Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of former Tupelo Mayor Edwin Clyde Neelly, III, who died on February 21, 2018. Mr. Neelly strived to excel in every pursuit, from his distinguished military service to a long and successful career in banking. He would also add public service to his list of accomplishments.

Mr. Neelly, a native of Greenwood, Mississippi, was born on October 2, 1939. His childhood was spent in Grenada, where his father, Edwin Clyde Neelly, Jr. operated a business and served as the mayor of Grenada from 1936 until 1940. Upon graduation from Randle High School, Mr. Neelly attended the University of Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor's degree in marketing. Mr. Neelly earned a master's degree in banking from Louisiana State University and he was a graduate of the Harvard Business School's Finance for Senior Executives program.

Mr. Neelly entered military service, joining a long line of family members who have served our nation. His predecessors served in the Indian War under George Washington, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and Korea. Mr. Neelly served eight years in the Mississippi Army National Guard and the United States Air Force Reserve. He was on active duty in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war.

Mr. Neelly pursued a career in the field of commercial banking for 44 years. In Grenada, he began his career in banking as a management trainee and worked his way up to bank president. In 1980, his family moved to Tupelo, Mississippi, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Peoples Bank and Trust Company. Following a brief retirement, Mr. Neelly returned to the banking business as President of the First American National Bank.

In 2000, Mr. Neelly's desire to serve the citizens of Tupelo led him to run for a councilman-at-large seat on the Tupelo City Council. Then, he served as mayor of Tupelo from 2005 until 2009. His also served as chairman of the Community Development Foundation and the United Way of Northeast Mississippi. Mr. Neelly was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the 4-H Advisory Board. For eight years, he served on the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Additionally, Mr. Neelly served as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Tupelo.

Claudia Neelly, Mr. Neelly's wife, said they had a happy life together. ``Ed was wonderful to his family,'' Mrs. Neelly said. ``He was also wonderful to everyone he met. He always wanted to help others.''

Ed Neelly, IV, Mr. Neelly's son, said he had a special relationship with his father. ``My father and I shared a lot of experiences together,'' Ed said. ``He was my best friend.''

Mr. Neelly's funeral was held on February 24, 2018, at the First Presbyterian Church in Tupelo. He was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Grenada, Mississippi.

Mr. Neelly is survived by his wife, Claudia; son, Ed Neelly, IV; his daughter-in-law, Leigh Carol Neelly; daughter, Perry Erickson; and his brothers, Dick Neelly and Mike Neelly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Clyde Neelly, Jr. and Margaret Crenshaw Neelly; and son, Tucker McGowan Neelly.

Mr. Neelly's many contributions stand testament to what can be achieved through hard work and the desire to serve others.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Severin W. Summers III who died while defending our nation on August 2, 2009, during Operation Enduring Freedom. SFC Summers died from injuries he suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan. Captain (CPT) Ronald G. Luce Jr. and Sergeant First Class (SFC) Alejandro Granado III were also killed. SFC Summers was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi.

SFC Summers, a native of Bentonia, Mississippi, graduated from Christian Life Academy in 1984, and attended Louisiana State University. He enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard in 1989.

SFC Summers' awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He also earned the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Scuba Diver Badge, the Military Free Fall Badge, and the Ranger and Special Forces tabs.

SFC Summers is survived by his wife, Tammy; his three daughters, Jessica, Shelby and Sarah; and his parents, Severin Summers II and Charlene Summers.

SFC Summers will always be remembered for his courage and bravery. He sacrificed his life to protect the freedoms we all enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi Marine First Lieutenant (1stLt) William James Donnelly, IV who gave his life while in service to our nation on November 25, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. 1stLt Donnelly

was killed while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. This was 1stLt Donnelly's first combat deployment. 1stLt Donnelly was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.

According to the Associated Press, 1stLt Donnelly, of Picayune, Mississippi, always wanted to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in June 2003, and served as an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (SSV) crewmember in the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Gulfport, Mississippi. He transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Midshipman to attend the officer training program at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, New York, where he served as a Midshipman Regimental Commander. 1stLt Donnelly was commissioned as a 2ndLt in the United States Marine Corps after graduating in June 2008, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering.

After TBS, 1stLt Donnelly was designated an infantry officer in October 2009, and served as a rifle platoon commander assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Kilo Company, 2nd Platoon, Camp Pendleton, California. 1stLt Donnelly married his wife, Linsey, on September 11, 2010. He deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, 15 days later.

1stLt Donnelly's family learned of his death on Thanksgiving Day in 2010. Melissa Donnelly-Weed, 1stLt Donnelly's sister, posted on her Facebook page that day. ``Always be thankful for family,'' Melissa said. ``I will always be thankful and grateful I had a wonderful brother. He gave his life today for his country doing what he loved- being a Marine. I will miss him forever. I love you, Will!'' William J. Donnelly, III, 1stLt Donnelly's father, said his son would not have any regrets, even though the loss was extremely hard to bear. ``Will was doing what he loved to do and what he always wanted to do,'' Mr. Donnelly said. ``I am sure if we could talk to him now, he would say he had no regrets.''

In a release issued by Camp Pendleton, officials said that they had lost a member of their own family. ``The Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Division mourn the loss of 1stLt Donnelly,'' the release read. ``Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.''

After learning of 1stLt Donnelly's death, Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero said it was always hard to lose a hero. On behalf of the city, he extended their heartfelt condolences to the family. ``1stLt Donnelly's sacrifice and that of all the men and women who fall in combat protecting our country's freedom should never be forgotten,'' Mayor Pinero said. Additionally, Mayor Pinero announced that 1stLt Donnelly's name would be inscribed on a monument in front of the old city hall in Picayune to ensure the town's war heroes are never forgotten. A funeral service was held Tuesday, December 14th, at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland. Internment was held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Friends of 1stLt Donnelly held a memorial service in Picayune at the same hour of the service at Arlington.

1stLt Donnelly is survived by his wife, Linsey Becker-Donnelly; his parents, William Donnelly, III and Vicki Donnelly; his two sisters, Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Melissa Donnelly-Weed and Rebecca Donnelly; and his nephew Christian Weed.

1stLt Donnelly was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

1stLt Donnelly's service and sacrifice to defend America will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Sergeant (Sgt) Donnie Leo Ford Levens who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on February 17, 2006, during Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt Levens was killed when two CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden near Ras Siyyan, northern Djibouti, while on a training mission in the Godoria Range area.

Sgt Levens of Long Beach, MS, was assigned to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, Marine Air Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, New River, N.C. He was deployed to Djibouti as part of the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force--Horn of Africa, a counterterrorism force. Sgt Levens was an Aircraft Ordnance Technician.

Sgt Levens's mother Margaret and brother Matt honored Sgt Levens by completing their studies at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2006. Margaret Levens said Donnie's courage inspired her to go back to school and earn a degree. President George W. Bush delivered the commencement address at the graduation ceremony held in Biloxi. President Bush praised Sgt Levens for his service and sacrifice.

Sgt Levens will be remembered for his courage and determination to keep America safe.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant (SGT) Robert Shane Pugh who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on March 2, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SGT Pugh was a combat medic with the Mississippi Army National Guard's 155th Brigade Combat Team. He was mortally wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Iskandariyah, Iraq also wounding Sergeant First Class Ellis Martin. SGT Pugh posthumously received the Silver Star, the third-highest decoration for valor in combat, as well as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Mississippi Medal of Valor.

SGT Pugh's Silver Star citation states, ``Although in extreme pain, Sergeant Pugh directed treatment instructions to the members of his platoon for both himself and Sergeant First Class Martin. He remained calm and continued to give instructions until the medical evacuation helicopter arrived. Sergeant Pugh passed away on route to the hospital; however his courage and disregard for his own welfare resulted in saving the life of a fellow comrade who was severely wounded.''

SGT Pugh was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, headquartered in McComb, Mississippi. He enlisted in the Army in 1999 because he wanted to be a combat medic. In the civilian world, SGT Pugh was a licensed paramedic and worked as a phlebotomist for United Blood Services in Meridian.

SGT Pugh's mother, Wilma Allen, said her son was her pride and joy. ``I am very proud of him. He was happy, outstanding, and outgoing. He would do anything for anybody,'' said his mother.

In a fitting tribute to this brave and caring soldier, the National Guard Readiness Center in Morton has been named in his honor. SGT Pugh is survived by his parents, Glen and Wilma Pugh, his stepfather, Gary Allen, and his siblings Tiffany Johnson, April Pearson, Jennifer Reed, Brad Allen, and Dale Allen.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Private First Class (PFC) Stephen Phillip Baldwyn who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on May 9, 2005. PFC Baldwyn was killed in an explosion, while he was conducting combat operations in Nasser Wa Salaam, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

During his military service, he received the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment, and Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon. He was also awarded the Rifle Marksman badge.

PFC Baldwyn was born on May 7, 1986, in Saltillo, MS. He earned his Eagle Scout badge before graduating from high school in 2004 and leaving for boot camp. He was 19 years old at the time of his death.

PFC Baldwyn is survived by his parents, Danny and Stephanie Baldwyn.

The sacrifice of this brave Marine will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi soldier Army Master Sergeant (MSG) Coater Bernard DeBose. MSG DeBose gave his life while in service to our great nation on August 19, 2012, during Operation Enduring Freedom. MSG DeBose died in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, of wounds he received from small arms fire while conducting security force assistance operations. MSG DeBose was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 351st Infantry Regiment, 158th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division East, Camp Shelby, Mississippi. MSG DeBose was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart medals.

According to the Associated Press, MSG DeBose, a State Line, Mississippi native, joined the Alabama National Guard in May 1983. He transferred to the Army Reserves in 2008. He was deployed in April 2004 to Afghanistan, where he served as a communications specialist. It was his job to train Afghan police in the Kandahar region.

There have been many memorials posted in MSG DeBose's honor on Legacy.com, including one that appeared on September 1, 2012 from Master Sergeant (MSG) Maranda McCorvey. ``As I sign this guest book, no words can explain the loss of a true soldier,'' MSG McCorvey said. ``He was a leader, mentor, motivator, and trainer to many lives in and out of the uniform.''

Rebecca Lewis of Moss Point wrote, ``May God continue to watch over you and your family at this time,'' Mrs. Lewis said. ``Deacon DeBose will certainly be missed by all of us including his Greater First Baptist Church in Escatawpa, Mississippi, under the leadership of Richard Young. Deacon DeBose was a great man and touched many hearts.''

Christopher DeBose, MSG DeBose's son, wrote about the pain of losing his father in August 30, 2012. ``I pray that there is a military up in heaven,'' Christopher said. ``I know Master Sergeant DeBose would be in charge of something. No matter what it is, I'm sure God will trust you with any task because he knows you will get it done.''

Caronica DeBose-Jackson, MSG DeBose's daughter, paid tribute to her father in a September 6, 2012 post. ``I hear your voice telling me to keep moving and live life to the fullest,'' Caronica said. ``I will go on because that's what you would want. I will honor your life and legacy forever.''

MSG DeBose is survived by his wife, Juanita, his three sons, Latravis DeBose, Christopher DeBose, and Broderick DeBose; and two daughters, Caronica DeBose-Jackson, and Nekeshia Raybon.

MSG DeBose demonstrated the qualities of an American hero. His 27 years of military service will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army First Sergeant (1SG) Severin W. Summers who died while defending our great nation on August 2, 2009, during Operation Enduring Freedom. 1SG Summers died from injuries he suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan. Capt. Ronald G. Luce Jr. and Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Granado III were also killed. 1SG Summers was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi.

1SG Summers, a native of Bentonia, Mississippi, graduated from Christian Life Academy in 1984 and attended Louisiana State University. He enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard in 1989.

1SG Summers awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Medal. He also earned the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Scuba Diver Badge, the Military Free Fall Badge and the Ranger and Special Forces tabs.

1SG Summers is survived by his wife, Tammy; his three daughters, Jessica, Shelby and Sarah; and his parents, Severin and Charlene Summers.

1SG Summers will always be remembered for his courage and bravery. He sacrificed his life to protect to protect the freedoms we all enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Specialist (SPC) Larry Kenyatta Brown who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation April 5, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SPC Brown was mortally wounded during a combat mission to liberate the Iraqi city of Karbala. SPC Brown was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 414 Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kansas.

SPC Brown, a Jackson native, attended Bailey Magnet High School where he was a track and basketball athlete. His high school principal, Dorothy Terry, said SPC Brown was a serious young man who was kind. Terry said SPC Brown also had a great sense of humor.

During the funeral held at Blacks Chapel Baptist Church, Brigadier General Frank Helmick described SPC Brown's devotion to our nation. ``Larry Brown displayed the intensive fortitude to fight and complete the mission even though it meant giving his life for our country.''

Hundreds of people came to the funeral including twenty-nine soldiers from Fort Riley. Ten soldiers from Fort Polk, Louisiana carried Brown's coffin.

SPC Brown's bravery and courage in service to our nation will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Jason Aaron Rogers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on April 7, 2011. SSgt Rogers was killed in Northern Helmand Province, Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was clearing a path for wounded marines in a live mine field during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

SSgt Rogers was born on April 9, 1982, in Jackson, MS. He graduated from Brandon High School in 2000. Shortly after September 11, 2001, SSgt Rogers joined the Marine Corps, where he served eight years. He was deployed on six overseas assignments, five of which were combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was 28 years old at the time of his death.

SSgt Rogers' mother, Jenny Smith, recently said, ``I'm extremely proud. He was proud to serve our country. He had a calling to offer his life for friends and family. He loved America. Every year, we hold the Annual Running for Jason 5K Run/Walk in Brandon to honor his service.''

Mayor Tim Coulter of Brandon, Mississippi said, ``We are saddened by the death of one of our hometown heroes, Jason Rogers, a brave man of character. He will be missed by our city and our hearts and prayers are with his family at this time.''

Brandon Winfield, a childhood friend of SSgt Rogers said, ``The loss of Jason Rogers is going to make this world an emptier and lonelier and colder place. I could write a War and Peace sized story of the kind of person he was. Some people have it; the room just seemed to be dizzier and brighter with him in it.''

SSgt Rogers is survived by wife Angela Rita Marie Rogers. He is also survived by his parents, Jennifer and William Smith, and Liz and Tracy Aaron Rogers.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi Marine First Lieutenant (1stLt) William James Donnelly, IV who gave his life while in service to our nation on November 25, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. 1stLt Donnelly was killed while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. This was 1stLt Donnelly's first combat deployment. 1stLt Donnelly was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.

According to the Associated Press, 1stLt Donnelly, of Picayune, Mississippi, always wanted to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in June 2003 and served as an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (SSV) crewmember in the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Gulfport, Mississippi. He transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Midshipman to attend the officer training program at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, New York where he served as a Midshipman Regimental Commander. 1stLt Donnelly was commissioned as a 2ndLt in the United States Marine Corps after graduating in June 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering. After TBS, he was designated an infantry officer in October 2009 and served as a rifle platoon commander assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Kilo Company, 2nd Platoon, Camp Pendleton, California. 1stLt Donnelly married his wife, Linsey, on September 11, 2010. He deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan 15 days later.

1stLt Donnelly's family learned of his death on Thanksgiving Day 2010. Melissa Donnelly-Weed, 1stLt Donnelly's sister, posted on her Facebook page that day. ``Always be thankful for family,'' Melissa said. ``I will always be thankful and grateful I had a wonderful brother. He gave his life today for his country doing what he loved-- being a Marine. I will miss him forever. I love you, Will!'' William J. Donnelly, III, 1stLt Donnelly's father, said his son would not have any regrets even though the loss is extremely hard to bear. ``Will was doing what he loved to do and what he always wanted to do,'' Mr. Donnelly said. ``I am sure if we could talk to him now, he would say he had no regrets.''

In a release issued by Camp Pendleton, officials said that they had lost a member of their own family . ``The Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Division mourn the loss of 1stLt Donnelly,'' the release read. ``Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.''

After learning of 1stLt Donnelly's death, Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero said it is always hard to lose a hero and on behalf of the city, they extended their heartfelt condolences to the family. ``1stLt Donnelly's sacrifice and that of all the men and women who fall in combat protecting our country's freedom should never be forgotten,'' Mayor Pinero said. Additionally, Mayor Pinero announced that 1stLt Donnelly's name would be inscribed on a monument in front of the old city hall in Picayune to ensure the town's war heroes are never forgotten.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, December 14th at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland. Internment was held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Friends of 1stLt Donnelly held a memorial service in Picayune at the same hour of the service at Arlington.

1stLt Donnelly is survived by his parents, William Donnelly, III and Vicki Donnelly; his two sisters, Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Melissa Donnelly-Weed and Rebecca Donnelly; his wife, Linsey Becker-Donnelly; and his nephew Christian Weed.

1stLt Donnelly was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

1stLt Donnelly's service and sacrifice to defend America will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Lance Corporal (LCpl) Edward Joe Dycus who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on February 1, 2012, during Operation Enduring Freedom. LCpl Dycus gave his life when he was mortally wounded by a member of the Afghan Security Forces in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. LCpl Dycus was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

LCpl Dycus grew up in Greenville, Mississippi. He attended Riverside High School. LCpl Dycus joined the United States Marine Corps in November 2010. Eric Harmon, a friend and fellow student of LCpl Dycus, said he was a humble person who respected his elders. Eric said, ``everyone appreciated LCpl Dycus' sweet and soft-spoken nature. He was a great representative for the City of Greenville, his school, and the state of Mississippi.''

LCpl Dycus' funeral was held at the Riverside High School gym. Eric said he will never forget that day because hundreds of residents lined the highway all the way from the gym to the Greenville Cemetery. The procession was led by the Patriot Guard Riders. ``That is something I had not ever seen before,'' Eric said. ``The outpouring of love and support from the community forever touched the hearts of his family and all of us who were there.''

Theresa Carol Dycus, LCpl Dycus' mother, said her son joined the military because he wanted to serve our nation. ``I was behind him in his decision,'' Theresa Carol said. ``He was an awesome son who was loved by his family, friends, and community.'' She also remembers the day of the funeral when the town came to pay their respects. ``The town just stopped,'' Theresa Carol said. ``Greenville came together to support our family during our painful loss.''

LCpl Dycus is survived by his father, Randy Dycus; his mother, Theresa Carol Dycus; his stepfather, Franky Drury; his brother, Rodney Lee Frothingham Dycus; his three sisters, Stephanie Marie Dycus Johnson, Laura Elaine Dycus, and Martha Carol Agnes Dycus; his brothers-in-law, Chris Tice and Joseph Adams Johnson; his five nieces and nephews, Hayden Tice, Kaution Tice, Ryder Tice, Caleb Johnson, and Cayden Johnson.

LCpl Dycus' service and sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all enjoy will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of John Paul Fox who died on December 18, 2017, at his home in Houston, Mississippi. Mr. Fox served his fellow citizens during a long and exemplary career in the field of law and through public service. He was a man known for his ready smile, quick sense of humor, abundant kindness, extreme generosity, and devotion to family.

Mr. Fox was born on December 31, 1933, in Columbiana, Alabama, where he graduated from Shelby County High School. He was a standout student and athlete. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and rose to the rank of Eagle Scout. While in high school, Mr. Fox worked after school and during the summers at a local drug store and for attorney ``Handy'' Ellis. It was his association with Mr. Ellis that inspired him to pursue a career in the field of law.

Mr. Fox received a football scholarship to the University of Alabama. Mr. Fox was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He graduated with a business degree in 1956, which his family said was appropriate because he was known for his entrepreneurial spirit. After graduation, Mr. Fox enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed Officer Candidate School (OCS). Later, he worked as an adjuster for USF&G in Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to moving to Mississippi to attend the University of Mississippi School of Law, Mr. Fox met his future wife, Marion Miller. They were married in 1959, while he was a law student. In 1961, Mr. and Mrs. Fox moved to Houston, where he practiced law. Mr. Fox's family said that he embraced practicing law in a small town setting because he liked helping people. He also enjoyed the technical intrigue of law which he continued to practice until one day prior to his death.

Mr. Fox' s military career continued when he enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard where he was assigned to the Pontotoc division. It was during his service in the National Guard that he defended James Meredith, the first African American student admitted to the segregated University of Mississippi. Mr. Fox's family said he enjoyed telling stories about that six-week assignment which included digging a fox hole in the law school dean's yard.

While practicing law, Mr. Fox entered public service. He served as Houston City Attorney. Mr. Fox also served as the attorney for the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors, Chickasaw County Development Foundation, and as legal counsel for the State Jaycee President. He was also active in the Chickasaw Republican. Party and served as their first chairman.

Mr. Fox is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marion Miller Fox; his three children, Elizabeth

Fox Ausbern, Grant Moncrief Fox, and Blakely Fox Fender; his son-in- law, Terry Keith Ausbern; his daughter-in-law, Sara Martin Fox; and son-in-law, Ronald Joseph Fender; his six grandchildren, Allen Gray Crosthwait, Wilkes Edward Crosthwait, John Martin Fox, Luke Rivers Fender, Marion Elizabeth Ausbern, and William Fox Fender.

Mr. Fox lived to serve his fellow man. His leadership was an inspiration to many. I have often said that great leaders do not develop other followers. They develop other leaders. Mr. Fox demonstrated this throughout his life. He will always be remembered for his devotion to our nation, his community, and above all, to his family.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of one of Mississippi's most devoted citizens and public servants, Mr. Rex Gordon, Jr. Mr. Gordon passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2017. William Faulkner, Rex Gordon's favorite author said, ``To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.'' Rex Gordon loved our great state and embraced everyone he encountered. His passion was to help others and through every role that he assumed, Mr. Gordon accomplished that task. As a public figure, Mr. Gordon led by example--always placing God, family, and community above himself.

Mr. Gordon met his wife, Patricia, while a student at Pascagoula High School. They were married in 1970. While Mrs. Gordon attended Mississippi University for Women, Mr. Gordon pursued his college education including one year at the University of Alabama where he was a walk-on football player under Coach Bear Bryant. He later attended the Mississippi College School of Law where he earned his law degree.

The Gordons moved to my hometown of Union, Mississippi in 1984. It would not be long before Mr. Gordon became a ``fixture in the community'' as Mrs. Gordon likes to say. He opened a private law practice in Union, and Mr. Gordon's life would soon become a public one in service to his fellow man. He served as Newton County Attorney and Union Municipal Judge for 30 years. He also served 20 years as attorney for the Union Public School District. Mrs. Gordon said her husband was known for his devotion to public service, but what many may not have known was that he never wanted to take credit for his good deeds. He was a humble man.

Mr. Gordon also devoted his time to his favorite sport--football. When he was not cheering for the Ole Miss Rebels, you could find him on a Friday night in the press box at the Union High School football stadium. He was known as the ``Voice of the Yellow Jackets.'' You could say he was one of my high school's biggest fans. Mr. Gordon showed his team spirit every chance he got.

Mr. Gordon was an inquisitive man who was always eager for good conversation and a cup of coffee. He was the founder and charter member of Ward's Morning Coffee Club. The men Mr. Gordon fellowshipped with each morning over coffee at Ward's Fastfood, served as the honorary pallbearers at his funeral. Mr. Gordon was also an active member at Union Methodist Church and known for his desire to cheer people up.

Most importantly, Mr. Gordon was a man of family and faith. He and his wife, Patricia, were married for 47 years. Together, they have two children and five grandchildren. Both daughters live close to home which the Gordons consider a true blessing.

Mr. Gordon will always be remembered for his many accomplishments, but perhaps more for his determination to rise above all obstacles in the pursuit of happiness. Invictus, Mr. Gordon' s favorite poem, says it best. Therefore, I include in the Record the following excerpt:

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul

It matters not how straight the gait,

How changed with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Gordon's family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, on December 18, I was not recorded on two Roll Call votes due to travel delays beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 685 and YEA on Roll Call No. 686