickens who will celebrate his 100th birthday this month. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in celebrating his lifelong dedication to this country. Olin Pickens was an infantryman assigned to the Army 805th Tank Destroyer Unit during WWII before he was captured as a Prisoner of War. He was executing a mission to capture German field marshal Erwin Rommel in North Africa in 1943 when his unit was attacked by the Germans. His unit, along with three others, attempted to breech a German Blockade to reach Rommel. The soldiers understood this to be a suicide mission. On February 16, 1943, PFC Pickens was captured in Tunisia and spent 26 months as a POW. He escaped once, but was recaptured. In April of 1945, Pickens was finally released. Pickens looks back on his time in the army with astounding bravery and resolve. I admire his tenacity and dedication to this country. It is because of men like Mr. Pickens that we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy every day, and for his service, I am grateful. It is a joy to wish him a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, l rise today to celebrate the life of Sheriff Jimmy Simmons of Houston, Mississippi who passed away on November 19, 2021 at the age of 75. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Jimmy Simmons was born on March 18, 1946 to James Travis and Venita Buchanan Simmons. He was a member of the National Guard. He was known as a horse trader, also owning rodeo bulls, mules, tracking hounds, cow dogs and coon dogs. He was a law enforcement officer for 30 years and spent 24 as a sheriff of Chickasaw County. He was a dedicated member of Houlka First Baptist Church. He wished to be remembered for his humor and humility. Left to cherish his memory are Liz Simmons, Annette Simmons, Chad Simmons, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. I offer my most sincere condolences to the Chickasaw County community.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Dennis Grisham who passed away in Dumas, Mississippi on December 8, 2021. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Dennis was born to Leland and Roberta Grisham in Ripley, Mississippi on November 28, 1944. He attended Northwest Mississippi Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He served in the Marine Corps until 1969. After his service, Dennis moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he met his wife Lynda McAiister. They raised three children, Billy, Tommy and Jill. In 1974, the family moved back to Ripley. He started his own company, Grisham Asphalt and Paving. In 1984 he was elected supervisor for the 4th district of Tippah county. His tenure lasted 36 years and won nine consecutive elections. He served as the President of the Tippah County Board of Supervisors and the President of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors. He was an active member of the Dumas Baptist church. Dennis leaves behind countless family members, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. I am grateful for his lifetime of service to the state of Mississippi.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Mr. Joe Edmonson who has been named Mississippi's Farmer of the Year by the Sunbelt Agriculture expo. I am proud to have him representing our state. Joe has been a motivated and passionate farmer for his entire life. At the age of fifteen, he purchased his first forty acres of land. Both Joe and his wife Melissa grew up in farming families and have dedicated their lives to Topshaw farms. Melissa is a full partner in the farms and is an essential figure in the Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival. Their daughter, Brandi also works in the business side of the farm. Her husband, Shaun manages the packing warehouse line. Son Trent oversees planting and harvesting, and his wife is a nurse who aids in minor medical incidents around the farm. Son Cody manages sweet potato planting and grain harvesting and his wife Lindsey works in the packing warehouse offices and manages H2A work. The farm has endured multiple natural disasters that affected their crop and livestock. The Edmonson family has taken these hardships as opportunities to expand and built an impressive packing facility. They have taken into stride changes in agriculture technology and continue to evolve with the modem world. Joe and his family contribute to their surrounding community through the Boy Scouts, Vardaman FFA, Calhoun County 4-H and the state Farm Bureau. Family is at the core of Mr. Edmonson's farming career. Joe, Melissa, Brandi, Trent and Cody have been a pillar of the Vardaman community and have made incredible contributions to Calhoun County. I am grateful for their lifetime of service and commend him for his outstanding work in agriculture.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Corporal Walter Gann, an American hero from Mississippi, who defended liberty against impossible odds in the Pacific during World War II. Walter, born in Calhoun City on January 31, 1922, joined the U.S. Army on July 3, 1941. By July 15, he was aboard the USS Coolidge deployed to the Philippines as a member of the Army Signal Corps assigned to 409th Signal Company (Aviation) at Nichols Field outside Manila. The plan was to erect radar towers, but none of the equipment needed arrived on the ship with them. Imperial Japan attacked the Philippines on December 8 and all the critical airfields were destroyed by December 10. Walter's company and the airmen were soon sent on combat duty in the Bataan Peninsula. He was assigned to U.S. Army Forces Far East (USAFFE) headquarters at Little Baguio near the tip of Bataan. The troops on Bataan, running out of ammunition, food, and medicine, with no hope of resupply or reinforcement, were surrendered by their commanding officers on April 9, 1942. Walter was among 86,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war who were forced on what became known as the infamous Bataan Death March, one of World War II's worst war crimes. In the tropical sun, deprived of food, water, and mercy, the men trekked 65 miles up Bataan to a train station. There they were packed standing 100 to a boxcar for the next 24 miles. Men died where they stood. Survivors marched another eight miles to their first POW camp, O'Donnell. Walter, POW No. 203, was shipped to Japan in July 1943 packed in the dark, fetid hold of the hell ship Clyde Maru with 500 other POWs. He was sent to be a slave laborer at Fukuoka No. 17 POW Camp attached to the Mitsui-owned Miike coal mine in southern Japan close to Nagasaki. Starved, beaten, and denied medical care, he was forced to dig coal in a primitive mine until the camp was liberated in September 1945. The coal mine is now a UNESCO Industrial World Heritage site, albeit without mention of the thousands of POWs held there or that the mine had remained reliant on manual labor and not modem machinery. Although asked to testify in Japan at the war crime trials held from 1946 to 1948, Mr. Gann could not return because he remained too sick from the various illnesses he suffered from during his three and one- half years as a POW. For the remainder of his life, Walter bore the weight of all the horror and inhumanity he had witnessed. When he was able to work, Walter was a truck driver. In 1949, Walter moved to Booneville, Mississippi, and married Juanita Goddard. Together they raised four children. In 1963, he lost both his wife and his stepson. In his later years, he lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee, until he passed away on October 14, 1980. During his lifetime, Walter was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze campaign star, the American Defense Service Medal with one bronze campaign star, and the Philippine Defense Medal. He also received a letter from President Harry S. Truman thanking him for his service. Posthumously, he received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement, the Prisoner of War Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. I am grateful for Corporal Walter Gann's commitment to faith, family, and democracy. I am humbled by his sacrifices for our country.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Mr. Joe Edmonson who has been named Mississippi's Farmer of the Year by the Sunbelt Agriculture expo. I am proud to have him representing our state. Joe has been a motivated and passionate farmer for his entire life. At the age of fifteen, he purchased his first forty acres of land. Both Joe and his wife Melissa grew up in farming families and have dedicated their lives to Topshaw farms. Melissa is a full partner in the farms and is an essential figure in the Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival. Their daughter, Brandi also works in the business side of the farm. Her husband, Shaun manages the packing warehouse line. Son Trent oversees planting and harvesting, and his wife is a nurse who aids in minor medical incidents around the farm. Son Cody manages sweet potato planting and grain harvesting and his wife Lindsey works in the packing warehouse offices and manages H2A work. The farm has endured multiple natural disasters that affected their crop and livestock. The Edmonson family has taken these hardships as opportunities to expand and built an impressive packing facility. They have taken into stride changes in agriculture technology and continue to evolve with the modern world. Joe and his family contribute to their surrounding community through the Boy Scouts, Vardaman FFA, Calhoun County 4-H and the state Farm Bureau. Family is at the core of Mr. Edmonson's fanning career. Joe, Melissa, Brandi, Trent and Cody have been a pillar of the Vardaman community and have made incredible contributions to Calhoun County. I am grateful for their lifetime of service and commend him for his outstanding work in agriculture.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. William Otis Fitch who passed away on September 22, 2021. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones. Mr. Fitch was born on August 1, 1933. He was raised in Holly Springs, Mississippi and graduated from Holly Springs High School in 1951. Bill was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and riding horses. After graduating high school, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy and joined the flight team. With this team he made lifelong friendships and considered it an honor to serve his country. After his Naval service, Bill began his career in consumer finance and lending. He joined City Finance Corporation in Memphis as the Vice President. In 1974 Bill and his wife, Clydean, opened their own consumer lending company, First National Loans. He expanded the company throughout Tennessee. He sold the company and opened a new chain of consumer finance companies, Fidelity Loan Company. Over the course of his career he served as President and board member of the Mississippi Consumer Finance Association and Memphis Consumer Credit. He was a lifetime member of the Shriners. Preceding him in death are his wife, Clydean; mother, Lurline; father, Theodore; and brothers Robert, James, and Jerry. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Aleita; daughters Lynn and Lisa; six loving grandchildren, and three great-grandsons. I am grateful for Mr. Fitch's service and join countless others in mourning his loss.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Vicky Russell who passed away September 19 at North Mississippi Medical Center. She was 61 years old. Vicky was born on May 20, 1960 to Raymond and Donna Gaines Yeager. She had lived all her life in Saltillo. She attended Saltillo schools and managed the B-Quick. For 13 years she worked at Hunter Sadler Mfg. before pursuing a career as a law enforcement officer. She served under Lee County Sheriff Harold Ray Presley and Sheriff Larry Presley. Fifteen years ago she joined the Itawamba County Sheriff's Department. She had risen to the rank of Major and served as a Jail Administrator. Left to cherish her memory are her beloved daughter, Jessica; grandchildren, Carson, Maisy, Delaney and Dylan; mother, Donna; sister, Patty; and countless friends, colleagues, and loved ones. I join the Saltillo community in mourning the loss of an outstanding woman and member of the law enforcement community.