Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Ms. Willie Rene Leflore. Ms. Leflore is a lifetime resident of Sunflower County, Mississippi. Ms. Leflore is a soldier encouraging others to sign up and be counted. In her words, ``Gone are the days of nurturing, chopping, hoeing, hauling water pails, getting up early, catching Bill Henderson's bus, etcetera, to work from sun up to sun down for $3.15 daily''. Growing up, Ms. Leflore wanted to be free to enter the front doors of Labella Restaurant and ride at the front of the Grey Hound Bus. So, Ms. Leflore took a stand, and marched beside Cora Stone Johnson, Nelson Dotson, John Richardson, Lene and others for her civil rights. Ms. Leflore is a soldier for what is right. She believes in receiving the same privileges and rights as other races. She believes that all adults have their own mind to decide on what they want to participate in as long as it is right. She fought for that privilege. It was an acquired desire to march beside others who shared the same belief. Ms. Leflore worked, never missing a day unless she was sick. When she became ill, she had to retire. She has received numerous commendations as a loyal supporter of all athletic activities at Gentry High School. To this day, she still uses the phone as her legs and mouth, encouraging others to stand and show themselves approved. She believes that standing for what you believe in regardless, of the odds against you, and the pressure that tears at your resistance means courage, which is what she had to constantly remind herself of. She always kept a smile on her face, even when on the inside she felt like dying. She stopped at nothing. Doing what was instilled in her heart, is to make another's life a little more bearable. When she was in the moment, she was loyal, she wasn't selfish and she kept her head high. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Willie Rene Leflore for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Donald Green. A Coahoma County native, Donald Green is a dedicated and seemingly tireless community leader and business owner who has committed his career to creating economic and educational opportunities for farmworkers and families in the Mississippi Delta. As Executive Director of Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Worker Opportunities, Inc., Mr. Green leads a staff of 22 providing job training and placement services to thousands of individuals every year. His organization also hosts a monthly food distribution and offers a civilian relief distribution staging area following weather emergencies and disasters. Currently, his team is transforming an existing warehouse and property into a farmers market, commercial kitchen, produce aggregation and food hub to raise incomes for dozens of limited-resource and beginning farmers. Prior to becoming the organization's chief executive, he was its Chief Financial Officer for 21 years. He served as one of three Associate Tax Commissioners for the State of Mississippi and is the second African American in the State of Mississippi to do so. An accountant, Mr. Green also owns and operates an independent accounting service business. Throughout his career, Mr. Green has been an ambassador between working people and local businesses. His board service includes: Clarksdale/Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce; member of National Exchange Club; member of Clarksdale Industrial Foundation; member of Coahoma Community Development Organization; and member of Clarksdale/ Coahoma County Airport Board. He has served as a State Treasurer of the Magnolia Council; Vice President of The Delta Council; member, Delta State Alumni University Association; former President of National Alumni Association; Founder and former President for Mississippi Delta Strategic Compact; Treasurer for Mississippi Blues Foundation; former President of Friendship Community Federal Credit Union. He was recognized in 2004 as Delta Regional Minority Businessman of the Year, inducted into the Delta State University Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009, and received the Freedom Team Appreciation Certificate for Services to Members of the Armed Forces. He is a member of the Clarksdale Rotary Club. Committed to making higher education more accessible, Mr. Green became president of Delta State National Alumni Association in 1995 and led a five million dollar capital campaign. That funding has more than doubled in the years since and has a significant endowment. He has served on the university's foundation board. In 2001, he was appointed to a six-year term on the Mississippi State Board of Community and Junior Colleges. He is co-Founder and President of the Ronald Hoss Bennett Foundation, which awards college scholarships to football players from local high schools. He is known to be a steady, hardworking leader in efforts to increase understanding and build relationships in social and economic diversity. Mr. Green helped negotiate the partnership between Delta State University and Coahoma Community College to purchase the Cutrer Mansion, which has evolved into a continuing education center for history, culture, and the arts. In 2014, he worked with the City of Clarksdale officials, business owners, and community activists to honor the life and work of civil rights leader Aaron Henry with a historical marker on the Mississippi Freedom Trail. He has served on the board of Clarksdale-Coahoma County Library and supports the Delta Blues Museum. The son of sharecroppers Mr. Sylvester and Aree Green, Mr. Green grew up operating farm equipment in Coahoma County, Mississippi. A graduate of Coahoma Agriculture High School, he earned college degrees from Coahoma Community College and Delta State University. Mr. Green is the first African American to serve as President of Delta State University National Alumni Association. He and his wife, Nelia, have two sons: Donald, Jr., a biomedical engineer living in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Adam, a high school student, who participated in Youth Leadership Clarksdale and who is currently a freshman at Delta State University majoring in commercial design. Mr. Green is Chairman of the Deacon Board and Chairman of the Building Fund at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Jonestown, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing Entrepreneur and Economic Developer that has been instrumental in magnifying strides of America's black history.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable historical church, Belle Flower Church of Grenada, Mississippi and the great leadership it is under. In the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred sixty-eight (1868), the first Black Baptist Church was established in Grenada--then a part of Yalobusha County. The newly organized church was known as the Colored Baptist Church. Members were led by Rev. Larry Patterson, who served as pastor for a number of years. In September 1872, Lot #119 was deeded to the church by George W. Ragsdale. The lot was situated in the West Ward of Grenada. Ragsdale said that members of the Colored Baptist Church could continue to possess the land as long as the site was used exclusively for church purposes, if members conducted themselves with good behavior and if they paid taxes. If they misbehaved in an unbecoming manner or failed to pay taxes, the land would be seized. In 1876, the church was pregnant with many possibilities. Due to the severe labor pains of an unknown dispute among church members, Belle Flower gave birth to a daughter. She was named First New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. A.H. Stevens was encouraged to open a high school at the church in 1888. He planned to offer the basic courses of study, as well as instrumental music. Since its establishment in 1868, the Belle Flower flock has been led by nineteen shepherds. They are Reverends: Larry Patterson, George Wright, S.P. Martin, Jerry Weathers, Augustus Nabors, D. Higgins, A.L. Hills, Joseph Peterson, Willis Varnado, Robert Varnado, J.B. Webb, W.H. Turner, A.D. Banks, H.L. Barnes, S.T. Cunningham, Tommie Lee Miller (1968-1984), Booker T. Moore (1985-1988), Melvin Montgomery (1988-2004), and Randy Jackson (2004-present). From the inception until 1959-60, services were held only on the second and fourth Sunday. The church was re-built in 1917 under the leadership of Rev. Augustus Nabors and committee members: Jeff Banks, Rev. Jas Bostic and Rev. R.S. Bostic. The annex was added in 1945 led by Rev. J.E. Webb. The committee members were: Rev. L.E. Smith, A.U. Fields, W.H. Bostic, (grandfather of Belle Flower member, Mrs. Dannette Woods), F.H. Johnson, T. Person, James Clark and Rev. B.S. Bostic, who was the designer of the annex. Belle Flower has always been a trendsetter and a trailblazer in this community. When the Civil Rights Movement came to Grenada in 1966, the church was poised to take its rightful place in history. Because the Belle Flower Church membership believed in binding up the broken-hearted and setting the captives free, this edifice became the headquarters for the Grenada County Freedom Movement (GCFM). The Southern Christian Leadership Conference's (SCLC) local staff offices were housed in the Sunday School rooms of the church. Mass meetings were held at the church nightly. Key civil rights leaders spoke at the church, including: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Andrew Young, Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Rev. Hoses Williams, and folk singer/activist Joan Baez. Belle Flower's pastor, S.T. Cunningham, served as treasurer of the GCFM. Members of the congregation followed his leadership in the quest for freedom by serving in many capacities. They demonstrated and marched; provided housing for civil rights workers; and cooked for SCLC staff. Melzina Cook (sister of Belle Flower's member, Thomas Cook) served on the GCFM steering committee. Some members went to jail (Tommy Lee Green, Melzina Cook, Estelle Lemon-Cox, Paul Williams, Andrew Hooker, and others) and some members lost their jobs (Lottie Williams, Mother of Belle Flower members, Gloria Lott and LaRita Brown; and Emma Lemon, mother of Estelle Cox) in the struggle for their basic human rights. Night after night people marched out of Belle Flower Church to face down mobs of hate-filled racists. Their efforts and their bravery should never be forgotten. On January 22, 1967, Belle Flower was fire bombed because of its role in the Civil Rights movement. While repairs were being made to the facility, services were held at First New Hope Church. In 1968, several Grenada citizens participated in the Poor People's Campaign (also known as The Mule Train) to Washington, D.C. The southern leg of the Mule Train began on May 13, 1968, in Marks, Miss. The Mule Train's third stop was Grenada. The pickup point for participants was Belle Flower Church. During the years following the Civil Rights Movement, the church made many modern improvements. They included: purchasing and bricking the parsonage, adding a new finance room, adding and remodeling the fellowship hall, refurbishing the sanctuary, (cushioning benches, carpeting floors) purchasing new pulpit furniture, purchasing a public address system and adding the conic. In 2004, the members purchased the block adjacent to the church. The church has added ministries over the years to meet the needs of the members. A Young Adult Choir was added to the Music Ministry in the 1970s. The Nurse's Guild was established in the 1980s. Programs for the needy provided food and clothing for area citizens. Programs for the children included: the Red Circle, YWA, Sunshine Band and Youth Brotherhood. In 1993, A Daisy Girl Scout troop was established for five-year-old girls in the community. In 1976, the organ was purchased through the efforts of Mrs. Mary E. Caffey, who sponsored a Bicentennial Baby Contest. Belle Flower has always had a welcoming and liberal atmosphere. The members set spiritual standards for the Belle Flower children and took pride in the success of its youth. Knowing that they needed to leave a spiritual legacy, adults trained the churches' children according to scripture (Proverbs 22:6). Belle Flower created an environment for its children to grow and flourish spiritually. The fourth Sunday of each month was set aside for the youth. The youths' commitment and zeal for this church was so great that college students would return home monthly to fulfill their obligation as youth choir members, musicians, junior ushers, junior deacons, youth Sunday School teachers and youth superintendent. Church families and ministries have given their time, talents and treasures as a testament to the love they have for ``The Flower''. Some of these gifts included: brass candle holders, steps for the water fountain, the marquee, Bibles, choir robes and uniforms, a piano, the minor over the baptism pool, a podium for the fellowship hall, the drapes over the baptism pool, tables and chairs. For generations, this church has stood as a pillar in the Grenada Community. It has been a shelter in the time of a storm, a rock in a weary land, and a cornerstone of the community. Because of the love, training and support members received at Belle Flower, they have made an indelible mark on the world as medical personnel, authors, beauticians, administrators, soldiers, manufacturers, teachers and ministers. More importantly, however, for 137 years, this church has gifted the world with saved, sanctified souls dedicated to preparing others to see the kingdom of God. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Belle Flower Church for its contribution to the black community and black churches.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an extraordinary community advocate and activist, Samuel McCray. He is a citizen of the Mississippi Delta, who was born on a plantation in a shack in the middle of a cotton field just South of Lambert, Mississippi. He attended the segregated schools in Quitman County, graduating in 1968 from Quitman County Industrial High School. On May 1, 1968, the infamous class of '68 led a walkout, protesting the arrest of Willie Bolden, a Southern Christian Leadership Conference organizer sent to prepare the upcoming March on Washington, the Poor People's Campaign. The first leg of the operation was to start in Marks with mule drawn wagons. An all white Mississippi Highway Patrol unit of twenty troopers attacked the gathering of over 500, and forced them off the jail lawn. For Samuel, this would be his first act of civil disobedience. After high school, he would attend Coahoma Junior College (now Coahoma Community College) and Delta State University (then Delta State College). While in the Delta, he helped to revive the Black Students Organization, becoming second in command in the organization. This organization managed to convince the administration to add African American Studies, to recruit black women to the Delta Bell Cheerleader Squad, to increase financial assistance, and to employ more of our people in the classroom. While out on summer break in 1973, Samuel would join the local chapter of the NAACP and was chosen to head up the voter's league, the political arm of the organization. A few years earlier, the county purged the voter rolls. His first charge was to get ready for the 1975 election so voter's registration was number one priority. During this period of history, the voter rolls and the poll books were coded by race which proved to be a valuable tool. The team discovered pretty quickly that the poll books would provide all the information needed. The consistence voters would be the priority group, believing they would be the easiest to get back on the books and to the polls on Election Day. By the deadline, the group had registered over 1500 black voters. The work had only begun; the decision was made to run a slate, a candidate for each position. Not because of the possibility of winning, there was no chance of that, the black vote was less than a third of the total. Will black voters vote for black candidates? About 80% of the black votes were cast for our candidates. The black leadership could not have been happier; we were on our way. Voter registration was a step-up, and an opportunity presented itself in 1978 with the death of the white county supervisor in District 1. The district had more black voters than another and they were concentrated in the Crenshaw and Darling Precincts. With an attractive candidate, and a good ground game we felt we could make history, and we did. The opposition accused the group of cheating; too many black voters received help with their ballot. They found themselves in court, which turned out to be a blessing. The ruling was that any voter with a physical disability, blind or illiterate could receive assistance from the person of their choosing. Another slate was put together for the Town of Lambert, which had an At-Large scheme where a voter had to case a five candidate's ballot in order for the vote to count. Again, the group looked for the most attractive candidates, one of whom was J.D. ``Jake'' McAdory. Everybody liked him, including both blacks and whites, and he was a standup guy. He was the first African American elected to the Board of Aldermen. As always, the group would run a slate in county elections, realizing that keeping voters engaged was the best tool to building a strong electorate. In the late 70's Samuel would align himself with people like Attorneys: Frank Parker & Margret Carey; the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Victor McTeer & Willie Bailey, Johnnie Walls, Senator Henry Kersey, and others that were challenging the legal schemes hindering blacks from the ballot box. Sam was certified as an expert witness on white block voting, voting harassment, voter's intimidation and at-large voting. The effort would lead to redistricting or redrawing county supervisor and municipal lines to give black voters a fair chance to elect candidates of their choosing. By 1983, with creating three black majorities districts and getting rid of the at-large voting practice, they began getting much closer to achieving the goal set many years earlier. By 1987, they controlled the Quitman County Board of Supervisors. Today, all the municipalities with the exception of two are headed by African American mayors, and all of the governing boards are black majorities. While an activist in Quitman County, Sam worked at Coahoma Opportunities, Inc. (COI) in Clarksdale where he started as a community driver, but quickly moved up in the organization into middle management. He was promoted to Coordinator of Nutrition Access and to an Equal Opportunity Officer. In those positions, the organization would open the first WIC & food bank on site and help to bring free breakfast to public school cafeterias. While with COI, Samuel was serving on the Sub-Area Advisory Council, the group that made recommendations on health facilities in the State. His works on the council led to the creation of Aaron Henry Community Health Services Center in Clarksdale. In 1986, Michael ``Mike'' Alfonso Espy hired him to organize the northern counties of the district where he applied what he had learned from his work in Quitman County, and applied that to a multi-counties model, resulting in some of the best turnout. In 1988, Governor Ray Mabus named Samuel to the Mississippi Housing Finance Corporation. The board later re-named the organization to the Mississippi Home Corporation, where he was elected Chairperson of the Program Committee. In this role, Samuel worked with local nonprofits to access programs such as USDA's Community Self-Help program, the 504 repair loan/grant and the 502 home ownership, which is the program used by Samuel to purchase his home. In 1993, Congressman Mike Espy would step down to accept the Secretary of Agriculture in the Clinton Administration, the first African American ever to hold this position. The community was happy to have one of its own, but it put the 2nd District at risk. Thankfully, the leadership agreed to a mini convention process that led to a consensus candidate, Honorable Bennie Thompson, County Supervisor from Hinds County, who was one of the single most respected, elected officials in the State, black or white. Thompson would go on to win and take office in April of 1993. Samuel never envisioned holding office or working for a politician, but this is Bennie Thompson, he's a living legend. After lobbying his District Director almost daily, Samuel was hired on June 1, 1993 as a Field Representative and Caseworker, the greatest job on the planet. The Congressman assigned him the counties he had worked over the last twenty years. Samuel's office was located in Marks, his home town. Armed with marching orders to assure Federal Agencies deliver services fairly to his constituents, Samuel served as a resource to non-profits, governmental agencies and small businesses. In the years that followed, the Clinton Administration would institute the Empowerment Zone and the Enterprise Community Initiative. Part of Samuel's assigned counties received the Enterprise Community designation. North Panola would receive a portable water system that provided safe drinking water for hundreds of families. Local limited resource farmers would get a vegetable processing plant so they could better market their produce. An unexpected benefit to an unexpected group of about fifty families living in the Cotton Street Community, got sewer services for the first time. A street separated the town of Marks from this community, and because of their activism in the 60s, they were still being punished. The residents of Cotton Street found out and met with the governing body, and had them resubmit their application to include Cotton Street. On March 17, 2008, then candidate for President of the United States Barack Obama came to Greenville for breakfast with the Congressman and staff. Upon his election, the Congressman took his entire staff to the Inauguration of the first African-American President in his lifetime. After nineteen and a half years as a Congressional Aide being a part of some of the greatest advancements, right here in the Mississippi Delta to be a part of it is a prayer, answered. Samuel and his wife of 32 years, Bernestine, still live in Quitman County. Their three children: Barbara, Johnathan, and Shonari are all grown and gone, with their 12 grandchildren whom Samuel and Bernestine love from a distance. On December 31, 2012 Samuel retired, the time had come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Samuel McCray for his dedication in being a respected community servant.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a resourceful and ambitious woman, Captain Anitria M. Mack. Anitria has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve others. Captain Anitria Michelle Mack was born on April 17, 1975 in Grenada, MS. She graduated from Grenada High School, May 1993. She began her military career in May 1992, enlisting in the 254th Engineer Detachment, Camp McCain, MS, under the split option program as an Administrative Specialist. She completed Basic Training the summer of 1992 and Advanced Initial Training the summer of 1993 at Fort Jackson, SC. The 254th Engineer Detachment later reorganized and became Detachment 3 Company B 106th Support Battalion causing CPT Mack-Lewis to reclassify as a Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. She enrolled in Jackson State University in August, 1993 where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting in May, 1997 and a Masters Degree in Business Administration, May, 2000. CPT Mack-Lewis then entered the Federal Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning, GA, July 8, 2001 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on October 11, 2001. CPT Mack-Lewis simultaneously served as the Executive Officer and Maintenance Control Officer of Bravo Company 106th Support Battalion from October 2001 thru December 2004, located at Camp Shelby, MS. CPT Mack-Lewis deployed to Iraq in January 2005 as the Supply and Services Officer, where she was the Officer In Charge of all Logistics Convoy Operations for six Forward Operating Bases occupied by the 155th Brigade Combat Team within the ``Triangle of Death''. Upon return from Iraq, she assumed company command from April 2006-January 2008 of Alpha Company 106th Brigade Support Battalion, a Supply and Distribution Company whose headquarter is in Magee, MS with detachments at Prentiss and Taylorsville, MS. She then served as the Executive Officer of Joint Forces Headquarters, Jackson, MS from January 2008-May 2009. CPT Mack-Lewis has received numerous awards throughout her career to include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, as well as other commendations and state awards. CPT Mack-Lewis worked fulltime with the Mississippi Army National Guard from January 1999-May 2009 as a federal technician. She served as a Budget Analyst for the Director of Logistics from January, 1999- December, 2004 and as the Employee Relations Specialist for all MS Army and Air National Guard Federal Technicians from January 2005-May 2009. She was then hired on the Active Guard Reserve Program (AGR) June, 2009. She currently teaches Army ROTC to students attending Mississippi College, MS College School of Law and Hinds Community College. She also serves as ROTC Liaison for National Guard soldiers who attend school at MC, MC School of Law, UMC, JSU, Hinds CC, Belhaven, Millsaps, Delta State, and MS Valley State University. She is a member of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Mississippi Army National Guard. She currently serves as a Logistics Officer for the 106th Brigade Support Battalion, Monticello, MS. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Clinton (MS) Alumnae Chapter. She and her husband Paul have been married since August 31, 2002 and currently reside in Terry, MS. They are members of New Jerusalem Church, Jackson, MS. CPT Mack-Lewis's favorite scripture comes from Psalm 27:1-3. ``The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and foes came upon me to eat my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me. My heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Captain Anitria M. Mack for her passion and dedication to serving our great Country 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 public servant, Lieutenant Colonel Tyrone A. Williams. Lt. Col. Tyrone A. Williams serves as the 172d Maintenance Operations Flight's Maintenance Operations Officer, Thompson Field, in Jackson, Mississippi. He is the primary advisor to the 172d Maintenance Group Commander for Maintenance Operations, operating block 13+ and, 16/17 C- 17A aircraft, providing the state of Mississippi support in the event of national emergency, maintaining peace and order, and supporting civil defense and pre-attack planning. Lt. Col. Williams is responsible for 20 personnel, nine C-17 aircraft, two major facilities, and associated support equipment. Lt. Col. Williams set up both the Air National Guard's first Air Education and Training Command gained training detachment and the Air National Guard's only C-17 Aircraft Maintenance Training Field Service Detachment. Lt. Col. Williams began his military career as an enlisted member, serving as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist on the C-141 B and C model aircraft. He received his commission in 1998, graduating from the Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base. He is a career logistician with a discipline in maintenance. Lt. Col. Williams has been deployed numerous times in his career in support of both the real world and the special training events. In 2009, he served as the Division Chief, Logistics Operations Division, Logistics Directorate, United States Central Command Air Force Forces Forward in Southwest Asia. Lt. Col. Williams is a veteran of Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and the European Strategic Inter-theater Deployment. Lt. Col. Williams has had many assignments and prior to his current assignment; he served as the 172d Maintenance Operations Flight Commander and the Logistics Group, Executive Officer, 172d Airlift Wing, Thompson Field, Jackson, Mississippi. As executive officer he assisted the Director of Logistics in formulating, developing, and coordinating all plans, policies and programs, finances and manpower requirements affecting aircraft maintenance, fuels, logistics plans, munitions, supply and transportation. Lt. Col. Williams has a vast knowledge of education which includes a Master of Science Degree from Air University, AL received in 2009 and most recently in 2012 completed Commander Development Course from Andrews Air Force Base, MD. Lt. Col. Williams has major awards and decorations: Air Force Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Achievement Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 9 Devices; Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Devices; and National Defense Service Medal with 1 Device. Lt. Col. Williams has state awards that include: Mississippi War Medal; Mississippi Emergency Service Medal; Mississippi Service School Medal; Mississippi Longevity Medal; Louisiana Emergency Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border with 1 Device; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 2 Devices; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 2 `M' Devices; and Air Force Training Ribbon with Device. Lt. Col. Williams is affiliated with many professional memberships and associations and a Life Member of the National Guard Association of the United States, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lt. Col. Williams for his dedication and support to the national and state Military Services.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Stephen L. Caldwell, a recently retired Director of the Government Accountability Office's Homeland Security and Justice team. Steve and his team have provided indispensable support to Congressional Committees and individual Members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate throughout his long service to Congress, and to this nation. As a past Chairman, and now Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I have had the pleasure of working with Steve on many crucial security issues over the years. His experience, knowledge, and professionalism have made him a significant contributor to improving homeland security programs, domestically and abroad. In his more than 30 years with the GAO, Steve has led the production of innumerable reports, and his work for our Committee has covered issues ranging from protecting our critical infrastructure to promoting resiliency in federal programs and in our civil society at large. His astonishing thoroughness and dedication while working at GAO, one of our most essential independent agencies, has created a legacy that is respected in Congress, and certainly among his peers. In recent years Steve has contributed to a number of GAO audits of particular interest and help to me as Chairman of the Committee, and now as Ranking Member, and has testified numerous times before our Committee and many others in both the House and Senate. He is known nationally and internationally as an expert regarding the security of the maritime global supply chain and critical infrastructure protection, and has spoken on these issues at innumerable conferences. His articles appear regularly in academic and industry journals. Of particular importance, Steve has contributed to a number of recommendations that have led to significant changes in The Customs and Border Protection's programs that have improved the security of the maritime supply chain, among other issues, not only in the United States but around the world. Personally, I will miss Steve's commitment, know-how, and enthusiasm, and I am sure I speak for the other Members of the Committee on Homeland Security, when I say that I am deeply in his debt. I sincerely thank him and his devoted family, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Stephen L. Caldwell for his remarkable career. He has served well the Government Accountability Office, the Committee on Homeland Security, and countless others in the Federal Government, and especially the citizens of our nation who have benefited from his expertise and dedicated effort. Steve, we will surely miss your hard work, good humor, and sage advice.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Chair, in taking from the comments from the speaker in opposition, you want the States to certify, but you want the Federal Government to provide the money. What we are saying is, if the Federal Government is providing the money, then they should have some oversight as to the overall standards that are adhered to by the program. What my amendment simply does is to say that the Secretary of Education has a responsibility to certify that all students will be provided the proper education and other things afforded this act. It is about the certification, and before we spend any money, we have to do that. If the State certifies to the Secretary, then that is fine; but if we are saying, as I understand the opposition to this amendment, that we are going to leave that certification to the States without any oversight from the Federal Government--all they want is our money--then that is a poor way to run government. Madam Chair, I ask for support of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Chair, the Thompson amendment to the Student Success Act is a commonsense amendment that ensures millions of poor, minority, and disadvantaged students will not be overlooked in the chaos that emanates from this rewrite of our educational policy. Madam Chair, education is a civil right. Rather than develop quality standards that improve and enhance our system of education, this body has overlooked the harmful effects of H.R. 5 on funding and equal opportunity for millions of our students. H.R. 5 removes strong accountability provisions required to make sure that children who need the most help will actually get help. It is morally unacceptable and extraordinarily expensive to have 14.7 million poor children in our country, 6.5 million of them living at less than half the poverty level. All of these children exceed the combined residents in all 50 State capitals and the District of Columbia. The Thompson amendment protects these populations from discrimination. The Student Success Act has failed to set standards that ensure vulnerable minority and disadvantaged students will be able to obtain a high school diploma. Our Nation has demonstrated the need for Federal action that forces States to care about the achievement of vulnerable communities. More specifically, in Black communities, the legacy and commitment to education stems from the days of slavery when Blacks learned to read in secret and at risk to their own lives. Even 50 years after Brown v. Board of Education, these communities and schools are still very much segregated. However, the concentration of poverty has become more exacerbated. Research has shown that school districts spend $733 per pupil less at schools that were 90 percent minority compared to the schools that were 90 percent White. The task before this Chamber is to improve our broken system of education. We must right the wrongs of past education legislation and insert accountability for the learning of historically underserved students. If the goal of H.R. 5 truly is to improve our educational system for vulnerable students and increase their college readiness and career skills set, this amendment should be a no-brainer. The Thompson amendment is simple. It directs the Secretary of Education to certify that this law will not adversely impact minorities, students with disabilities, English learners, and students with low income. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim that H.R. 5 will improve outcomes for poor, minority, and disadvantaged students. If so, then a Secretarial determination of this positive impact should be something every Member of this body can support. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support amendment 43, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for the time. It is quite clear that a short-term CR is not in the best interest of the country. It is quite clear that the politics of Homeland Security puts us at risk as a Nation. All of the things that have gone on over the last few weeks say that we have to have a fully funded Department--our men and women in the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and Transportation Security Administration, all those entities on the front line keeping us safe. A 3-week CR that kicks the can down the road does not keep us safe. It only says that it is ``politics as usual.'' What I am saying, in the interest of the over 200,000 men and women who work every day and do a wonderful job, they should not be played as pawns in this game of Homeland Security chess. Let's fully fund the Department, like we funded every other Department, and get on with the business of securing America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkably talented individual, Malcolm Butler, who is a native of Mississippi. Butler was born into a family of five children in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Mr. Butler is a prime example of learning from one's mistakes and taking advantage of being given a second chance. Despite only playing football at the cornerback position his freshman and senior years at Vicksburg High School, Butler was able to receive a scholarship from Hinds Community College after graduating in 2009. After some setbacks in his first season, Butler was dismissed from the team midseason. However, he did not let prior mistakes define him, and as he made major adjustments in his life, he was invited to rejoin the team. Butler went on to play at Division II University of West Alabama in 2012, where he played exceptionally both seasons. His junior year, he started in all 12 games and recorded 49 tackles and 5 interceptions; the following year he had 45 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a blocked field goal. His seasons were so remarkable that he was named All-Gulf South Conference both years. Despite such success at West Alabama, Butler went undrafted. Fortunately, he was invited to attend a tryout for the New England Patriots to make their roster going into training camp. With odds that were not in his favor, Butler managed to be a standout player at that tryout, and he ultimately made the team. Butler had a solid season this year on the Patriots team, playing 52 snaps on special teams and 182 on defense. Though he didn't play in the playoffs versus the Ravens and only 15 snaps against the Colts, Butler made a name for himself in this year's Super Bowl. After the Patriots struggled against Seahawks wide receiver Chris Matthews throughout the first half, the Patriots made adjustments and substituted Butler in the game. New England was able to contain Matthews, and they held the lead 24- 20 with two minutes left in the game. Butler came through in two crucial plays in the home stretch. In the first, after swatting the ball into the air, Butler manages to force receiver Jermaine Kearse out of bounds after Kearse caught it. Two plays later, Butler made a game- winning interception, the first of his NFL career. Butler's example is proof that one's mistakes do not define him. His persistence, combined with his shrewd football acumen, has cemented his role in NFL history. Malcolm Butler is yet another example of Mississippi's tradition of producing fine athletes that are also honorable human beings.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 720, a bill I am pleased to be a cosponsor of. The shooting at LAX resulted in the loss of Officer Hernandez's life and served as a stark reminder of the dangers the men and women on the front lines of securing our aviation sector face. Unarmed and exposed, Transportation Security Officers perform the often thankless task of screening 1.8 million passengers per day. They do so with limited workplace protections and the great responsibility of preventing another terrorist attack on the scale of 9/11. Given their vulnerability and the critical role they play in protecting our homeland, it is essential that airports and the law enforcement agencies that serve them have the resources, training, and plans in place to ensure a swift and effective response when an incident that threatens the safety of Transportation Security Officers occurs. In March of 2014, I had the opportunity to attend the Subcommittee on Transportation Security's site visit and field hearing at Los Angeles International Airport focused on the tragic shooting that occurred there on November 1st of 2013. While the response of the individual police officers who prevented further loss of life on that tragic day is to be commended, the overall response at LAX left much to be desired. Panic buttons at the checkpoint were not in working order. The emergency phone Transportation Security Officers have been trained to use did not display the location of the incident to the command center, and the police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel responding could not communicate via interoperable radios. The bill before us today represents a bipartisan effort to remedy many of the deficiencies identified following the shooting. During Committee consideration of the bill last Congress, Representative Payne offered an amendment to the bill requiring TSA to conduct a nationwide assessment of the interoperability capabilities of emergency responders at airports. I am pleased that the amendment was adopted and is still included in the bill before the House today. Such an assessment will help inform where communications gaps that may hamper emergency response at airports still exist. I would like to once again give my condolences for Officer Hernandez. Under current law, the families of individuals serving a public agency in an official capacity as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or chaplain receive compensation if their loved one is killed in the line of duty. The same is true for families of employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and members of rescue squads or ambulance crews. Unfortunately, the law has not been updated to include Transportation Security Officers within the definition of what constitutes a public safety officer. As a result, the families of TSOs who are killed in the line of duty, such as the Hernandez family, are not entitled to funds from the Public Safety Officer's Benefits Program. Last Congress, Representative Brownley introduced legislation that would grant Transportation Security Officers the benefits of other law enforcement officers that are killed in the line of duty. It is my understanding that Representative Brownley intends to reintroduce the ``Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act'' this Congress. I implore my colleagues to support the forthcoming legislation so that the families of the men and women on the front lines of protecting our aviation sector are properly compensated when tragedy strikes.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 719, the ``TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act of 2015''. Upon its creation, TSA was given broad authority to hire, fire, and set the terms of employment of its personnel. This has resulted in employees, such as Transportation Security Officers, lacking the full rights afforded other Federal employees. It has also resulted, in some cases, of abuses of the system for the gain of a few. According to the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, TSA's Office of Inspection has been gaming the system by employing a bloated number of personnel as ``criminal investigators'' for years. Those who are designated as ``criminal investigators'' receive additional compensation and are afforded the right to retire early. H.R. 719 will put an end to these abuses by requiring the Inspector General to approve the method used by TSA to designate personnel as criminal investigators. It also requires TSA to certify to Congress that only those individuals performing the requisite criminal investigation work are designated as ``criminal investigators''. According to the Inspector General, properly classifying individuals within TSA's Office of Inspection could save taxpayers as much as $17 million over five years. During Committee consideration of this measure last Congress, I offered an amendment on behalf of Representative Loretta Sanchez that addresses revelations about how some within TSA's Federal Air Marshal Service exploited relationships with private vendors to obtain discounted or free firearms. Specifically, in April 2014, the Committee became aware that the former director of the Federal Air Marshal Service bought several guns from an employee who is under investigation for using his position to obtain free and discounted firearms. Unfortunately, TSA was less than forthcoming with Congress regarding this investigation, leaving many questions unanswered about how the investigation was conducted and the number of FAMs officials involved. The exploitation of official relationships for personal gain is a serious matter. Such misuse occurring within the Federal Air Marshal Service, the Law Enforcement component within TSA is unacceptable. To address the lack of transparency regarding the investigation, the Committee accepted language I offered to require TSA to provide information and materials associated with the Office of Inspection's review of the allegations to Congress.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, on Friday we lost our colleague Alan Nunnelee, who represented the First Congressional District of Mississippi. On yesterday, Congressman Nunnelee was funeralized. The entire Mississippi delegation and 40 other Members of Congress attended. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House pause for a moment of silence in remembrance of Congressman Nunnelee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Fred T. Nolan, a native of Dyer, Tennessee, but raised in Paducah, Kentucky, and has lived in Jackson, Mississippi since his graduation from Tougaloo College in the early 1960s. One of his early career choices was teaching in the Jackson Public School District (JPS). Mr. Nolan taught two years at the then Brinkley High School located on Livingston Road and was a ninth grade teacher of Social Studies and Mathematics. He left JPS to pursue other career options and worked briefly for the Urban League of Jackson as director. The majority of his career spanned 25 years as the executive director of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, a division of Housing Urban Development (HUD). After fully retiring from HUD in 1996, Mr. Nolan rejoined the JPS family as a substitute and limited service teacher. He worked three years in a limited service capacity at Siwell Middle, Lanier High, and Forest Hill High schools. Mr. Fred Nolan is married to Mrs. Kisiah Nolan, a former JPS Board member and president. His son, Fredrick Nolan, is coordinator of the JPS WATCH D.O.G.S. program. The Nolans also have two daughters: Renee Nolan Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama, and Adrienne Nolan Colar of Smyrna, Georgia. All three of their children are graduates of the Jackson Public School District. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Fred T. Nolan for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Fred T. Nolan, a native of Dyer, Tennessee, but raised in Paducah, Kentucky, and has lived in Jackson, Mississippi since his graduation from Tougaloo College in the early 1960s. One of his early career choices was teaching in the Jackson Public School District (JPS). Mr. Nolan taught two years at the then Brinkley High School located on Livingston Road and was a ninth grade teacher of Social Studies and Mathematics. He left JPS to pursue other career options and worked briefly for the Urban League of Jackson as director. The majority of his career spanned 25 years as the executive director of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, a division of Housing Urban Development (HUD). After fully retiring from HUD in 1996, Mr. Nolan rejoined the JPS family as a substitute and limited service teacher. He worked three years in a limited service capacity at Siwell Middle, Lanier High, and Forest Hill High schools. Mr. Fred Nolan is married to Mrs. Kisiah Nolan, a former JPS Board member and president. His son, Fredrick Nolan, is coordinator of the JPS WATCH D.O.G.S. program. The Nolan's also have two daughters: Renee Nolan Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama, and Adrienne Nolan Colar of Smyrna, Georgia. All three of their children are graduates of the Jackson Public School District. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Fred T. Nolan for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. I thank the gentleman for the additional 30 seconds. The majority decries the administration's immigration actions, but offers no solution or alternatives of its own. Instead, it plays and replays the game of we will or we won't fund the government. Mr. Speaker, the game of chicken has come and run its course. It is time to provide full-year funding to DHS so it can continue its critical mission.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. I thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis) for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rule. Just over 1 month ago, I stood on this floor urging the majority to allow Members of this Chamber to fund the Department of Homeland Security in the omnibus. The majority did not listen. In the past month, even as the majority plotted to punish the Department for the President's action on immigration, a series of terrorist incidents across the globe have brought into sharp focus the need for a fully funded and fully functional DHS. First, in Sidney, Australia, we witnessed a terrorist attack on a cafe where, at the end of a lengthy standoff, two innocent people lay dead. The crippling cyber attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment's network raised awareness of the damage that hacks can do. Then, last week in Paris, there were a series of terrorist attacks that have sent shock waves beyond the borders of France. The execution-style murders of 12 members of the creative team of Charlie Hebdo, followed by the indiscriminate killing at a Jewish supermarket, are not simply tragic incidents; they serve as a reminder that the terrorist threats we face are evolving, and they are evolving quickly. As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to give the Department of Homeland Security the resources it needs to be dynamic and agile in response to these evolving threats. The underlying DHS appropriations bill under consideration today, although not perfect, could certainly pass both Chambers and be enacted into law with the President's signature. However, the likelihood, dare I say inevitability, that one or more of the poison pill amendments that the Rules Committee approved will get attached ensures a DHS shutdown or slowdown continues. And to what end? The majority decries the administration's immigration actions but offers no solution.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chair, I thank the Gentlewoman from New York, Ms. Lowey, for yielding me time. Mr. Chair, I rise to voice my opposition to the anti-immigration amendments that will be considered later this afternoon. These poison-pill amendments were not drafted with an eye toward making our nation safer, but rather scoring political points against the President. As Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I am disturbed that some of my colleagues are willing to play partisan politics with national security. Over the past month, we have seen major cyber-attacks at American companies and radicalized terrorists wreak havoc on the streets of Sydney and Paris. Yet the amendments the Majority insists on attaching to DHS' funding bill have nothing to do with cybersecurity. And they have nothing to do with keeping Americans safe from lone- wolf terrorists or other radicalized individuals. Rather, the amendments are being considered to satisfy the far-right fringe contingency of the Republican Party who have amassed disproportionate influence over the past few years. The Amendments we are considering today could force DHS to use its limited resources to remove law-abiding children brought to the country through no fault of their own before deporting those who pose a threat to our safety or security. Similarly, the Blackburn Amendment would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, setting in motion the deportation of those who have already come forward, paid the relevant fees and submitted to background checks, from America--the only home most of them have ever known. In light of global terrorist events that occurred in recent months, the notion that we would remove individuals--who are known to, and have been vetted by, DHS--before focusing on those who may do us harm runs counter to common-sense and contradicts our risk-based approach to homeland security. I urge my colleagues to reject the anti-immigration amendments that will be considered later this afternoon. Instead, we should be voting on a clean DHS funding bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a landmark establishment within the Clinton community that provides one of the most critical and essential services for all working parents: Lambs of God, Inc. Lambs of God, Inc., formerly known as Agape' Childcare, was established on August 1987 by Jessie and Shirley Burns of Bolton, Mississippi. Over the past two decades, the establishment has changed ownership and name twice, but the quality of childcare and nurturing has continued to grow for over 20 years. In 1998, Victor and Cantrell Keyes, also of Bolton, Mississippi, became the new owners and changed the name to Agape Christian Academy. In June 2005, Kenneth and Vickie Lewis of Clinton, Mississippi became the establishment's present day owners and renamed the business Lambs of God, Inc. Over 1000 children have been served and ministered to through Lambs of God, Inc. Founded in reference to John 21:15. The business is currently licensed to serve 57 children and is dedicated to developing and nurturing the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth in a safe Christian learning environment. In addition to providing childcare, the establishment also offers summer camp, preschool, afterschool, before school drop-off, A'Beka tutorial and two well-balanced meals and two afternoon snacks. The overall mission of Lambs of God, Inc. is to interactively engage a child's educational needs while promoting professionalism in the field of childcare. The vision and inspiration for Lambs of God, Inc. manifested via the encouragement given by Mrs. Daisy Johnson, owner of Kids Are Kids Learning Center in Brandon, Mississippi. Her insight in the field of childcare gave Mr. and Mrs. Lewis the inspiration and the tools needed to encourage and redirect families and single parents. Childcare became the perfect opportunity to lay a strong spiritual/educational foundation, build character and exemplify love, all while strengthening the community and establishing lifelong relationships. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lambs of God, Inc. for its' past and present dedication to providing impeccable, dependable childcare services in an effort to help families of all backgrounds within the Clinton community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran and community servant, Sergeant Milton Moore. Sergeant Moore has shown what can be done through hard work, setting goals, and aiming high. Sergeant Moore attended the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute in Long Beach, MS where he graduated with honors in 2000. He has completed training in: Clandestine Lab Investigations, Interview and Interrogation, Psychological Response to Active Shooter, and numerous other training courses, including, FEMA Incident Command System ICS200, IC5300, IC5400, and IC5700. Sergeant Milton Moore was hired with the City of Vicksburg in September 1999, as a firefighter. Deciding to follow the footsteps of his father, he became an employee of the Vicksburg Police Department in March 2000. Since that time, he has served as a Patrol Officer and Field Training Officer. Sergeant Moore was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February 2010, scoring the highest of all candidates. Sergeant Moore is presently serving as a shift commander, where he currently has 9 officers under his command. Sergeant Moore was only 6 years old when his father joined the Vicksburg Police Department in 1975. Being around law enforcement all of his life, Sergeant Moore gained interest and respect for the duties of law enforcement. He knew that one day he would be able to wear the uniform and follow his father's footsteps and become an officer at the Vicksburg Police Department. Most of the traits and values that Sergeant Moore's father instilled in him he still practices daily. These attributes have helped Sergeant Moore become a model officer. February 19, 2014, Sergeant Milton Moore was honored as Officer of the Year by the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolence Club. Being a recipient of this award, was a very humbling experience for Sergeant Moore. The award is named the ``Artel Moore Award'' after Sergeant Moore's deceased father. Sergeant Moore is a member of the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force. Sergeant Moore is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, serving in the U.S. Navy during the first Iraq war, Desert Storm, in 1991. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sergeant Milton Moore for his dedication to serving our great Country and his community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable hero, Lillie G. Henson. Lillie G. Dean Henson was born to the late Aaron and Lillian Dean on August 10, 1949 in Sardis, MS Panola County. She is the ninth of eleven children, five boys and six girls. There were many challenges that she faced that seemed to have placed her in the line of the first born. She was blessed to be born in a Christian home where reading and studying the bible were not an option, therefore, her faith in the Lord was well rooted and grounded. Faced with many challenges of sickness in my family, Lillie learned the application of her faith was the only true anchor. Growing up was very challenging at times. Early in her growing up years her mother was stricken with a severe heart condition which required lots of rest and carefully prepared meals. At the age of fourteen, much of the responsibility of taking care of the family fell upon Lillie. Cooking breakfast for the family and preparing a special diet for her ailing mom before going off to school was quite an experience. As a little girl growing up, Lillie's dad would ask her to read the bible to him, and as a child she remembers reading: ``Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the earth.'' This scripture and many others rested in her spirit as she grew into adulthood. Lillie's passion for the word of God grew greater and greater. By the time Lillie was a junior in high school, she began to make plans for college . . . only to be asked by her ailing mother to stay home to make sure her younger sister, who was then a junior, finish high school. Her plans were shattered but she learned to be obedient to her parents through the studying of the scriptures. In 1969, Lillie's mother went to be with the Lord, her sister completed her junior year of high school with perfect attendance and completed high school as planned. In 1970, Lillie moved to Chicago with her older siblings. Lillie was employed at Brachs Candy Company for twenty years. She was among the first few African Americans to hold a manager's position in the Quality Control Department. In 1990, Lillie's dad at the age of eighty two became ill. Her husband, Otha Henson, Sr., who was also employed at Brachs Candy Company and is from Kilmichael, MS., decided to move back south to care for Lillie's dad and baby sister, Rebecca, who was born with Spinal Bifida. Lillie's dad passed away in 1991 and Rebecca lived ten years after his death. Since 1996 to present, Lillie has been employed as Program Manager at Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a Youth Development Program located in Lambert, MS. Lillie continued her education at Northwest Community College, Senatobia, MS., Rust College, Holly Springs, MS., and in 2012, she earned a BA in Ministry and in 2013 she received a Masters in Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, FL. Lillie is happily married, the proud mother of four children, eleven grandchildren and two great grand boys. You can find her teaching Sunday school on Sunday mornings at Pleasant Green M.B. Church, Sardis, MS, also a praise and worship leader, counseling, and encouraging and nurturing those in need. Eph. 6:2, ``Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Lillie G. Henson for she is definitely the epitome of an unsung hero.