Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Bridgett Carpenter. Mrs. Carpenter is a Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist at Saint Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi's Medical Center. Mrs. Carpenter is a member of the Association of Pediatric Surgical Nurses, National Association of Neonatal Nurses, and Society of Pediatric Nurses. She is a certified Pediatric Advanced Life Support regional faculty member as well as a certified Advanced Burn Life Support Provider. Mrs. Carpenter has worked at Saint Dominic Hospital for the past 23 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Bridgett Carpenter for her notable services as a Registered Nurse in the Mississippi health care community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. William Lloyd Booker of Clarksdale, Mississippi, for his noteworthy health care contributions to the Clarksdale, Mississippi, community. Dr. Booker's education began in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, where he graduated from West Tallahatchie as High Salutatorian in 1973. He completed his undergraduate studies at Tougaloo College majoring in Chemistry where he graduated ``Cum Laude'' with a Bachelor of Science degree. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Iowa in 1982 and residence training at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, where he served as a resident physician. Dr. Booker has served as Medical Director and Staff Physician for Aaron E. Henry Health Service Center in Clarksdale, Mississippi, since 1985. He practices Family Medicine and was associated with the Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, where he served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine from 2000 to 2002, Vice Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2004, Chief of Staff from 2004 to 2006, and now serves as Regional State Physician Leadership Council Representative. Dr. Booker is a member of the National Association of Community Health Centers, Mississippi Primary Health Care Association, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Swarokski Crystal Society. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Dr. William Lloyd Booker for his contributions and services in health care to the Clarksdale, Mississippi, community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a longtime healthcare provider, Ms. Beatrice Ivory. She is the daughter of T.J. and Martha Ivory and is the mother of Kayla Beatrice Ivory, an Industrial and System Engineering major at Mississippi State University. Ms. Beatrice graduated from Henry Weather High School in Rolling Fork, MS in 1974. After working for 13 years with mentally challenged patients at Mississippi Christian Family service, she aspired to continue her education. In 1990, she received her LPN license from Hinds Community College along with specialties in Intravenous certification (IV) and Emergency Medical Technical License (EMT). Since receiving her LPN, she has worked with Skarkey-Issaquena Community Hospital (SICH), Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Delta Regional Medical Center, and Continue Care Home Health Agency. Ms. Beatrice is a member of the Pleasant Valley M.B. Church where she is an usher and Sunday school teacher. She is also currently serving as Treasurer of the South Delta School District Parent Teacher Organization. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in commending Ms. Beatrice Ivory for her services as a healthcare provider and public servant to the State of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a valued member of our society, Mrs. Gertrude L. Mallett. Mrs. Mallett is a conservationist and agriculturalist from Hinds County, Mississippi. Her wisdom and sincere affection for everyone leaves everlasting impressions. Born December 18, 1919, she is the widow of Frank Mallett and mother to their six children. Mr. and Mrs. Mallett believed in God, family, and hard work and raised their children to believe in such. The Mallett family is proprietor of roughly 200 acres of land in Hinds County, Mississippi, where they raise and harvest cattle, corn and cotton. Up until 1995, when Mrs. Mallet obtained her General Education Diploma from Hinds Community College in 1995 at the age of 75, she had only attained an 8th grade education. Today, at 92 years of age, Mrs. Mallett remains active; she advises the day-to-day farm operations of their family farm in addition to maintaining her annual garden. Mrs. Mallett is an all around craftsman and self-taught ceramicist. She crafts quilts and crochets in addition to other handiworks. Mrs. Mallett is a servant to God and faithful steward of Saint John's Missionary Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school for over 30 years, served as the church secretary for more than 50 years and still remains active in the church. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Gertrude L. Mallet for her unwavering commitment to horticulture.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Cleveland Donald, Jr., a civil rights advocate, community activist and pioneering educator. Dr. Donald will be largely remembered as the second African-American student to graduate from the University of Mississippi, but he was also a reflection of all that we hope and expect our community leaders to be. Born April 10, 1946, in Newton, Mississippi, Cleveland Donald, Jr. was the oldest of five children born to Rosia and Cleveland Donald, Sr. As a student at Brinkley High School, he excelled academically and enrolled in Tougaloo College when he was 17. After attending Tougaloo for one year, he enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1964, and graduated in 1966 with a history degree. He would become the second African-American there to graduate and the last to enter under Federal Protection. Dr. Donald was that rare individual who dedicated his entire life's work to education. He obtained multiple academic degrees from prestigious universities such as Ole Miss, Harvard, and Cornell; where he obtained his doctorate. As a college professor, he taught in universities across the country and worked in the private sector on projects related to higher education. He was an excellent role model for young adults, a leader to fellow faculty members and a shining example of perseverance in order to achieve your dreams and goals. A man of deep conviction, Dr. Donald became involved in the civil rights movement while attending Tougaloo and was arrested multiple times for protesting the racial injustices of the era. He helped establish a black studies program at the University of Mississippi in addition to working with former Governor William Winter on programs at the University of Mississippi for racial reconciliation. Dr. Donald's legacy will be carried on through his son, Cleveland Donald III, and his daughters Krista Donald and Toyetta Donald. He has four brothers; Judge John Donald, Major General James Donald, Reverend Larry Donald, and Master Sergeant Howard Donald. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Cleveland Donald, Jr., an educator and civil rights advocate who found his lifework in the work that he loved.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fine patriot and noble member of his community, Mr. Bennie Dotson. Mr. Dotson was born September 9, 1923, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He is the younger of two children born to the late Mr. Ben and Mrs. Mary Dotson. Mr. Dotson's early years of education began at Dunbar Elementary School in Warren County, Mississippi. He later attended Grange Hall Elementary School culminating with an eighth grade education. At the age of 18, Mr. Dotson entered the United States Army and served in the European War. He received his basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, after which, he served tours of duty in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. After leaving the United States Army, Mr. Dotson worked at Anderson Tully Lumber Company in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he retired after 45 years of service. Mr. Dotson has continued to serve as a lay member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church for many years. Mr. Dotson was happily married to his late wife of 57 years, Mrs. Lorraine Dotson, and together they raised one child, Ruby McDonald. He also has a host of nieces and nephews that love and care for him. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Bennie Dotson for his dedication to our country and his commitment to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mrs. Alma R. Hollins-Rucker. Mrs. Rucker was born and raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi. She is the daughter of Mr. Arnett Hollins and the late Ms. Carrie Mae Wright. She is a pillar of her community for not only holding reputable positions within her church, but by also promoting a positive image and reputation through her service to others in the community. Mrs. Rucker started serving the Lord at an early age at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church where she is still a member and serves as President of the Pastor's Aide Club and Chair of the Trustee Board. She graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1970 and attended Draughon's Business College. After attending Draughon's Business College, she became the Assistant Librarian at Lamar Library and retired four years later in management due to an acquired disability. Despite her handicap, Mrs. Rucker continues to serve her community through countless acts of servitude. She volunteers at several food pantries and nursing homes and provides donations to various organizations throughout her community. Mrs. Rucker is the mother of five children and three grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Alma R. Rucker for her dedication to serving others in need.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mrs. Alma Lee Thompson-Lewis. She was born in the rural town of Flora, Mississippi on September 6, 1930. Mrs. Lewis received her early education at Good Hope Church and Christ Missionary Industrial Church School in Jackson, Mississippi. She earned her high school diploma from Camden Street School in Canton, Mississippi and Mrs. Lewis later furthered her studies at Mary Holmes College in West Point, Mississippi. Born to Mr. Willie Lee Thompson and Mrs. Emma Deloris Cotton- Thompson, she is the eldest of four children. After the passing of both her parents in 1950, Mrs. Lewis, with the help of her grandparents, served as caregiver to her three siblings; Mrs. Lucille Thompson- Jamison, Mr. John Thompson and Mrs. Louise Thompson Eley-Sumler. Mrs. Lewis has been a long-time community servant. She's worked many years with organizations in and around the Flora, Mississippi area. These organizations include the Magnolia Improvement Committee, The Ebony Group, Community Pride Groceries, the Madison County Civic Organization and the Order of the Eastern Star; an organization of which she is a member. She is a faithful and dedicated member of Fearns Chapel Free Will Baptist Church where she has served as choir advisor, group captain and Sunday school teacher. Over the years, she has also been involved with many other community service projects, including serving as manager of the Magnolia Heights voting precinct. Mrs. Lewis began to serve with the Mississippi Head Start Program as a carrier, where she used her family's station wagon to transport children to and from the Head Start Center in Flora, Mississippi. She was eventually certified to teach for the Head Start Program and finally promoted to Center Director, where she eventually retired in 1991. She is the wife of Mr. Dan Lewis and mother to Mrs. Debra Thompson- Devine, Mr. Levi Lewis, Mr. Calvin Lewis, Mrs. Almarie Lewis-Winters, Mr. Sylvester Lewis, Emma Jean Lewis (deceased at six months of age), Mr. Howard Earl Lewis and Mrs. Sandra Lewis-Denton. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Alma Lee Thompson-Lewis for her life-long dedication to service and commitment to education.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable and honorable man, Elder Henry Smiley. A lifelong resident of Copiah County, Mississippi, he has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Elder Smiley graduated from Breckenridge Job Corps Center in Morganfield, Kentucky, in 1977. After graduation, he accepted God's call on his life to minister. March 13, 1978, changed his life forever and provided a monumental challenge to his faith and his zeal for life. He suffered a devastating accident while working at a local saw mill. Although paralyzed from the waist down, he maintained a soaring spirit and even stronger love for the Lord. He is a tireless and tenacious worker who lives a life of service to others and to his God. Elder Smiley has served on the ``Spirit Team'' at the Methodist Rehabilitation Center where he motivates and encourages others with spinal injuries. He is also a member of the Copiah Chapter of NAACP, Chaplin of the Hazlehurst Parent-Teacher Association and volunteers at high school football games in traffic control and gate security. From 2002 to 2005, he served as a role model and discussion leader at the Mississippi Job Corp Center and he is the Vice President of the Benevolent Fund of the Copiah County Ministerial Alliance and the Transportation Committee. Elder Smiley and his wife, Cora, have four children. He is an Ordained Minister and Elder at New Cathedral of Worship in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. He serves as an officer on the Church's Executive Board with responsibility as Director of Maintenance, Property and Logistics. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a humble but dynamic servant, Elder Henry Smiley, for his service to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran and man of God, Reverend Elijah Eason. He has served his community through hard work and Christian leadership. Reverend Eason, a resident of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, was born October 31, 1965, to Frank and Maggie Eason in Washington County, Mississippi. He was the youngest child born to this union. Following his graduation from Rolling Fork High School in 1984, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for four years. After returning home from the military, he met and married Angelia Michelle Bush in 1992. In 2001, he devoted his life to Christ and was ordained a Baptist minister. For nine years, he led the flock of the Mount Lula Missionary Baptist Church and served there with great spiritual devotion. Reverend Eason always had a joke or a parable that would make you smile. He had true and genuine love for people. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend Elijah Eason 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 disabled individual, Mr. Kelvin Dashun Brown. Mr. Brown is a lifelong resident of the City of Mound Bayou in the Mississippi Delta. He was born on September 21, 1977, with cerebral palsy and is a spastic quadriplegic. At birth his parents were told that he would not live beyond the age of two years old and if he did, he would be in a vegetative state. Mr. Brown has proved the doctors incorrect. He started his education at the age of two at Delta House Child Development and the Bolivar County Demonstration Center in Cleveland, Mississippi. At the age of four, he was enrolled in the Mound Bayou Head Start Program. At the age of six, he was enrolled in the I.T. Montgomery Elementary School. Upon completing his education there, he enrolled at John F. Kennedy High School, where he remained until graduating in May of 1997. While a student at John F. Kennedy High School, he was a member of the Student Council and served as class representative and was elected vice- president during his junior year. Mr. Brown worked for the City of Mound Bayou Police for eight years as a certified dispatcher and was promoted to Sergeant. Serving as Volunteer Youth Activities Coordinator for the City of Mound Bayou Police for the past seven years, he has coordinated and raised funds for annual back-to-school giveaways of school supplies, cookouts, toy drives, and monthly story hours for youths. He has held numerous preventative activities at the local school districts in the City of Mound Bayou and the City of Shelby to forge relationships with local school districts, youths and local police departments. Mr. Brown has received many accolades and awards for his youth and community endeavors. He is an active member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where he serves with the Usher Ministry. Mr. Brown is the oldest son of Eugene Brown and Joann Brown. He lives his life by this motto: ``It is what it is''. In other words, his condition cannot stop him from being an asset to society. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Kelvin Dashun Brown for his dedication to serving his community and youths in the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a faithful and tenacious young woman, Ms. Kimberly Smith. She has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a boundless desire to achieve. Ms. Smith is a lifelong resident of Mayersville, Mississippi, and is the third of seven children born to Melvin and Emma Smith. Ms. Smith was the salutatorian of her 1999 South Delta High School class. She attended Jackson State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Graduating with honors from Jackson State in 2003, she began teaching at South Delta Elementary School. She taught both second and fourth grade during her short tenure. In 2004, Ms. Smith was in a car accident that would change her life forever. After her accident, she decided the only thing to keep her going was her drive for education; for that reason, she pursued and obtained her Masters of Education degree. In 2008, she received her Masters of Education with ``Honors'' from Delta State University. Ms. Smith lives by the motto, ``Saved by Grace, spared by Mercy.'' Ms. Smith is an active member of Rising Star Seven Day Adventist, where she serves as Youth Director. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a humble but dynamic servant, Ms. Kimberly Smith for her unwavering desire to education.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran, Reverend Larry Williams. Reverend Williams has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference in doing God's will. Reverend Williams, a resident of Mayersville, Mississippi, was born May 25, 1953, to Paul and Gracie Williams in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He enlisted in the United States Army December 7, 1972, and served until January 1993. Reverend Williams completed his graduation through the Army Program while in Germany. Later, he attended the University of Maryland and earned his Associates Degree from Central Texas College. He is married to Terry Williams. Together, they have one son, Dominique Williams. Reverend Williams was installed as Pastor at Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church in December 2006. It is his passion to minister to those who are lost. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend Larry Williams for his dedication and service to our great country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable and honorable man, Mr. Calvin Dickerson. Mr. Dickerson has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to serve. He is currently a 56-year-old resident of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where he volunteers countless hours to the Mississippi Christian Family Services. Mr. Dickerson is well known at Mississippi Christian Family Services and throughout the community for his hard work, dedication, reliability, and kind deeds. His work at Mississippi Christian Family Services includes making sure families in need of quality social services are provided for in a kindly, comforting, and proficient manner. Mr. Dickerson volunteers with the Rolling Fork Fire Department, Police Department, and assists the security guards with the Sharkey County Sheriff Department at football and basketball games at the local public and private high schools. He has the opportunity to serve as an assistant tour guide at the two most popular events that are held each year: the Great Delta Festival held in May and the Bear Festival held in October. He enjoys helping the tour guide show students from local schools the different bear carvings and the stations that are set up to inform students about how the event originated and other important features. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a dynamic servant of the community, Mr. Calvin Dickerson for his dedication to service throughout his community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran, Mr. Warren Small, Jr. Mr. Small has shown what can be done through hard work and lofty goals. Mr. Small, a resident of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, was born on July 17, 1934, to Warren and Betty Small in Winona, Mississippi. He graduated from Kilmichael High School in 1953. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 where he served until 1958. He returned to the Army for one additional year in 1961. After serving in the Army twice, he attended Mississippi Valley State University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in 1962. In 1968, Mr. Small obtained a Masters in Mathematics from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. From 1960 to 1993, Mr. Small taught mathematics at different levels throughout the Sharkey County, Mississippi, School System. In 1973, Mr. Small joined the Army National Guard and served until 1994 when he retired. In 1961, he married the late Joyce Love Small and to that union they had two children, Warren III and Toyce Michelle. He joined Mount Lula Missionary Baptist Church upon his move to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, in the early 1960s. There, he actively serves on the deacon board. Since 1993, he has held the Veteran Service Officer position for the counties of Sharkey and Issaquena. He is also employed with the Issaquena County Correctional Facility in Mayersville, Mississippi, as a Life Skills and Pre-Release Counselor. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an honorable veteran, Mr. Warren Small, Jr., for his dedication and service to our great country as well as his contributions to the Sharkey County, Mississippi, community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. William Le'Ron Jackson. Mr. Jackson is a lifelong resident of Byram, Mississippi. He is the son of Mrs. Hollia Smith-Thompson, Henry Thompson, Jr., and Mr. William Smith. He is a graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Mr. Jackson is aspiring to obtain a law degree with an emphasis on Disability and Common law. Mr. Jackson has been involved in numerous volunteer activities throughout the years. He is a dynamic role model who mentors people with and without disabilities throughout the state on the values of education and self-advocacy. Mr. Jackson has worked for Living Independence for Everyone, LIFE, of Mississippi and a children's medical program under the Mississippi Department of Health. He has also served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer. Mr. Jackson always finds time to give back to his community by giving statewide presentations and serving on various committees, such as the My Voice My Choice Board of Directors, Healthy Opportunities for Transition Advisory Council, Teen Empowerment Success Training Council, and the National Youth Leadership Network. During 2010, Mr. Jackson expanded his volunteer service by beginning a three-year term as a Member of the Board of Directors for Disability Rights Mississippi, a non-profit agency that provides protection and advocacy services to people with disabilities statewide. Mr. Jackson recently was selected in March 2011, to be a part of a committee, formed with the assistance of the Commissioner of the United States Administration on Development Disabilities, ADD, and other national self-advocacy organizations, to focus on improving self- advocacy throughout the state of Mississippi. During April 2011, Mr. Jackson was awarded the Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence, GIVE, Award, which is presented by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service in cooperation with the Office of the Governor to recognize individuals, organizations, or communities for volunteer efforts which have made a significant difference to the state or to local communities, establishing high standards for volunteer involvement and effectiveness, and multiplying resources for communities. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Jackson for his 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 disabled veteran, Mr. Theodore McCurtis, who was born September 19, 1934, in Hinds County, Edwards, Mississippi. He was the fourth of eight children born to the late Herman and Mae Bell Lloyd McCurtis. Mr. McCurtis' early years of education began at Edwards Elementary School and continued on to Southern Christian Institute High School in Edwards, Mississippi. From there, he volunteered to go to the United States Air Force while in the 12th grade. Mr. McCurtis entered the United States Air Force on October 22, 1952, where he served in the Korean War. He received basic training at Parks Air Force Base in Pleasanton, California. Mr. McCurtis served at Castle Air Force Base in Merced, California, and was attached to a Strategic Air Command. He was later sent to England where he served in the Military Police and embarked on missions to set up radar around the world. After dutiful service, he became disabled and lost the use of both his hands. Mr. McCurtis is a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Edwards, Mississippi, where he serves as a dedicated Trustee. His membership at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church began during childhood under the leadership of his grandfather, Sam Butler, who was the second minister of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. McCurtis is happily married to his wife of 45 years, Mrs. Christine E. McCurtis. They have four children: Theodore, Jr., Martin Lloyd, Andrea Denise, and Sharon Denise McCurtis. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Theodore McCurtis for his honorable service to our country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable person with disability, Ms. Lela Buie. Born on June 26, 1938, in Jefferson County, Fayette, Mississippi, she is the youngest of four children to the late Eda and Jude Sims. Her early years of education began at Ledall Elementary School and she later attended Alcorn in Lorman, Mississippi, and received her General Education Diploma. Ms. Buie was employed at the Mississippi Department of Labor for 17 years before retiring to take care of her children. Ms. Buie has two daughters, Sarah and Shirley Buie, and four sons, G.C. Buie, Jr., Edward Charles, Jude, and Robert Ander. Ms. Buie is happy to have seen her loving children grow up to be successful and has a host of nieces and nephews that love and care for her. Ms. Buie is a longtime member of Rosehill Church #2. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Lela Buie for her dedication to serving others in her disability.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran, Mr. Joseph Gray. He is the American Legion Post Commander of Cooper Yerger Post-28 association for veterans, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Mr. Gray is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina. He graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Citadel. He is married to the former Mary LaUna Jones of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and they have three daughters and seven grandchildren. Upon graduation, Mr. Gray accepted a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam from 1967-1968 where he received thirty- seven Air Medals representing over 750 combat missions. Some of the medals he received included the Single Mission Air Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Sikorsky Winged S for Saving lives. He also logged flight time in a U.S. Marine Sikorsky H-34 helicopter which is now housed in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Mr. Gray is currently the CEO of Gray Enterprises, LLC, where he provides small business counseling for startup companies. He conducts seminars and workshops for small business owners on the basic discipline of business, business plans and management-by-objective. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Joseph R. Gray, a decorated Vietnam veteran and hero for his dedication and service to this country, community and family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished life of Sergeant Willie Nason. Sergeant Nason was born on April 12, 1983. Sergeant Nason, anxious to serve his country, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2000. In 2004, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines where he served in Weapons Company as a team leader and later squad leader. In August 2004, he deployed to Iraq. Having shown phenomenal capabilities as an inspiring leader, he would go on to become a Drill Instructor. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sergeant Willie for his service to our country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ellis Wilkerson of Yazoo County, Mississippi. Mr. Ellis Wilkerson served in the National Guard for 20 years, Special Force 1st/20 and 1st/114 Artillery. Mr. Wilkerson also served in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1968-1970. He is the recipient of the Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Badge, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star. Mr. Wilkerson is married to Mary Johnson-Wilkerson and they have two sons. He is a member of Pleasant Grove M.B. Church where he serves as a Deacon. Mr. Wilkerson is a one hundred percent disabled Veteran, and he is also retired from the VA Medical Center. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Ellis Wilkerson for serving our country honorably.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable and honorable veteran, Staff Sergeant Joe Nathan Wilson. Sergeant Wilson has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and desire. Sergeant Wilson, a lifelong resident of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, was born on October 7, 1973 to Joseph Johnson and Maxine Adams. He graduated from Crystal Springs High School in 1993. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served until the Chinook helicopter he was aboard went down on November 2, 2003, in Al Fallujah, Iraq. In 2002 he married Erica Beatty and to that union they had a daughter, Yasmin. Sergeant Wilson's attitude was always positive, whether serving in the army or competing on the football field at Crystal Springs High. He attended White Oak Baptist Church in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. As a member of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, Staff Sergeant Wilson received several honors including the Purple Heart. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Staff Sergeant Joe Nathan Wilson for his unwavering dedication to serving our great country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran and lifelong resident of the Mississippi Delta, Mr. Isaac Daniel Scott. Mr. Scott was drafted to serve in the United States Army while pursuing an education in Agriculture Business at Tennessee State University: Mr. Scott served during the Vietnam Conflict and was a member of the 1st Calvary Air Mobile Unit. He earned the rank of Specialist and an Honorable Discharge after his tour of duty. Upon completion of his tour of duty, Mr. Scott returned to the Mississippi Delta to pursue farming with his father, Mr. Edward Scott. Mr. Scott wanted to continue his contact with fellow veterans and became a member of the American Legion Post #220 in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. In 2009 he was elected to serve as Vice Commander of VFW Post #220. Mr. Scott is married to Ms. Lucy Chatman-Scott and they are the proud parents of seven children and three grandchildren. A proud veteran and family man, he lives his life by the motto: ``Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Isaac Scott for his dedication to serving our great country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran, Mr. Hosea Spencer, of Greenville, Mississippi. Mr. Spencer attended Coleman Middle & High School, located in Greenville, Mississippi. He withdrew from school in the 11th grade to join the military, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1954 and serving through 1957. Mr. Spencer received his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After basic training, he became a part of the James Connally Air Force Base in Waco, Texas. He was stationed there for 2\1/2\ years, and held the title, Corporal, in the medical field. In September of 1956, Mr. Spencer volunteered to go overseas. He was stationed in England, where he was an Air Policeman at the 388th Air Police Squadron, which was his last duty assignment and major command. Mr. Spencer was awarded during his service time for being a Rifleman and a Sharpshooter. He also received a National Defense Service Medal. Mr. Spencer learned a lot about life during his time in the service. Being in the U.S. Air Force taught him everything as a young man and gave him a chance to see the world. His only regret is that he did not make a career with the military. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Hosea Spencer for his time and dedication to serving our country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran, Mr. Ira Lee Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan was born on May 22, 1918 in Webster County, Mississippi. His life was transcended on November 7, 2011. He was married to Jo Ella Campbell-Sullivan for 63 years until she preceded him in death in 2009. Mr. Sullivan is a remarkable veteran for a number of reasons. His tour of duty was filled with heroic actions, life threatening calls to duty, and celebration. He volunteered for the U.S. Navy on July 6, 1938 out of Grenada, Mississippi and spent most of his tour of duty in the Pacific. He was aboard the USS Enterprise on December 7, 1941 in Honolulu during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was a member of the USS Enterprise (CV-6) aircraft carrier which became one of the most decorated U.S. Naval vessels of World War II. Mr. Sullivan was aboard the destroyer USS Morrison that was sunk on May 4, 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa. While aboard, more than twenty-five Japanese Kamikaze planes air raided the vessel killing 152 of the 331 aboard. Mr. Sullivan's parents were notified by the Navy that he was aboard the vessel when it sank and was therefore missing in action and presumed dead. Yet despite all the odds, a few weeks later he returned home to the astonishment of his family. He was honorably discharged on November 30, 1945, with numerous awards and citations that included the Presidential Unit Citation Award and the Purple Heart. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Ira Lee Sullivan, a decorated World War II veteran and an unforgotten hero for his dedication and service to this country and the pride of this family.