Trent Kelly

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Carolyn Clayton who passed away Saturday, September 11 at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany. I join her family, friends, and loved ones in mourning her loss. Carolyn was born on February 14, 1941 to Marlin and Maggie Curtis Evans. She worked at the Lee County Chancery Clerk's Office. She found joy in attending yard sales, gardening, and spending time with family. Carolyn was the founder of the nonprofit organization, Survival Incorporated. The organization works to advocate for the victims of violent crimes across the state of Mississippi. She was awarded Victims Advocate of the Year. Carolyn was married for 58 years to her husband, Joe, who passed away two months prior. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Brad and Rob; grandchildren, Nikki, Kattie, Jack and Carson. I am grateful for Mrs. Clayton's lifetime of service to the state of Mississippi.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Staff Sergeant Matthew Bute, a veteran and member of the Mississippi Rifles--the 155th Infantry Regiment in the Mississippi National Guard. He passed away September 10, 2021 in his home in Gulfport, Mississippi. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Matthew grew up in DeKalb, Illinois and graduated from Long Beach High School in Mississippi. He was an outstanding student and athlete-- a defensive outside linebacker on the football team. In his civilian life, Matt worked for Inland Dredging and was known for his hard work. In the Mississippi National Guard, he was a dedicated leader and a selfless Soldier. He was a devoted friend and model of Army leadership. SSG Matthew Bute served as a Dismounted Infantry Squad Leader in 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard. He was responsible for training a squad of infantry Soldiers. His military career began in 2012 and he has served in the Mississippi Guard for 9 years. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in May of this year. He deployed under the command of my current Legislative Director, Major Rodney Hall Jr., in support of Operation Spartan Shield and served in Kuwait and Iraq. Most recently, SSG Bute volunteered to protect our Nation's Capital during Operation Civil Unrest in Washington, D.C. Left to cherish his memory are his older brother Brad and his nieces, Brooklyn and Rainee. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jennifer Holmes, and younger brother, Nathan Thumm. SSG Matthew Bute was a brave Soldier, a remarkable leader, and an outstanding friend to many. I am grateful for his service to our state and nation.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Andrew Carter who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. He is a member of the greatest generation, and I am very proud to have men like Mr. Carter representing the state of Mississippi. Mr. Carter is a native of Tippah county. He joined the U.S. Navy on May 17, 1944. He loves to tell stories of his time aboard the SS Felipe De Nerve, a French liner used to transport troops and supplies during heavy fighting. He survived and returned home to Mississippi. In December of 1946, Mr. Carter married Naomi Street. The couple had six children together. Mr. Carter currently resides in Ripley. He enjoys trips to the local coffee shop to spend time with his friends, mowing the lawn, and exercising. He is a natural storyteller and has no shortage of experience. I am so thankful for Mr. Carter's lifetime of service to this country and the state of Mississippi. I wish him many more years of good health and happiness.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I hereby remove myself as a cosponsor from H.R. 1297.

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, l 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 has 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 the Sheriff Larry Presley. 15 years ago she joined the Itawamba County Sherriff'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.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, l rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Andrew Carter who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. He is a member of the greatest generation, and I am very proud to have men like Mr. Carter representing the state of Mississippi. Mr. Carter is a native of Tippah county. He joined the U.S. Navy on May 17, 1944. He loves to tell stories of his time aboard the SS Felipe De Nerve, a French liner used to transport troops and supplies during heavy fighting. He survived and returned home to Mississippi. In December of 1946, Mr. Carter married Naomi Street. The couple had six children together. Mr. Carter currently resides in Ripley. He enjoys trips to the local coffee shop to spend time with his friends, mowing the lawn, and exercising. He is a natural storyteller and has no shortage of experience. I am so thankful for Mr. Carter's lifetime of service to this country and the state of Mississippi. I wish him many more years of good health and happiness.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Carolyn Clayton who passed away Saturday, September 11 at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany. I join her family, friends, and loved ones in mourning her loss. Carolyn was born on February 14, 1941 to Marlin and Maggie Curtis Evans. She worked at the Lee County Chancery Clerk's Office. She found joy in attending yard sales, gardening, and spending time with family. Carolyn was the founder of the nonprofit organization, Survival Incorporated. The organization works to advocate for the victims of violent crimes across the state of Mississippi. She was awarded Victims Advocate of the Year. Carolyn was married for 58 years to her husband, Joe, who passed away two months prior. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Brad and Rob; grandchildren, Nikki, Kattie, Jack and Carson. I am grateful for Mrs. Clayton's lifetime of service to the state of Mississippi.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the FY22 NDAA. Our military has and is facing unprecedented challenges, and this body is duty-bound to ensure our military is adequately funded and has the tools to win. We also do this by empowering American companies and the industrial base that provides goods and services to the DOD. The hardworking Mississippians who work for companies like Airbus, Huntington Ingalls, Winchester, General Dynamics, Stark Aerospace, SpaceX and General Atomics keep our Nation safe and deserve the support of our Congress. This bill includes a Republican amendment boosting the defense top line by nearly $25 billion and reverses the administration's reckless cuts to our national security, restoring funding for shipbuilding, procurement, missile defense, and modernization. This bill will also fund the unfunded top priorities of our military that the White House failed to support. Once passed, this bill further bolsters our military's ability to maintain its dominance in every domain, and ensures military leaders have the resources to take care of servicemembers and military families. Additionally, this year's NDAA will begin the process of holding the White House accountable for the mistakes in Afghanistan. For months, we have asked for more detail on the so-called over-the-horizon strategy to conduct counterterrorism. We received scant details ahead of the withdrawal, and America deserves answers to why the withdrawal was so unorganized in planning and execution run by the Commander in Chief and the State Department. The lack of planning leading up to the withdrawal and the continued inability to maintain control on the ground by this administration is staggering. The Armed Services Committee, particularly this Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, will not allow these weaknesses of the administration to continue to place our citizens, allies, partners, and overall national security at risk. This year's bill calls for the administration to provide a plan to get the rest of the American citizens out. Finally, I would be remiss without asking about my teammates, which is Tony Starks, Colin Hawkins, and Rodney Hall, professional staffer, Patrick Nevins, and my battle buddy in all of this, Ranking Member Gallego. I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. James Alvin Marlin who passed away on Friday, August 27 at the age of 88. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Born on October 16, 1932 in Fawn Grove, Mississippi to Theron Kendall and Vivian Lucas Marlin, Skillet went on to graduate from Iuka High school in 1951. He attended Itawamba Junior College before joining the United States Army. He served as a Tank Commander in the Korean War in the ``Hell On Wheels'' division. After service, Skillet moved to Tupelo to work in car sales. He co- owned the Lincoln-Mercury dealership and later purchased and managed it. Years later in Iuka, he purchased and managed the Marlin-Moore Chevrolet dealership. In Iuka he served on the A71 board for the state of Mississippi. For six years he was the Game and Fish Commissioner. For 11 years he served on the Tombigbee Water Management Board and worked as an investigator for the State Insurance Commissioner. Mr. Marlin was the president of the board for NASA Facilities Operations and served on the TCEPA board for more than fifteen years. Skillet was an avid outdoorsman. He was instrumental in bringing Turkey back to Tishomingo County and was a friend to Elvis Presley. He was beloved by all who had the opportunity to know him. Mr. Marlin is survived by his two sons, Bob and Scott. Mr. Marlin served his country proudly, and I am thankful for his life of service to this Nation.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Staff Sergeant First Class Jason Belue who passed away on Thursday, August 26 at the 154th Regiment, Regional Training Institute, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I join his friends, family, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Staff Sergeant Belue was a National Guard solider assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-98th Calvary Regiment, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team. At the time of his passing, Staff Sergeant Belue was attending the Maneuver Senior Leaders Course as a part of his professional military education and career advancement. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces for 24 years, earning the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, ad Iraq Campaign medal (with 4 campaign stars). He served on three deployments with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi National Guard in support off Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 and again for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009, then Operation Spartan Shield 2018 to 2019. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of twenty-two years, Jennifer Brents Belue; sons, Blake, Jason, and Bentley; and granddaughter Hazel. He is preceded in death by his grandparents. I am grateful for Staff Sergeant Belue's years of service to the state of Mississippi and this country.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Major Bobby Crabtree who passed away on Thursday, August 26 at North Mississippi Medical Center. He served with the Mississippi Army National Guard within the HHC, 115th Armored Brigade in Tupelo. Bobby was born in Louisiana to William and Aleta Best Crabtree. He was raised in Houma and graduated from H.L. Bourgeouis High School. He studied Business Administration at Nicholls State University in Louisiana and began his career at Sears. In 2002 he was transferred to Tupelo, where he retired and began his career as a truck driver. Bobby served for twenty-three years in the Mississippi Army National Guard and retired as a Major. He was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was an active member of the Orchard Church in Tupelo. He was a lifelong LSU football fan, but gladly cheered for Mississippi State, where his sons attended. In his free time he played bass guitar and fished. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pamela Smith Crabtree; sons Wesley, Matthew, and Lance; his mother, Aleta; and brother, Billy. I am grateful for Major Crabtree's many years of service to the state of Mississippi and I join his family, friends, and loved ones in grieving his loss.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mrs. McClain who turns 100 years old on September 26, 2021. I congratulate her on a long and healthy life and decades of service to her community. Mrs. McClain is a gifted seamstress. She is known for her ability to adapt any pattern and create something beautiful overnight. She was also an athlete with the Hernando Community Ladies Softball Team. She was a domestic worker and a seamstress at Minor France Dress Shop in Memphis before retiring. Mrs. McClain was married to Mr. Cornelius Lloyd McClain and the mother of two sons, Alfred and Calvin. She is a lifelong member of Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church in Hernando. I am thrilled to wish Mrs. McClain a happy 100th birthday and offer my most sincere congratulations.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. Tony Austin who passed away on August 15. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Tony was beloved by his community. He proudly served in the United States Army as a Sergeant in the Korean war from 1950-1953. After returning he continued to serve his community as a Memphis police officer driving car #1 on Beale Street. He was affectionately known by his colleagues as Mr. Smiley. In his free time, Mr. Austin enjoyed a round of golf, singing gospels, and playing the guitar. He was a father, grandfather, great- grandfather and a friend. Mr. Austin was a fixture in his community and his legacy will be long remembered. I offer my most sincere condolences to all who had the opportunity to know and love him.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Embra Jackson, a member of the Montford Point Marines. Mr. Jackson fought bravely alongside twenty thousand African American men who joined the armed forces during World War II. Embra and countless other African American men served their country overseas while the fight for civil rights continued at home. Embra completed basic training at Montford Point Camp, North Carolina, which remained segregated. He fought for the United States in the Pacific, and many of his fellow Marines continued their service through the wars in Korea and Vietnam. The Montford Point veterans made an invaluable impact on the rich history of the Marine Corps. Their efforts at home and abroad aided President Truman in his 1948 decision to desegregate the military. After 64 years, the 112th Congress awarded the Montford Point Marines the Congressional Gold Medal for patriotism and distinguished achievement. I am grateful for Embra Jackson's lifetime of service to this great nation and the United States Marine Corps.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Gary Dedeaux who passed away August 4, 2021. He was born March 31, 1956 in West Point to Ruth Murray and Dr. Howard Dedeaux. Gary was known for his humility and compassion. He was a successful entrepreneur in Columbus and West Point. He enjoyed farm work, shooting, and above all flying. Gary was a member of Faith Baptist Church and sought to live in a way that honors Christ. Left to cherish his memory are Gary's wife Natalie; daughter Gina; son Richard; and grandson Thomas Lane. I join countless others in mourning Gary's loss and offer my most sincere condolences to his loved ones.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Samuel Larry Richey who passed away Saturday, July 17 at NMMC Nursing Home in Pontotoc. He was a dedicated basketball coach, husband, and father. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. Mr. Richey did not expect or plan on becoming a boys basketball coach. He was hired as a teacher at Jumpertown and was hired as the assistant coach in 1967. He coached in Wheeler, Baldwyn and Mantachie over the course of his career. He brought seventeen boys teams to the Mississippi State Tournament and won six. His team was once ranked 29th all-time in the National Federation of Schools record book. He was named ``Coach of the Year: in multiple publications and by the time of his retirement, he was the winningest coach in Mississippi history. Mr. Richey holds a bachelor's degree in business from Mississippi State University and served in the United States Armed Forces from 1958-1960. He was a member of Asbury Methodist church and enjoyed raising cattle, playing golf, and watching westerns. Left to cherish his memory are wife of 57 years, Dale Gardner Richey; sons, Clark and Clay; grandsons Gardner, Gabe, Reggie, Maddux, Rob and Walker; granddaughters Kate, Lee-Anna, and Rylee. I am grateful for Mr. Richey's legacy and the positive impact he had on countless young athletes. I offer my most sincere condolences to those who had the opportunity to know and love him.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, l rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Mr. Russell Young, who passed away on July 23, 2021. Mr. Young was raised in the Brewer Community of Lee County and graduated from Shannon High School in 1954. From there, he attended Mississippi State University and served 10 years in the United States Air Force. Following his service, Mr. Young worked as a paper salesman till his retirement. Mr. Young is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Young, his two daughters, his four grandchildren, and his 4 great-grandchildren. Along with his three sisters, his two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Young was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo and will be dearly missed by all.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Luke Reed who passed away on August 4, 2021. He was born in Starkville November 5, 2007 to Gina Dedeaux Reed and Tommy Reed. This year he would have begun the 8th grade at Oak Hill Academy. Luke was known for his compassion and heart for service. He gave often to those in need and understood, even at his age, the importance of giving. He loved motor cross and mechanics. His grandfather taught him about airplanes and he enjoyed flying. Left to cherish his memory are Luke's parents Tommy and Gina; brother Thomas Lane; grandmother Glenda; and grandparents Joe and Mitzi. Luke was an incredible young man who had an incredible impact on his community. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Tupelo Police Chief Bart Aguirre. Chief Aguirre has devoted himself to the city of Tupelo, faithfully serving and protecting the citizens for 36 years. Chief Aguirre answered the call to serve as a member of law enforcement by first attending the University of Mississippi where he earned a bachelor's degree in Legal Systems Administration. Later, Chief Aguirre earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama. Prior to becoming a Tupelo Police Officer, Chief Aguirre aspired to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a forensics expert, specializing in firearms. In 1985, TPD Chief Ed Crider hired Chief Aguirre to serve in the Patrol Division. Chief Aguirre said he fell in love with TPD and the rest is history. During his successful career, Chief Aguirre worked his way up from a patrolman to the Chief of Detectives. In 2013, he was named the Chief of Police by Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton. During his career with the TPD, Chief Aquirre served on an F-B-I task force, carrying out a 4-year mission titled, ``Operation Secondhand Smoke.'' Chief Aguirre and his fellow task force members uncovered a scheme to transport stolen tobacco products across state lines. Their investigative work led to the multiple arrests and to the seizure of property. The seized land is where the new $10-million-dollar Tupelo Police Department was built. Chief Aguirre is proud of the instrumental role he played on the task force and the ultimate result of their hard work--a new police department. Chief Aguirre is the son of Conrado and Joan Aguirre. The family of five moved to Tupelo in 1962. His father worked as a salesman for a meat processing company that sold products to restaurants and supermarkets, Conrado was the owner of a popular restaurant called the Gaslight Inn. Later, he opened another restaurant called Gloster 205. Chief Aguirre grew up working in the restaurants while contemplating a future career in law enforcement. In 1997, Chief Aguirre married his wife, Patty. They have three children: Shane Aguirre; Jonathan Aguirre (Kirsten); and Arial Aguirre- Waldrop (Brent). They have five grandchildren: Gryder Aguirre; Grant Aguirre; Brooks Waldrop; Beyla Waldrop; and Baron Waldrop. Upon retirement, Chief Aguirre said he and his wife plan to spend more time with their children and grandchildren and travel. We wish Chief Aguirre and his family many more happy years together. We are grateful for the impact of men like Chief Aguirre. I commend him for his devotion to family, the citizens of Tupelo, and to our great Nation.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Mr. John Lovorn Jr., who passed away on July 28, 2021. Mr. Lovorn was born in Jackson, MS and raised in Fairfax, VA. He attended Southern Miss and began his career in Greenwood, MS at the Chamber of Commerce. He then went on to be Vice President of JESCO and later joined PHH Fantus as vice president and principal. In 1993 he started his own successful consulting firm, The Pace Group. He was known to be a gifted public speaker, story teller, and author. Mr. Lovorn is survived by his wife of 50 years, their two children and three grandchildren. He was a longtime, active member of First United Methodist Church and an avid supporter of various charities in the Tupelo community. Mr. Lovorn's positive attitude and generous heart will be dearly missed.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of George Dale Burt, a beloved husband, grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford on May 9, 2021. I join his loved ones in mourning his loss. He was born on February 2, 1937 to Hattie Patterson Burt and George Lee Burt. He attended Oakland High School and Delta State University. He later earned his master's degree from the University of Mississippi. Mr. Burt went on to become the principal of Senatobia High School. It was there he began his thirty year coaching career in football that allowed him to impact countless students. Dale was an outdoorsman and spent time on the family farm. For twenty-five summers, he served as a park ranger at Arkabutla Lake. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elizabeth Hawkins Burt; children, Teri Lynn Burt Scoggins, David Allen Burt; Carol H. Darby, Patsy Williams; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Burt was a dedicated mentor, loving husband, and diligent father. l thank him for his service to the state of Mississippi and offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Ms. Maxine Whitfield Pryor who will celebrate her 100th birthday on July 25, 2021. Ms. Pryor was born in the community of Love in Hernando, MS in Desoto County. She has lived in Hernando her entire life. She is the eldest of 8 siblings born to Nathaniel and Dinah Whilhite Whitfield. She attended Oak Hill Church School and in 1939 married Bemis Pryor. She and Bemis had nine children, all born and raised in Hernando. Ms. Pryor is the proud grandmother of 24 grandchildren, 32 great- grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren. She is known for her love of God and her community. She has attended both Oak Hill Baptist Church and Knights Chapel C.M.E. Church in Hernando. She is a retired missionary, stewardess, and church announcer. She enjoys sewing, gardening, cooking, and voting during election season. Ms. Pryor has been a dedicated member of the Hernando community for 100 years and I am remarkably grateful for her lifetime of service.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of high school senior Josh Lucas who passed away Sunday, May 16. He was an admirable young man with a bright future, and I join countless members of the Tuscaloosa community in mourning his loss. Josh was a senior at Northside High School meant to graduate on Friday, May 21. He was a football player and enlisted in the Alabama National Guard and intended to pursue a career in the military following graduation. He was known as a hard worker, loyal friend, and a diligent athlete. I join Josh's friends, family, fellow guardsmen, and teammates in mourning his loss. I can say with certainty Josh would have had an outstanding career in the military. I offer my most sincere condolences to those who had the opportunity to know and love Josh and continue to keep them in my prayers.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Hershel Dean Hood who passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center on May 16 of this year. I join countless others in mourning his loss. For three decades, Hershel was a conductor for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. He served in the United States National Guard as a Master Sergeant and was the maintenance contractor at Tschudi Courts in Amory for 15 years. He was also an auxiliary deputy with the Monroe County Sherriff's Department for 17 years. Hershel was known and loved in his community. At Cason Baptist Church, Hershel wore many hats. He was the choir director, a musician, deacon, and children's worker. He was passionate about music and a member of the Nite-Liters band and the Singing Prophets Quartet. His record ``Little Band of Gold'' topped charts in England and he was inducted into the Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame. He frequently drummed for Elvis Presley. Left to cherish his memory are wife of 56 years, Ann Oliver Hood; sons, Gregory Dean Hood and Andy Hood; sister, Judy Holman; brothers, Billy Ray Hood and Lamar Hood and multiple nieces and nephews. I join countless Mississippians in mourning the loss of Mr. Hershel Dean Hood. He was a gifted musician, loving husband and father, and a leader in his community.