Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, l rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Mr. Russell Young, who passed away on July 23, 2021.

Mr. Young was raised in the Brewer Community of Lee County and graduated from Shannon High School in 1954. From there, he attended Mississippi State University and served 10 years in the United States Air Force. Following his service, Mr. Young worked as a paper salesman till his retirement.

Mr. Young is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Young, his two daughters, his four grandchildren, and his 4 great-grandchildren. Along with his three sisters, his two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Young was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo and will be dearly missed by all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Luke Reed who passed away on August 4, 2021. He was born in Starkville November 5, 2007 to Gina Dedeaux Reed and Tommy Reed. This year he would have begun the 8th grade at Oak Hill Academy.

Luke was known for his compassion and heart for service. He gave often to those in need and understood, even at his age, the importance of giving. He loved motor cross and mechanics. His grandfather taught him about airplanes and he enjoyed flying.

Left to cherish his memory are Luke's parents Tommy and Gina; brother Thomas Lane; grandmother Glenda; and grandparents Joe and Mitzi.

Luke was an incredible young man who had an incredible impact on his community. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Tupelo Police Chief Bart Aguirre.

Chief Aguirre has devoted himself to the city of Tupelo, faithfully serving and protecting the citizens for 36 years. Chief Aguirre answered the call to serve as a member of law enforcement by first attending the University of Mississippi where he earned a bachelor's degree in Legal Systems Administration. Later, Chief Aguirre earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama.

Prior to becoming a Tupelo Police Officer, Chief Aguirre aspired to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a forensics expert, specializing in firearms. In 1985, TPD Chief Ed Crider hired Chief Aguirre to serve in the Patrol Division. Chief Aguirre said he fell in love with TPD and the rest is history.

During his successful career, Chief Aguirre worked his way up from a patrolman to the Chief of Detectives. In 2013, he was named the Chief of Police by Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton.

During his career with the TPD, Chief Aquirre served on an F-B-I task force, carrying out a 4-year mission titled, ``Operation Secondhand Smoke.'' Chief Aguirre and his fellow task force members uncovered a scheme to transport stolen tobacco products across state lines. Their investigative work led to the multiple arrests and to the seizure of property. The seized land is where the new $10-million-dollar Tupelo Police Department was built. Chief Aguirre is proud of the instrumental role he played on the task force and the ultimate result of their hard work--a new police department.

Chief Aguirre is the son of Conrado and Joan Aguirre. The family of five moved to Tupelo in 1962. His father worked as a salesman for a meat processing company that sold products to restaurants and supermarkets, Conrado was the owner of a popular restaurant called the Gaslight Inn. Later, he opened another restaurant called Gloster 205. Chief Aguirre grew up working in the restaurants while contemplating a future career in law enforcement.

In 1997, Chief Aguirre married his wife, Patty. They have three children: Shane Aguirre; Jonathan Aguirre (Kirsten); and Arial Aguirre- Waldrop (Brent). They have five grandchildren: Gryder Aguirre; Grant Aguirre; Brooks Waldrop; Beyla Waldrop; and Baron Waldrop.

Upon retirement, Chief Aguirre said he and his wife plan to spend more time with their children and grandchildren and travel.

We wish Chief Aguirre and his family many more happy years together. We are grateful for the impact of men like Chief Aguirre. I commend him for his devotion to family, the citizens of Tupelo, and to our great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Mr. John Lovorn Jr., who passed away on July 28, 2021.

Mr. Lovorn was born in Jackson, MS and raised in Fairfax, VA. He attended Southern Miss and began his career in Greenwood, MS at the Chamber of Commerce. He then went on to be Vice President of JESCO and later joined PHH Fantus as vice president and principal. In 1993 he started his own successful consulting firm, The Pace Group. He was known to be a gifted public speaker, story teller, and author.

Mr. Lovorn is survived by his wife of 50 years, their two children and three grandchildren. He was a longtime, active member of First United Methodist Church and an avid supporter of various charities in the Tupelo community.

Mr. Lovorn's positive attitude and generous heart will be dearly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of George Dale Burt, a beloved husband, grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford on May 9, 2021. I join his loved ones in mourning his loss.

He was born on February 2, 1937 to Hattie Patterson Burt and George Lee Burt. He attended Oakland High School and Delta State University. He later earned his master's degree from the University of Mississippi. Mr. Burt went on to become the principal of Senatobia High School. It was there he began his thirty year coaching career in football that allowed him to impact countless students.

Dale was an outdoorsman and spent time on the family farm. For twenty-five summers, he served as a park ranger at Arkabutla Lake.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elizabeth Hawkins Burt; children, Teri Lynn Burt Scoggins, David Allen Burt; Carol H. Darby, Patsy Williams; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Mr. Burt was a dedicated mentor, loving husband, and diligent father. l thank him for his service to the state of Mississippi and offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Ms. Maxine Whitfield Pryor who will celebrate her 100th birthday on July 25, 2021.

Ms. Pryor was born in the community of Love in Hernando, MS in Desoto County. She has lived in Hernando her entire life. She is the eldest of 8 siblings born to Nathaniel and Dinah Whilhite Whitfield. She attended Oak Hill Church School and in 1939 married Bemis Pryor. She and Bemis had nine children, all born and raised in Hernando.

Ms. Pryor is the proud grandmother of 24 grandchildren, 32 great- grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren. She is known for her love of God and her community. She has attended both Oak Hill Baptist Church and Knights Chapel C.M.E. Church in Hernando. She is a retired missionary, stewardess, and church announcer. She enjoys sewing, gardening, cooking, and voting during election season.

Ms. Pryor has been a dedicated member of the Hernando community for 100 years and I am remarkably grateful for her lifetime of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of high school senior Josh Lucas who passed away Sunday, May 16. He was an admirable young man with a bright future, and I join countless members of the Tuscaloosa community in mourning his loss.

Josh was a senior at Northside High School meant to graduate on Friday, May 21. He was a football player and enlisted in the Alabama National Guard and intended to pursue a career in the military following graduation. He was known as a hard worker, loyal friend, and a diligent athlete.

I join Josh's friends, family, fellow guardsmen, and teammates in mourning his loss. I can say with certainty Josh would have had an outstanding career in the military. I offer my most sincere condolences to those who had the opportunity to know and love Josh and continue to keep them in my prayers.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Hershel Dean Hood who passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center on May 16 of this year. I join countless others in mourning his loss.

For three decades, Hershel was a conductor for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. He served in the United States National Guard as a Master Sergeant and was the maintenance contractor at Tschudi Courts in Amory for 15 years. He was also an auxiliary deputy with the Monroe County Sherriff's Department for 17 years. Hershel was known and loved in his community.

At Cason Baptist Church, Hershel wore many hats. He was the choir director, a musician, deacon, and children's worker. He was passionate about music and a member of the Nite-Liters band and the Singing Prophets Quartet. His record ``Little Band of Gold'' topped charts in England and he was inducted into the Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame. He frequently drummed for Elvis Presley.

Left to cherish his memory are wife of 56 years, Ann Oliver Hood; sons, Gregory Dean Hood and Andy Hood; sister, Judy Holman; brothers, Billy Ray Hood and Lamar Hood and multiple nieces and nephews.

I join countless Mississippians in mourning the loss of Mr. Hershel Dean Hood. He was a gifted musician, loving husband and father, and a leader in his community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Corinth Police Department Lieutenant Lane Fowler, Sr.

In 2004, Lt. Fowler joined the Corinth Police Department. His desire to help people was the reason he chose to launch a career in law enforcement. Over the course of his 17-year career, Lt. Fowler fulfilled his duties with a sense of pride.

One of his most rewarding achievements was serving as the leader of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program. During his eight years working with fifth grade students, Lt. Fowler taught them about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and making good choices with their lives. Lt. Fowler said it was his goal to teach children that law enforcement officers are not to be feared. It was his goal to build good relationships with members of the community of all ages.

On Friday, June 11, Lt. Fowler's retirement was celebrated during a ceremony hosted by his fellow police officers with the Corinth Police Department. It was my honor to thank him for his dedication to the citizens of Corinth and for his pledge to protect their safety. Lt. Fowler's service will always be remembered.

Lt. Fowler is married to Tonia Fowler. They have five children: Kacie Blakney; Johnson Fowler, Jr.; Sidney Robertson; Mikki Holmes, and Justin Holmes. The Fowlers have six grandchildren: Lainey Blakney; Corbin Blakney; Caben Robbins; Eli Robbins; Hadley Holmes, and Anna Grace Holmes.

I am grateful for Lt. Fowler's lifetime of service to North Mississippi and thank him for his commitment to the Corinth community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Dale Fortenberry as alderman and mayor of Farmington.

Dale was elected Alderman on July 1, 2001 and served until his Election as mayor on July 1, 2005. Dale diligently served the city of Farmington for 16 years as mayor. During his time as mayor, he worked diligently to acquire $1.2 million in grants for the City of Farmington to provide wastewater collection, city hall renovation, and to build a city park. His persistence for Heritage Community Park showed when the City of Farmington received a 1st Place award for Community Development at the Mississippi Municipal League Conference in June 2019. He also served 3 terms as Chairman of the North Mississippi Mayor's Association and was a member of the Executive Board of Directors for the State of Mississippi Municipal League and Legislative Committee.

Prior to his career as mayor, Dale supported local Corinth businesses by working at Tyrone Hydraulics for 35 years and Little Brothers Construction for 10 years.

Dale Fortenberry is the youngest son of Buford and Clara Fortenberry. Dale is originally from Leake County. He has been married to Shirley Fortenberry since 1972 and has two children, Sammy and Nancy. He is passionate about the history of the Confederacy, his family, and the citizens of Farmington.

I join many Mississippians in commemorating the life of Mr. Dale Fortenberry. He was a loyal businessman, alderman, and mayor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Henry Randle who recently lost his battle with cancer. He was a brave and selfless community servant and I join countless Mississippians in mourning his loss.

Henry Randle was a graduate of Aberdeen High School class of 1989. He attended Mary Holmes College, Mississippi State University, and the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy. In 2001, he joined the Mississippi National Guard.

Mr. Randle began his military career as an Army Motor Transport Operator. In 2009, he earned a second occupation as a Petroleum Supply Specialist and has served in a variety of leadership positions in Engineer and a Maneuver Unit. Over the course of his career, he has served in the Mississippi National Guard's 223rd Engineering Battalion, served in the Middle East--most recently in 2018 as an E6 staff sergeant. He aided in hurricane Katrina recovery.

Among Mr. Randle's awards include a Armed Forces Reserves Medal with M Device, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Components Overseas TRG Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal. He joined the Aberdeen Police Department in 1997 and served as a school resource officer. In April of 2008, Mr. Randle was elected as Aberdeen Police Chief.

It was an honor to work with Henry in the Mississippi Guard as well as in law enforcement. Henry Randle was an outstanding community leader who served his state and country well. I am grateful for his life of service to the Aberdeen community and offer my deepest condolences and most sincere prayers for all who know and love him.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes today due to Mississippi National Guard obligations. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 143.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes today due to the Mississippi National Guard obligations. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 141, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 138, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 139, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 140 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 142.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30-year independence of Uzbekistan from the former Soviet Union and their progressive efforts to democratize and create a positive impact on the international stage. Since 1992 the United States and Uzbekistan have enjoyed strong diplomatic and economic relations. In recent years Uzbekistan has made significant steps in redirecting their actions towards furthering democratic, political, economic, and social reforms. I am proud to see Uzbekistan work towards such worthy goals.

In addition to domestic democratic actions Uzbekistan has made strides to increase strong, robust diplomatic and economic relations with the United States. Currently, Uzbekistan and the U.S. maintain an important, multifaceted relationship that benefits both parties in the advancement of domestic and international interests. Uzbekistan remains a critical ally in the southeast Asian regions to stop the spreading Chinese influence.

Uzbekistan has been a participant in Annual Bilateral Consultations, which produced agreements on issues such as terrorism, regional security, trade, and human rights reform. The country also ambitiously laid out a night year plan, the ``National Development Action Strategy on Five Priority Areas 2017-2021,'' which defines governance, judicial reform, economic progress, social development and a balanced foreign policy as key goals to work towards. Uzbekistan is on track with these goals as they are preparing for an election in the fall, are actively working to be a stabilizing force in Central Asia and have made great efforts to be a partner with the United States on the world stage.

I am proud to be a friend to the country of Uzbekistan and I congratulate them on marking 30 years of progress since leaving the Soviet Union. The strides made have brought Uzbekistan far and they have made a great ally on the world stage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the service of Colonel Billy F. Murphy of Tupelo. He has served honorably in the Mississippi Air National Guard, and I join my fellow guardsmen in celebrating his commitment to this country the State of Mississippi.

Colonel Murphy is a Tupelo native and graduated from Tupelo High School. In 1991 he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy through the University of Mississippi Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. Over the course of his service, he has accumulated more than 1500 flight hours. During his active duty, he participated in 49 combat flight missions in support of operations Souther Watch, Deny Flight and Desert Strike. Colonel Murphy has served nearly 30 years in the United States Military in three different branches. In 2018 he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and began his service as director of staff at the Mississippi Air National Guard. In July of

2019, Governor Bryant appointed Col. Murphy as the commander of the Mississippi Air National Guard's 186th Air Operations Group. He was also made responsible for developing a Space Task Force. Colonel Murphy lives with his wife, Angela, and two children, Zach and Kathryn.

I am deeply grateful for Colonel Murphy's lifetime of service to this great state and wish him well in this new chapter of his life.