Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 2200, the CBRN Intelligence and Information Sharing Act. Mr. Speaker, in the years following the September 11 attacks, Congress worked to address many of the preparedness gaps identified by the 9/11 Commission, including the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction. Pursuant to the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, Congress established the Weapons of Mass Destruction, or WMD Commission. In 2008, the WMD Commission issued a series of recommendations to counter the proliferation of WMDs and build a more robust national capability to respond to such attacks. Subsequently, the WMD Commission and its legacy organization, the WMD Center, issued a series of report cards evaluating the Federal Government's progress in implementing the WMD Commission's recommendations. Unfortunately, each report card found that the Federal Government was not acting quickly enough. In the years since the WMD Center issued its final bio-response report card in 2011, WMD threats have continued to evolve. What we know now is that the threats posed by WMDs are more dynamic and that our enemies are growing more agile. H.R. 2200 focuses on an important aspect of our Nation's ability to prevent, to prepare for, and to respond to a WMD attack--information sharing. At the full committee and subcommittee levels, the Committee on Homeland Security has devoted significant time and resources to assessing Federal activities to address the threat of WMDs. I have heard one message consistently from the witnesses who have come before us: we need to improve coordination and information sharing with State and local governments and emergency responders. Situational awareness is essential to ensuring a robust response to a CBRN incident and to saving lives; and I appreciate Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications Subcommittee Chairwoman McSally's efforts to improve CBRN threat-related intelligence and information sharing. If we learned anything from the 9/11 attacks, it is that information sharing saves lives. From putting desperate pieces of information together, to stopping an attack, to ensuring that first responders are equipped to respond safely and effectively, information sharing plays an essential role in complete situational awareness. H.R. 2200 will improve the way we use information related to evolving threats posed by chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological agents. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2200. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2390, the Homeland Security University-based Centers Review Act. I introduced H.R. 2390, the Homeland Security University-based Centers Review Act, with my colleague Mr. Richmond, to provide Congress with the full picture of the Department's management of the Centers of Excellence program. This program dates back to the Department's earliest days. It was authorized in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to be ``a coordinated, university-based system to enhance the Nation's homeland security.'' Since that time, however, we have not had a comprehensive review of the Department's management of this vital research and development program. H.R. 2390 marks the most significant effort to assess the Centers of Excellence program to date. The measure directs the Government Accountability Office to issue a comprehensive report that, among other things, evaluates how the Department aligns decisions about establishing, maintaining, or eliminating a center with its research needs; how DHS identifies, prioritizes, and funds projects; and how DHS measures progress on its research goals. The bill also directs GAO to examine how DHS promotes collaboration among the centers, as well as with institutions outside of the network, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions. I have the privilege of representing Jackson State University, which is part of the Department's Coastal Resilience Center of Excellence program. I am proud that in its capacity, Jackson State has contributed research and modeling that informed realtime operational decisions at the Coast Guard and FEMA in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and other disasters. I know that throughout this country, there are other institutions that could benefit from and bring unique knowledge and expertise to DHS' ten standing Centers of Excellence. Mr. Speaker, the Homeland Security Committee has been involved in vigorous oversight of the Centers of Excellence, particularly encouraging the Department to adopt policies that help diversify university and student participation in the homeland security enterprise. In my opinion, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate's robust outreach effort to universities and institutions of recent years is that direct result of our oversight, but we need to understand whether S&T's outreach, along with its effort to better manage the Centers of Excellence, are really working. H.R. 2390 is an important first step in effectively assessing the value of the Centers of Excellence and evaluating whether or not the research and development potential of our Nation's universities are being effectively leveraged. Mr. Speaker, again, I am grateful for the cooperation of the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Ratcliffe, and the full committee chairman, Mr. McCaul, for their help to improve the Department's Centers of Excellence; and I urge passage of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule to consider the Senate amendment to H.R. 644, Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. I strongly support legislation to update the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as it exists today. That said, I must voice my great dismay with the inclusion of H.R. 878, the ``United States Customs and Border Protection Authorization Act,'' in a vehicle that circumvents regular order and is under threat of veto. Enactment of CBP authorization legislation could help clarify and enhance Congressional intent for this critical agency as well as the oversight of its activities. In the previous Congress, the Committee on Homeland Security marked up and reported such legislation, which was subsequently considered and passed by the House. Because authorizing such a large and important agency requires a thoughtful and thorough approach, H.R. 878 should have gone through regular order this Congress. There are 10 new Members of Congress serving on the Committee on Homeland Security this Congress. Upending regular order, as the House Leadership is doing, effectively prevents my Committee and its newest members from applying the knowledge we acquired through oversight about CBP programs and activities to improving the legislation before us today. Moreover, the text of the legislation in which these important provisions are included was just made available at midnight on Wednesday, and we are now considering it under a rule that does not allow for amendments. By limiting the ability of my Members to weigh in on the CBP Authorization provisions, even if only on the House floor, we are denied the opportunity to address changes that the Ways and Means Committee made to the text. Again, Mr. Speaker, I support authorizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection but am deeply disappointed that the fate of this non- controversial legislation, which was overwhelmingly approved by the 113th Congress on suspension, is now tied to controversial measures that the President may well veto. This, Mr. Speaker, is no way to legislate.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, friends and colleagues, I have the honor of welcoming the new representative from Mississippi's First Congressional District. For me, that means he will be representing the neighboring district in the northeast corner of the State, which most of you are familiar with; but also, for others, this means that he will be representing the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Trent Kelly is from the little-known town of Saltillo, Mississippi. The local folk call it Salt-illo, population 3,393. He knows the district well, having served as district attorney for the largest judicial district in that area. Representative Kelly has also served in our Nation's military and has spent 29 years in the Mississippi National Guard. Representative Kelly will be serving out the term of our dear former colleague Alan Nunnelee, who passed away in February. As he steps into his seat, we hope that he will follow Alan's example of service and dedication to the people of Mississippi. Our colleague Gregg Harper will now join me in welcoming our friend from Lee County, Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Mississippi, the Honorable Trent Kelly, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a man who touched the lives of many throughout the states of Texas, Kentucky, and Mississippi. He recently passed away on May 10, 2015 in his home. Davey Whitney was born in the small town of Midway, Kentucky on January 8, 1930. He later moved to Lexington, Kentucky where he discovered his passion for basketball and joined his high school team as the point guard. There he led his team into tournaments for two consecutive years. He went on to graduate from Kentucky State University in 1952. A seasoned basketball player, Whitney became the head coach of Texas Southern University. Subsequently he served as the head coach of Alcorn State University, which is located in Lorman, Mississippi, from 1969 to 1989 and later from 1996 to 2003. Under his leadership, they made national history in 1980 for being the first historically black college or university to win a game in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship. Rising in the midst of such a groundbreaking achievement, Whitney became nationally known as ``The Wiz''. A teacher, mentor, and sometimes revered as a father to the Alcorn Braves, Whitney was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. He was also inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. Alcorn State University dedicated the Davey Whitney Complex basketball gym in his honor. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in celebrating the life and legacy of Coach Davey Whitney. His uncompromising commitment to diligence has paved the way for the entire Black community. Although he is no longer with us, Davey Whitney, ``The Wiz'' will forever be etched in the hearts of Mississippians.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of the community, Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. Pleasant Green M. B. Church has served as a catalyst for the African American growth in Warren County. Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1867 in a mess hall on Pearl Street. The first church was destroyed by a storm in 1869 and another church was built in 1869 under Rev. Jim Shaw. The church relocated to its present site in 1888 with the construction of a wood-framed structure for worship, which subsequently burned. A new brick structure was constructed under Rev. Dunham and Deacon Ragan, both professional brick masons. In 1893, the church called Rev. Oscar Williams--a mighty man of God, soul-stirring preacher, revivalist, earnest and tireless worker--as its seventh pastor, who organized the church into working ministries with assistance from Deacons: Jack Lindsey, Johnny Young, George Ely, Saul Moore, Dan Scott, Ed Brackins, and Jim Shaw. The final church structure was completed under Rev. Williams leadership in 1898 and the membership increased to over 800 congregants. In 1910, under the leadership of Rev. G. W. Alexander, a two-story hall was erected and the usher board was organized with the first ushers being Will Moore, Henry Tucker, and Fink Taylor. In 1922, under the pastor-ship of Rev. Frank Williams, the pipe organ was installed, concrete steps replaced wooden steps, electric lights replaced gas lights, and a water cooler was added. Also, the two story fellowship hall was replaced with the current structure, a heat furnace was added, and the communion table presently used was obtained. In 1939, under the shepherding of Rev. L. R. Chandler, a new roof for the church and fellowship hall were completed, the exterior of the church and fellowship hall was restored, a baptismal pool and new hardwood floors were added, and the choir stand were extended. In 1969, after 29 years of faithful service, Rev. Chandler resigned due to health issues, and Rev. F. L. Barnes was called as pastor and oversaw the installation of air conditioning and carpeted floors. In March 1982, after the passing of Rev. Barnes, Rev. Alvin G. Walker was called to serve as pastor. Under his leadership, new land was purchased; new doors for the front of the church and basement were installed; usher, finance and communion rooms were constructed, and handrails were added. In November 2013, after other faithful servants of the gospel ministry had served, Rev. Jefforey Stafford was called as pastor. It is his vision that Pleasant Green ``Exalt Christ Crucified and Coming Again, Embrace Community with Care, and Engage the Culture with Christ- Centered Compassion.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church for its rich heritage.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a self-motivated leader and innovator of the community. Ms. Mary Fortune Williams, MBA, works as an Accountant for the State of Mississippi. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Jackson State University and her Master of Business Administration degree from Mississippi College. She also earned a Certificate of Accounting from Mississippi College. Ms. Williams is a single parent of one daughter. After becoming divorced when her daughter was a toddler, she was determined that her child would not become another negative statistic attributed to single parent households. She strives to instill in her daughter one of the greatest fundamentals of life: Never let negative circumstances define who you are or what you can become. Ms. Williams is actively involved in her daughter's educational and character development. She works diligently in her church and her community. She is part of the Youth Leadership Team at Greater Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, serves as an Assistant Leader of Girl Scout Troop 5576, serves on the PTSA Board of Murrah High School, and serves on the planning committee for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Mary Fortune Williams for giving back to the community in which she was born and reared.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of the community, Greater Grove Street Missionary Baptist Church. Greater Grove Street M. B. Church has served as a catalyst for the African American growth in Warren County and the State of Mississippi. Greater Grove Street Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1908 in the former home of the late Cosby family on the lower West end of Grove Street. The church was known commonly as ``Cato's Church,'' a name noting the leadership and zeal of its principal deacon at the time. Deacon F. Jackson and family donated the Cornerstone. Rev. Willie Wood was elected as the first pastor of the church and he served until death. The next pastor, Rev. George S. Lewis, served aptly, with deacons: William Fair, E. Sparkmen and W. Wilson serving faithfully under him. In 1948, Rev. W.C. Porter was elected pastor; and under his leadership, the following officers served: Sing Robin, Lieutenant Bradley, Charlie Hunt, Jessie Ware, Theadore Shaw, Rufus Britten, James Williams, Rufus Price and Tom Neal. In 1962, the church came to a major crisis. The City of Vicksburg began widening Grove Street. Grove Street M.B. Church laid in the path of the city's improvements. As a result, the church was torn down. The concrete baptismal pool remains on the old lot, and is the solitary reminder that the church ever existed there. In our hour of need, the Pastor, Rev. E. E. Tutt, and the members of Ebenezer M.B. Church proved to be our friends indeed, as they shared their church building with Grove Street M. B. Church over three years as they struggled to rebuild the church. West of the old site, a new property on Pierce Street, was selected. On April 27, 1965, at a cost of $13,000.00, the congregation moved into its newly built tabernacle. First, the old pews from the old church were shed. At a cost of $600.00, more comfortable pews were purchased from Fisher Funeral Home. In 1972, at a cost of $2,400.00, the members added 534 square feet of floor space to the rear of the church, which consists of the Fellowship Hall and the kitchen. On June 28, 1975, a chapter of their struggle and movement ended with the death of Rev. W.C. Porter, their pastor through their trials. Rev. Albert Price succeeded Rev. Porter. Under his leadership, the march resumed for the church. They installed a public address system and added brick veneer to the building at a cost of $10,000.00. This brief chapter ended in the death of Rev. Price after only serving eleven months as pastor. In 1977, God blessed the congregation with the energetic leadership of Rev. John L. Brown. Under his leadership, the members were able to free themselves from the mortgage and all indebtedness. In 1979, a new central air unit was installed. However, there was still work to be done. For example, they purchased a Baldwin organ in 1979 to enhance the song service and installed a central cooling system for $4,056.81; and in 1985, landscaping and drainage work was done which cost $5,350.00. In this description of the establishment, struggle, and movement of Grove Street M.B. Church, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit motivated them to have a place set aside for the many souls that were added to the church; and He motivated them to actively seek to grow spiritually and to inspire future generations with the spiritual mission. As Dr. John L. Brown continued to lead and direct the church, it was hoped that Grove Street M.B. Church would continue to grow. Dr. John L. Brown was a native of Utica, MS. He is a graduate of Alcorn A&M College, in Lorman, MS, where he received his B.S. degree in Elementary Education. He did further study toward his M.S. degree in Elementary Education at Jackson State College, Jackson, Mississippi. He received his Ph.D. degree from McKinley Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS, in 1981. Dr. Brown was a teacher and principal in the Hinds County Public School System, Utica, MS, for twenty years. As a community leader, he served as an adult leader of the 4-H Club, Mixon Junior High School, Utica, MS, for five years. He served as president of the N.A.A.C.P., Utica, MS branch, for twelve years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Baptist State Convention for ten years, and the Community Services Association and the Hinds County Community Action Agency, Jackson, MS for eight years. Dr. Brown honorably served his community as a community voter registration coordinator, advisor, civil rights activists, social worker, and community organizer. He was a pastor of three other churches: Orange Hill Baptist Church, Bolton, MS; Rock of Ages Baptist Church, Vicksburg, MS; and Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Lorman, MS. He was in the ministry for over 30 years. His loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Lucille Brown, supported Dr. Brown in all of his efforts. Their union was blessed with six children, four girls and two boys. Under his leadership, the members altered the way services were conducted. Instead of posting the Order of Service on the wall, printed programs were disseminated to the congregation. The practice of roll call (where each member's name was called and one stated the amount of his tithes/offering) was eliminated and the practice of distributing envelopes was implemented. In 1987, land was purchased and donated to the church, which were forty-seven lots (North side of the church) to be used for additional parking. In 1993, two more additional corner lots were purchased. Also, the wooden steeple on the church was replaced with a fiberglass steeple. In 1996, the church van was purchased due to the increased attendance in Bible class. Ceiling fans were also purchased and installed in the sanctuary and fellowship hall. In January 9, 1999, Pastor Casey D. Fisher was elected pastor of Greater Grove Street a M.B. Church. At the time he began this ministry, the church had a membership of approximately sixty-five souls. Soon after becoming pastor, Rev. Fisher adopted his motto, ``Making this church the best church this side of Heaven,'' and his theme, ``This is the Church where the gospel is preached, love is practiced and people are changed.'' Under his leadership, the church congregation has grown from the initial sixty-five members to over six hundred. Pastor Fisher began his ministry in September of 1998, which he was ordained under the pastorate of Reverend Willie L. Lewis of Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Greater Grove Street M. B. Church for its rich heritage and dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Dr. Brigetta K. Turner, who is a 1982 graduate of Tougaloo College and obtained her Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree from Meharry Medical College. She presently practices dentistry on Tougaloo's campus in the Owens Health and Wellness Center and has been in private practice for over 25 years. She loves playing the piano and shares her gift at Mt. Nebo M. B. Church. She loves Tougaloo and is ready to help bring Tougaloo to the world. Dr. Turner is a life member of TCNAA, a 2008 Hall of Fame Inductee. She is also the Secretary of the Mississippi Dental Society. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Brigetta K. Turner for her dedication to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a veteran, Sergeant Christopher Dewayne Booker. Christopher has shown what can be done through ambition, tenacity and a desire to serve others. Sergeant Christopher D. Booker a resident of Cary, MS was born April 23, 1971, to Gloria and Willie Booker. He graduated in 1990 from Rolling Fork High School. In September 1989 Christopher enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard. He was mobilized for Desert Storm in December 1990 until May 1991. In November of 2005 to February of 2006 Sergeant Booker's unit was activated to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He retired from the MS National Guard in September 2015 after serving over twenty-five years. Christopher worked for Sharkey County as a machine operator for 10 years. Currently, he works for the Town of Cary, MS as a Water and Sewer Operator. Sergeant Booker is a member of E. P. Baptist Church in Rolling Fork, Mississippi since 1985. He is thoroughly involved in the community. He organized the Annual Community Clean-up for Maiden Addition, a small community in Cary, MS; serves as a volunteer coach for both the Cary Little League Softball and Baseball teams and is a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Cary. Christopher is an avid hunter and is the President of the New Fitler Hunting Club, a third degree freemason and a member of the Faith Outreach Men Bible Study at Mt. Zion M. B. Church. Christopher has earned several certifications. He received his certification for Army Traffic Safety, Combat Lifesaver, Water Treatment Specialist Phase I, Homeland Security Training and Parent Applicant Training. He is the proud father of three children, Herman D. Scott, Christopher D. Booker and Gloria K. Booker. He has one grandson, Brayden Adams. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sergeant Christopher D. Booker for his passion and dedication to serving our great Country, his community and desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable and ambitious citizen with a desire to pursue justice for others, Cynthia T. Lee. Cynthia T. Lee is a native of Raymond, MS. Her parent, Ms. Sonja Wilson Lee and the late grandparents, Annie Mae and Sam Wilson are very proud of her accomplishments. After graduating from Raymond High School in 2006, she attended Jackson State University and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. While in college, Cynthia developed a passion for social justice- oriented work and decided to further her education at the University of Alabama, where she received a Masters of Social Work degree in May 2012. In the fall of 2012 Cynthia began her matriculation at the University of Mississippi School of Law. Currently, as a third-year law student she has demonstrated her capacity and competence as a leader by serving as the student coordinator for the Pro Bono Initiative and the President of the Public Interest. Ms. Lee's Law Foundation is admirable. She was the recipient of the University of Mississippi's Pro Bono Initiative Service Award, as well as the Adams and Reese Pro Bono Award. In addition, she also serves as a dedicated member of the Trial Advocacy Board, the Law Association for Women, and Black Law Students Association. As a proud member of BLSA, she has served as the 2013-2014 Community Service Committee co-chair and currently serves as the 2014-2015 Black History and Social Action Committee co-chair. Her dedication to service and academics has resulted in her receiving the BLSA Member of the year and the BLSA 2 L Scholarship award. Cynthia is truly thankful to God, her mom, aunties, uncles, family and friends for their continued support of her academic advancement and services to others. After law school, Cynthia plans to sit for the Mississippi Bar, and pursue a career dedicated to Social Justice with a specific emphasis in Criminal Justice Reform.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I stand to honor a public servant in the field of law enforcement, MSgt. Jeris Davis. Mr. Davis is from Shaw, MS. There are many capacities in which one can be a public servant, each one requiring certain talent and passion for the position. Environment plays a big role in preparing people for their destiny. MSgt. Davis' family and home environment was that of a middle class working family. His father, Warren Davis, worked at Dixie Tobacco and Candy Company in Shaw for over 40 years. His mother, Ruth Davis had two jobs: she was employed with the Shaw Sewing Factory and Lewis Grocery Warehouse in Indianola for over 30 years. MSgt. Davis had influence all around him: His grandmother, Mattie Davis; aunts: Judy Freeman and Mildred Johnson; and several of his uncles, all were important role models. Warren Davis, his father, and his uncle, Frank Freeman, were members of the Shaw Volunteer Fire Department. At the age of 12, while still in elementary school, they would take him to the fire department with them on weekends, which was his reward for good grades and good behavior. Those visits to the fire department, watching his dad and uncle, and community men work around the fire, created a desire in him to do the same. MSgt. Davis continued this for years, volunteering to clean the equipment, listening to the firemen talk, learning how to operate the equipment, and developing the skills of a fireman. In fact, many people actually thought he was a fireman for the city, because he would be at all the fires (e.g., spraying water, pulling down equipment, always asking the firemen to let him go into the fire and rescue someone). Those opportunities fueled his desire, even more, to help and serve the public, especially in Shaw. MSgt. Davis graduated from Shaw High School and went on to join many organizations and clubs that focused on some role of public service. Through this he was able to develop more skills and leadership ability, all the time preparing him for a career in public service. MSgt. Davis held down two jobs, and eventually, became a member of the Shaw Volunteer Fire Department and a dispatcher for the Shaw Police Department. From there in 1992 he became an equipment operator for the Mississippi State Highway Department, while continuing his role as a member of the fire department. The year 1998 was the beginning of MSgt. Davis' career as a professional in law enforcement. His resume of experience and accomplishments include: 1998 Year: Completion of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy, 1998 Year: Police Officer, City of Shaw Police Department, 1992 Year: Highway Officer for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), 2000 Year: MDOT Honor Guard Officer representing Fallen Law Enforcement Officers in Washington, DC, 2001 Year: Completion of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Training Academy, 2003 Year: Completion of the Mississippi Highway Patrol Cadet School, 2009 Year: US Marshal Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Taskforce, Oxford, MS, created by Congress, and 2013 Year: Completion of the Mississippi Certified Investigators Program, Pearl, MS. MSgt. Davis has recently been promoted to Master Sergeant within the Mississippi Highway Patrol. In this capacity he is assigned to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation as an investigator. MSgt. Davis is often assigned to special assignments because of the various trainings and acquired knowledge of expertise. Some of those assignments are: narcotic investigations, high level fugitive investigations and searches, and special homicide cases. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring MSgt. Jeris Davis for his dedication and service as a public servant in the field of law enforcement. I am proud to have him as a resident of the Mississippi Second Congressional District.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable historical church Greenhill Missionary Baptist of Marks, Mississippi and the great leadership it is under, Rev. Alvis Pryor, Jr. Greenhill M. B. Church was organized in 1909. The original building was a small one room wood frame building located across Highway #6 between the towns of Belen and Marks, MS in the county of Quitman. This building was destroyed by a storm. A man by the name of Jessie D. Andrews heard about the loss of the church and sold them two (2) acres of land for the sum of One Dollar. The land was deeded to Sam Jones, Pleas Thomas and John Henry, who were Deacons and Trustees of the church. This land was sold with the understanding that it was to be used for church purposes or burial grounds or both and should it cease to be used for the before mentioned purposes, the land would be reverted to Jessie D. Andrews. After acquiring the new land (present site) with only a few members remaining, another single room wood frame building was constructed. The new church was built by Alexander Gates, George James, David M. Gates, Epsie Morgan, Sr. and other men within the community. The church was built through donations made by church members and others under the leadership of the first pastor, Rev. M. O. Jude. During the 106 years of Greenhill's history there have been a total of 11 pastors; some with short tenures and some with long tenures. Some made a great impact on the church and community and others kept the church moving forward. Under the leadership of Rev. C. J. Carson, (5th) pastor an annex was added which included, pastor's study, kitchen/dining room, deacon's/ secretary room and bathrooms. Rev. Luster C. Tyler served as the (8th) pastor. During his tenure the church was again remodeled. He served a total of 25 years the longest serving pastor so far. He was often referred to as ``the Mississippi Hooper''. In 2007, Rev. Curlie Relliford was elected as (10th) pastor. Even though his tenure was less than two years the annex was torn down and rebuilt into a beautiful modern structure. Greenhill has always served as a beaconing light in its rural community setting. The church takes pride in ministering to the whole person. Special attention is given to the needs of the youth, aged, and underprivileged. Considering the fact that Greenhill is a small church we are proud of the fact that traditionally many of its members have gone to college and became public school teachers. Presently about 50% of the members are less than 21 years old. So with God the future of Greenhill is bright. Rev. Alvis Pryor, Jr. was elected as eleventh pastor of Greenhill M. B. Church in May 2009. Under his leadership, the church has continued to grow spiritually due to the continuation of weekly prayer meetings, Bible Study, Sunday School and the visitation of the sick and shut-in. Pastor Pryor has been very instrumental in the growth of this church through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and some of his most notable accomplishments are: Instituting a plan to liquidate the mortgage on the church, the beautiful church sign (which was purchased by the first family), additional Sunday school teachers and assistants have been added, he is responsible for instituting an Annual Youth and Youth Coordinators Retreat in July, annual fellowship dinners sponsored by first family, fifteen passenger van and hired a full time musician. Unfortunately, when there's life; death too will come. Throughout the past 106 years, as you can imagine, there's been many warriors to make the transition of life. As history reveals, Greenhill has steered through an array of obstacles. Whether great or mediocre, God's word continues to prevail. So today, they are humbly thankful for 106 years of existence and service unto the Lord. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Greenhill Missionary Baptist Church for its dedication for serving our great people.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a young leader in his school who has raised the bar for students coming behind him, Mr. Essie Frost from Charleston High School in Tallahatchie County. Charleston High School operates under the authority of the East Tallahatchie School District. The school district is a small one like many throughout my district. Nonetheless, and somehow they are able to make acceptable things happen despite having limited resources, which brings me to the reason why I want to recognize this young man. Ms. Melissa Faulkner, his teacher, has mentored, taught, and watched him grow to the point where he always made good decisions throughout high school, but in his senior year, he rose to a new height. That's commendable as a young person. We all have the ability to make a positive difference in life. Essie took the optimistic approach to helping his small school. He set goals; he wanted the class of 2015 to leave a memorable existence. So, he became Class President to lead them to that goal. He was skilled in getting the students to follow his vision and set goals to be achieved as a whole. He often volunteered on community school projects, getting his fellow classmates to join. He told them that it's not only good for the school, but they will be known as the class who gave back, plus they can use it on their college application for community service. Essie led the charge to make their class prom what they envisioned and dreamed, saying they are responsible for making it happen, the school doesn't have a lot of money and prom is a privilege not a right. No one ever knew he had been raising the money for years on his own to go towards his prom. That is amazing for a young person to set a goal that far in advance, stick to it, and carry it out. I called that great resilience. According to his teacher, Ms. Faulkner and I quote, ``This senior class has more than doubled what his previous class had managed to raise, all thanks to Essie's determination, dedication, and careful planning.'' In addition to that, Essie crafted a plan to increase enrollment in the National Honor Society membership representation of the students at Charleston High School. His plan helped to increase enrollment from eighteen students, when he started, to now, thirty-six. The class goal was forty, they are almost there. Now that's setting the bar again for the next class. I am proud to have Mr. Essie Frost as a citizen of the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Essie Frost, Class of 2015, Charleston High School, Charleston, MS, for his current active role as a student making a difference. Keep the faith. Keep progressing Essie.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Matthew M. B. Church of Jackson, Mississippi. In 1900, Rev. Jack Hill called a group of people together for the purpose of worshipping God. It was in a brush harbor located at Trips Crossing (the intersection of Northside Drive and North State Street) there a band of baptized believers decided to follow Rev. Jack Hill. This was the beginning of St. Matthew M. B. Church. Rev. Hill led some spiritual followers that had been responsible for the survival and progression of St. Matthew. History is not clear of the number of years that early leaders were with the growing Christian followers. The church was later moved to Terry's Place (the present location of Watkin's Elementary School) under the leadership of Rev. Johnnie Harris. At this site, Rev. W. L. Jordon took the reign of leadership and completed the construction of the newly relocated building. Terry's place was on 16th section school land and had to move. The congregation was faced with finding a new location for church service. With God's blessings and determination the congregation began searching again. Approximately in 1927 or 1928, Rev. J. D. Hayden became pastor of St. Matthew and purchased deeds for the present location. It was the hope of the members that this would be a permanent place. Rev. Hayden accepted a calling from another church and was succeeded by Rev. W. M. Creshon. Under Rev. Creshon's sixteen years of service the Church was rebuilt and rapidly became one of the most progressive black churches in the City of Jackson. During the late 1940's, St. Matthew M. B. Church served as part of the New Hope Public School. This elementary school gave many children an opportunity to get an education. Rev. Creshon was proud of the church and school's progress. In 1947, Rev. Creshon's health failed and he resigned his position as a pastor. Rev. Sylvester Thomas, a young and inspiring minister, was asked to lead the flock. Under his strong hand guided by God, the church was remolded and a blueprint was drawn to rebuild the present structure. Rev. Thomas served for sixteen years and the congregation grew spiritually. Then Rev. Thomas went to his heavenly home. Rev. Wroten McQuirter, the assistant minister, accepted the position as a full-time pastor. St. Matthew continued to grow and Rev. McQuirter worked with the members to erect the present facility we now worship in each Sunday. St. Matthew M. B. Church stands as a beacon in the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing St. Matthew M. B. Church.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable historical house of worship, Old Antioch Baptist Church in Sumner, Mississippi. Old Antioch Baptist Church has been in existence since 1904 in Sumner, Mississippi. The congregation today still consists of many of the founder's children and grandchildren. In earlier years church services were held only on the second Sunday of each month and had a large congregation, primarily because of the vast Black population around the Sumner community. It was one of the only places they had to worship. Today the membership consists of 60 members, three deacons and two trustees. In 1979 a part of the Old West District School building was added to the Old Antioch Church which added five Sunday school classrooms, a baptismal pool, a kitchen and three bathrooms. In 1991, the Old Antioch church was bricked under the leadership of Rev. Andrew Hawkins. The church activities consist of: Sunday School, Annual Men & Women's Day Programs every second Sunday in October, Family & Friends Day and Mother's Day Programs in May, Black History Observance in February, Church Anniversary in July, Sunrise services on Easter Sunday, Christmas concert and Thanksgiving programs. All services are held to benefit members of the congregation who may have a need as well as the surrounding communities. Worship service has changed to every second and fourth Sunday. Old Antioch Baptist Church has had 21 ministers to serve as pastors. Currently Rev. Lorenzo K. Robinson, who is a native of Bolivar County is pastor, ministry of music and Sunday school teacher and trainer of future Sunday school teachers. He has been the pastor for the last 12 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing house of Worship, which has been instrumental in meeting spiritual needs.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Pastor Reginald Buckley, who says that faith is about more than just Sunday morning worship--it seeps into daily life, economics and education. Pastor Reginald Buckley, was born and raised in Jackson, where his father pastored at Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, which held its first worship service in 1880. ``It has historically and continues to have an eye toward social empowerment,'' he says. Following his graduation from Lanier High School in 1990, he went to Tougaloo College and received a bachelor's degree in English. He attended graduate school at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and earned a master of arts degree in English literature in 1996. For nine years, Buckley served as senior pastor of Second Baptist Church in Danville, Ill. While there, he also became president of the Illiana Christian Association and helped create relationships between congregations across Illinois and Indiana of different racial backgrounds. In 2007, he brought all his experiences back home to Jackson and Cade Chapel, where he became executive pastor. And with those experiences, he brought a plan. ``My vision is that we really begin to affirm the dignity of all humanity, that we value all of Jackson and that value is demonstrated in how we treat and provide for all,'' Pastor Buckley says. ``Class is not what colors us, and we are all bound together in this experience we call humanity.'' His forward thinking afforded him the position of Dean of Christian Education for the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, and gave him opportunities to preach and teach across the nation. Pastor Buckley, a Kellogg Foundation fellow, wants to help people in practical and tangible ways; the most recent product being Cade Courtyard, an apartment complex for seniors in the Virden Addition community. The church has more plans for development in the area that include single-family housing and mixed-retail developments. Along with his wife, Lecretia Buckley, he has two children: Jonathan and Anna. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend Reginald Buckley for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Cadet COL Gregory Wilson, a senior at Murrah High School, is the Jackson Public Schools JROTC Cadet of the Year for 2015. While maintaining a 3.8 grade point average, Cadet Wilson has held several key leadership positions in the Battalion throughout his high school tenure. Cadet Wilson is a proud member of the National Honor Society and National Junior Classical League. He recently attended the American Legion Boys State where he was elected state treasurer. Cadet Wilson has also been actively involved in a variety of community service projects including Stewpot Summer Enrichment and Stop Hunger Now. Currently, he serves as the Cadet Battalion Commander for the ``Mustang'' Battalion. Cadet Wilson has been accepted to several colleges including the prestigious University of Mississippi Honors College. After graduating from Murrah with honors, Cadet Wilson will attend the University of Mississippi. He plans to attend medical school at an Army residency program. His vision is to become a pathologist for the United States Army. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Cadet COL Gregory Wilson.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a multi-talented young lady, Miss Quaneshia Baker. Miss Quaneshia Baker, a resident of Rolling Fork, MS, is the eldest of two, raised in a single parent home. She is a 2015 Honors graduate of South Delta High School. Quaneshia plans to attend the University of Mississippi and pursue a degree in political science with the dream of becoming an attorney. Quaneshia, an all-around student, excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. Quaneshia scored a perfect score on the Algebra I and Mathematical MCT exam. She scored in the highest category on the Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and World History state exams. She held the title of Miss South Delta twice, once in middle school and the other in high school for having the highest grade point average in school. Quaneshia is a member and officer of various academic and extracurricular activities. She is the President of the class of 2015 and member of the 4H Club, Student Council, Peer Council, Jackson State University's Teen Drinking Prevention Council and the Mayor's Youth Council. Quaneshia is a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization, where she competed in eight different competitions: Parliamentary Procedure, Opening and Closing Ceremony demonstration, Floriculture, Nursery Landscape, and Horticulture. Also, she was the highest scoring silver coin individual on her team while competing in Kentucky at the National FFA competition. Miss Baker has volunteered with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Legacy Village by conducting research and informing the community of environmental safety. Other community activities Quaneshia has been involved in include: landscaping the Vocational complex, mentoring 5th graders, adopting a senior citizen, directing the annual Delta Marathon, serve as tour leader during the Annual Deep Delta Beat Festival, reading to children at Ripley Blackwell head start and South Delta Elementary school and participating in a school supply giveaway. Having achieved so much at a young age, Miss Baker strives every day to reach her goals while remembering this quote from Aristotle, which states, ``We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Miss Quaneshia Baker for her hard work, dedication and a strong desire to achieve.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a goal oriented student at Quitman County Middle School. Nia Dorrough was born on November 29, 2002 to Tawanda Dorrough. She is the granddaughter of Melvin and Virginia Dorrough. Nia is a straight A student who has been on the Superintendent's List since kindergarten. She is an active member of the Quitman County Middle School's Student Council. She also represented the Language Arts department in her schools coronation as Miss Language Arts for her astounding scores. When Nia was at Quitman County Elementary School, Nia volunteered to help raise money for her school to build a new playground by collecting box tops. Some of Nia's goals include: helping medical researchers gain funding to find a cure for cancer and other diseases. She aspires to do this by becoming a successful lawyer with her own law firm. Nia is an active member in her community and works as a Junior Secretary for Burrell Chapel M. B. Church. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Nia Dorrough, as a student who is goal oriented and making a difference in her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a self-motivated leader and innovator of the community, Ms. Mary Fortune Williams, MBA, works as an Accountant for the State of Mississippi. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Jackson State University and her Master of Business Administration degree from Mississippi College. She also earned a Certificate of Accounting from Mississippi College. Ms. Williams is a single parent of one daughter. After becoming divorced, when her daughter was a toddler, she was determined that her child would not become another negative statistic attributed to single parent households. She strives to instill in her daughter one of the greatest fundamentals of life: Never let negative circumstances define who you are or what you can become. Ms. Williams is actively involved in her daughter's educational and character development. She works diligently in her church and her community. She is part of the Youth Leadership Team at Greater Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, serves as an Assistant Leader of Girl Scout Troop 5576, serves on the PTSA Board of Murrah High School, and serves on the planning committee for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Mary F. Williams for giving back to the community in which she was born and reared.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Cadet COL Gregory Wilson, a senior at Murrah High School who is the Jackson Public School JROTC Cadet of the Year for 2015. While maintaining a 3.8 grade point average, Cadet Wilson has held several key leadership positions in the Battalion throughout his high school tenure. Cadet Wilson is a proud member of the National Honor Society and National Junior Classical League. He recently attended the American Legion Boys State where he was elected state treasurer. Cadet Wilson has also been actively involved in a variety of community service projects including Stewpot Summer Enrichment and Stop Hunger Now. Currently, he serves as the Cadet Battalion Commander for the ``Mustang'' Battalion. Cadet Wilson has been accepted to several colleges including the prestigious University of Mississippi Honors College. After graduating from Murrah with honors, Cadet Wilson will attend the University of Mississippi. He plans to attend medical school at an Army residency program. His vision is to become a pathologist for the United States Army. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Cadet COL Gregory Wilson.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an organization who has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve their community, the 21 Club Incorporated. The 21 Club Incorporated has served as a support system to citizens of Yazoo County. The 21 Club Incorporated is a non-profit organization founded in 1954 in Yazoo City Mississippi with the mission of rendering charitable and recreational services to its community. The club is one of the oldest in Yazoo City. Beginning in 1965, the club has sponsored ``The Mr. and Miss 21 Club Scholarship Pageant'' with the goal of providing scholarships to deserving young girls and boys in the community to assist them in pursuing a higher education. In conjunction with the American Legion, they sponsor local boys and girls attending Boys and Girls State, a program where students from across the state learn about state government. The 21 Club partner with local emergency management agencies in the event of natural disasters in Yazoo County. They offered assistance during Hurricane Katrina and the massive tornado that hit Yazoo County a few years ago. They also assist people when individual emergencies happen, such as, houses being burned and they often assist church youth groups when they travel. They make an annual Christmas donation to the Yazoo County Department of Family and Human Services to help buy toys for less fortunate families at Christmas and an annual donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Yazoo City. The club also makes annual donations to elementary schools in the county to provide items such as: school uniforms, supplies, prizes and reward incentives, etc. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 21 Club Incorporated for its dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.