Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Richard Russell. Dr. Richard H. Russell died on August 28, 2022. He was born on May 3, 1942 in his family home in the Hurricane Community in Pontotoc County. He was the youngest child born to Robert Kendall Russell and Ida Warren Russell, who were 63 and 42 respectively on the date of his birth. He had nine siblings whom he knew and two who died before his birth. He survived all of them. He leaves his wife, Jackie Bass Russell, three children, Regan Russell (Mary Jennifer); Sandy Sullivan (Vic) and Melissa Russell, and four grandchildren, Sylvie Russell, Will Sullivan, George Sullivan and Paige Carruth.

Dr. Russell graduated valedictorian from the Hurricane school system in 1960, top of his class at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 1965, and in 1971 from the University of Mississippi Medical School in Jackson, where he simultaneously worked as a part- time pharmacist and taught pharmacology to nursing students at St. Dominic Hospital. He served a one-year internship in Savannah, Georgia, where a staff physician called the Mississippi doctors (including Dr. Sam Creekmore) the best interns they had ever had, before choosing New Albany as his forever home. He never thereafter doubted that he had made a wise choice.

At the Union County Hospital, later Baptist Memorial-Union County, he proudly delivered approximately 2,000 babies, co-ran the emergency room night and day for seven years, served as New Albany's first I.C.U. Director, served three terms as Chief of Staff, and played an instrumental role in convincing Baptist to take over the Union County Hospital. He was very proud that the New Albany Medical Community grew from five doctors the day before he and Dr. Creekmore arrived to a thriving local medical community with a hospital recently voted the Best Small Hospital in the State of Mississippi. He also served his community in various ways, including as the Union County Republican Chairman and on the New Albany School Board.

Richard was born into a rich community where he was surrounded by family and friends, and he carried a love of community all through his life. During his thirty-nine years of practice as a Family Practice Physician in New Albany, Verona and at the University of Mississippi, he rarely passed a day without meeting someone he called a cousin, and he never went a day without meeting someone he called friend. He was loved by many of his patients because of his fondness for them, his familiarity with their families and family histories, and his gentle and friendly spirit. A pharmaceutical salesman once added that you could always count of Dr. Russell to tell you ``one good joke--and two bad ones''.

In his later years Dr. Russell often reflected upon how lucky he had been to know so many people, to serve them and their families, particularly in their times of deepest need, many times to sit with them in their last moments, and to enjoy his patients' frequent expressions of appreciation and affection for him. Madam Speaker, Dr. Russell will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jerry Clayton. Jerry was born on August 28, 1938, in the Mount Vernon community of Lee County to Robert Curtis and Dewdrop Raper Clayton. He graduated from Belden High School and attended Itawamba Junior College (IJC) and Florence State (UNA) on basketball scholarships. While at IJC he met Tula Ann Senter and they were later married. After earning a degree from Mississippi State, he began teaching History and coaching basketball at Milam Jr. High School in Tupelo. Little did he know then that his heart for teaching would be a driving force throughout his life. Coaching took him to Tupelo High School where his 1968 Golden Wave basketball team won the state championship. He cherished his relationship with his students and players and remained concerned about them through the years, often being invited to their class reunions.

In 1968, Jerry left the school system to become Chancery Clerk of Lee County, an office he served for twenty years. He was active in the Mississippi Chancery Clerks Association and often helped new clerks learn office operations. While in office he was appointed Youth Court Referee. There his experience with abused and neglected boys revealed a need for a safe place to house and nurture these young men. This became his mission and with support of the Lee County Board of Supervisors, Jerry founded the Alpha House, where for the next forty years, boys found a mentor whose goal was to give them a new way of life with confidence to set a goal and reach it. He wanted them to be so successful that they would become taxpayers instead of tax recipients. Many of those young men who lived there often came back to see and thank him.

Wherever his careers took him, Jerry remained dedicated to his family. He taught his two sons to love the outdoors, and they hunted and fished together and loved all things MSU. His terrific sense of humor made for many stories of their adventures. All the while his example taught them to care for those less fortunate. Jerry was a member of the original Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation Board, a Mason, and served on the board of the North Mississippi Medical Center. In 2014 he was named Tupelo's Outstanding Citizen. Jerry is survived by his wife of sixty-four years Tula, his sons Clay (Lisa) and Matt (Donna), his grandchildren Jacob Washington (Rachel), Davis Clayton (Kelsey), Grace McClay Clayton, Carter Clayton (Anna Grace), Walker Clayton and Anna Kees Clayton and four great grandchildren: Knox, Graham, Eve and Stella. He is also survived by his nephews Brad and Robbie Clayton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Joe Clayton.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. James Paul Mason. Mr. Mason was a life-long resident of Neshoba County, Mississippi. His parents, Mrs. Mary Ethel Graham Mason, and Mr. James (Jim) Presley Mason, both advanced education in their home county; his mother as a teacher, and his father as a member of the school board.

James Paul was a star athlete at Neshoba Central High School and was recruited to play football at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) by the legendary John Howard Vaught.

Upon graduating from Ole Miss, Mr. Mason returned to his high school alma mater as an assistant football coach for 5 years, then embarked upon a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency.

Mr. Mason is recognized for his long service to his county, state, and Nation as executive director of the USDA's Farm Service Agency for Neshoba and Kemper counties until his retirement in December 2018. His service was exemplary.

Outside his role with the USDA, Mr. Mason was a dedicated husband to his wife of 49 years, Judy Clark Mason, and a loving father to his 2 daughters, Yancey and Corby.

James Paul was a proud member of the Ole Miss ``M Club,'' a club for athletic letter winners at the University of Mississippi. He was a loyal supporter of the University, attending an untold number of sporting events as a season ticket holder for football, basketball, and baseball. There was not a bigger Rebel fan.

James Paul was generous to his friends. He also had a ``Never-met-a- stranger'' personality which endeared him to those who met him. He was loved and admired by a multitude of family, friends, and colleagues. Mr. James Paul Mason will always be remembered as a husband, father, and friend. There was none finer.

On behalf of a grateful Nation, we commend and thank Mr. James Paul Mason for his decades of service to his country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Karrie Wilson Weathers, 91, of Eggville. Mr. Weathers took his final flight Friday, July 29, 2022. He was born at home in Eggville on February 1, 1931, to the late Denver and Louie Weathers. He graduated from Mooreville High School in 1951 where he was a basketball all-star. Karrie joined the U.S. Air Force serving in the Korean war. He retired after 25 years of service as a Master Sergeant.

After active duty, he became a partner with his brother, Dudley Weathers at Weathers Auto Supply. He started Capital Auto Glass in 1966. Karrie also served as Lee County Tax Assessor, retiring after 16 years. Dedicated to serving others, Karrie was a member of the Lee County Shrine Club and a founding member of The Flying Fez. He enjoyed flying children to the Shriner's Hospital in Galveston, Texas. He was also a 50 year member of the Tupelo Masonic Lodge 318, a founding member of the Tupelo Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA), a 33rd- degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a founding member of the Tupelo Veterans Memorial Park.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a private pilot for over 30 years. In Karrie's own words, he enjoyed flying out of ``Eggville International Grass Airfield!'' He was a member of Auburn Baptist Church. Karrie leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Barbara Finley Weathers; three children, Steve Weathers, Julie Weathers Watson (Woody), Mark ``Winky'' Weathers (Roxy); eight grandchildren, LeAnna Hill (Todd), Brittiany Weathers (Daniel), Luke Weathers (Wendy), Erin Tullos (Adam), Hannah Treece (Nick), Emily Weathers, Tyler Weathers (Meagan), and Katie Weathers Gazaway (Mason); seven great- grandchildren; and a sister, Juanita Weathers Franks Knight (John). He was preceded in death by his parents, Denver and Louie Weathers; his brother, Dudley Weathers, and a great-granddaughter, Sophie Gazaway.

Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 8167.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of James Donald ``Bing'' Wildman, 78, who passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born August 8, 1943, in Sherman, MS to Fred Leo Wildman and Jamie Lee Davis Wildman. His name was synonymous with law enforcement in and around New Albany and Union County. He retired from New Albany Police Department, and even after retirement had helped the area departments when needed, Over the years, he had served as Assistant Chief of Police, Chief Deputy of the Sheriff's Department, and as a constable. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and playing dominos.

He was a member and deacon of Blue Springs Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2022, at United Funeral Service with Bro. Gary Yates and Bro. Jeff Watts officiating. Burial was at Glenfield Memorial Park. United Funeral Service was honored to be entrusted with these arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Pat Seger Wildman, and his daughter, Robin Wildman, both of Blue Springs; two brothers, Danny Wildman (Shelia) of Moss Point, MS, and Fred Wildman of Pantego, TX; two granddaughters, Savannah Wildman and Peyton Wildman; and a great-granddaughter, Lailey James Wildman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ronald Jeffrey Wildman; and a sister-in-law, Lura Wildman. Pallbearers were Chad Glasson, Clay Keener, Joe McDonald, Jeff Chism, Ricky Rorie. Joe Bryant, Tim Pannell, and Clay Hogue.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Our military is facing unprecedented challenges in a volatile environment, and this body is charged with the duty of raising and supporting our military to ensure our safety both home and abroad.

As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, I am incredibly proud of the items in this bill that enable our intelligence and special operations communities to keep our adversaries at bay. I thank Chairman Gallego and my ISO colleagues for working in a bipartisan fashion to ensure ISO equities are represented throughout the NDAA process.

In particular, the codification of the Special Operations Command's 1202 authority is significant. This authority authorizes SOCOM to conduct irregular warfare operations. The expansion of this authority is critical to our ability to compete and win in a great power competition environment.

I remain concerned about our force posture and counterterrorism capabilities in Afghanistan resulting from last year's withdrawal. The administration has failed to provide the congressionally mandated report from Section 1069 of last year's NDAA. We continue to ask for greater detail on the so-called ``over the horizon'' capability the administration has touted. It remains clear this strategy was completely not thought out from the beginning.

That said, I do want to mention a few noteworthy provisions in this bill. This bill includes an amendment to fund the priorities that our Nation's top military leadership told us they needed but the White House failed to support. The topline increase counters this administration's dangerous ``divest to invest'' strategy, which would leave us ill-equipped to deter or defeat China, our pacing threat, in the next 5 to 10 years. It also provides an increase in military personnel pay and benefits to combat the impacts of inflation so that our servicemembers who dedicate their lives to our Nation do not struggle to support themselves and their families.

I also cannot understate the importance this bill has in securing our defense industrial base and ensuring millions of jobs for Americans. The hardworking Mississippians who work for our defense industry companies in my district and across the State to keep our Nation safe, secure, and prosperous deserve our support in Congress.

Colleagues, the spirit of patriotism is not enough to support our troops. We have an obligation to ensure our military is properly funded to compete and win wars against China, Russia, and any other adversary that threatens our way of life and democratic values. We have a responsibility to take care of our servicemembers and their families in this period of record-high inflation so that we retain the best talent, and we have a commitment to enact policies that honor our values, improve our national security, and empower our military leaders. We do all this by voting ``yes'' on this bill.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not thank my teammates on this committee and my staff for working tirelessly on this year's bill. Special shout-out to my ISO battle buddies: Chairman Gallego; professional staffer Patrick Nevins; my defense team, Rodney Hall and Lauren Emmi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask support for this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bradford Clark Freeman. Mr. Freeman (Mr. B. to his friends) was born September 4, 1924, in Artesia, MS to Erwyn and Ollie Freeman. He had four brothers and three sisters.

He graduated from Artesia High School in 1942. He was a freshman at Mississippi State when WWII started. He then volunteered for the paratroopers. On February 5, 1944, he went into Foreign Service with 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He was a mortarman for Easy Company. He jumped in the D-Day Normandy invasion, fought in Operation Market-Garden, and was part of the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded. He was able to rejoin his unit and participated in the occupations of Berchtesgaden and Austria.

After the war, he returned to Caledonia and married Willie Louise Gurley on June 29, 1947, and worked as a mail carrier for 32 years.

He is survived by his sister, Claydeen Allen of Amory, Mississippi, and 2 daughters, Beverly Bowles and Becky (Don) Clardy. He has 4 grandchildren: Brad (Carmen) Gore, Chris (Heather) Clardy, Kelly (David) Perkins, and Michael (Whitney) Clardy. He has 10 great- grandchildren.

Mr. Freeman also leaves special friends: Jo Ann Gunn, Cindy Boyd, Tony Smith, Benny Coleman, Cheryl Reichling, Erik Dorr, Rose and Danny Coggins.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the outstanding military service and retirement of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Jason Malone. He has demonstrated a devotion to America throughout hit long and distinguished military career in the U.S. Army and as a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard.

In 1995, LTC Malone completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. Additional professional development training included the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Course (2000), Reserve Officer Training Corps (Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2003), Armor Officer Basic Course (2003-2004), Advanced Military Transition Trainer Course, Combat Lifesavers Course (2008), Logistics Captain's Career Course (2008), Logistics Captain's Career Course (2009), Command General Staff College (20I3-2014), Division Transportation Officer (2014), Joint Planners Course, and Airborne Course.

LTC Malone is proud of his military service. He served in the Mississippi Army National Guard (155th Armored Brigade) from January 1998 until May 2003. LTC Malone is a third generation 82nd Airborne Paratrooper. He led troops in combat as a Tank Platoon Leader with 3rd Infantry Division and Company Commander in the 82nd ABN Division. LTC Malone was selected as an Infantry (enlisted active duty), an Armor Officer (Tanks) and a Logistics Officer. He was also selected for Battalion Command (declined due to family reasons). Additionally, LTC Malone was selected as one of twelve Division Transportation Officers in the U.S. Army. LTC Malone served on four combat tours, six months in Europe for Operation Atlantic Resolve (Russian Deterrence Operations) and is most proud to have always served in critical and the most sought-after positions in his field for the Army. Prior to retirement, LTC Malone served at the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) from June 2018 until July 2022.

LTC Malone's combat tours were as follows: Iraq (Samarra) 2005-2006 as a Tank Platoon Leader (3rd Infantry Division), Iraq 2008-2009 (Mosul) as a Military Transition Trainer to the Iraqi Army, Afghanistan (Bagram) 2014-2015 as the Mobility Chief for all U.S. Forces- Afghanistan with the 3rd Infantry Division, and Iraq (Al Asad Airbase or AAAB) May-December 2011 as a Company Commander with the 82nd Airborne Division.

LTC Malone's proud and accomplished military service has earned him prestigious awards. His awards are the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) x three, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) x two, the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) x three, the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) x two, and the Army Achievement Medal (AAM) x three.

LTC Malone is a graduate of Saltillo High School. In addition to his distinguished military accomplishments, LTC Malone earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. He is the proud husband of his wife, Cheryl, and father to their three children, Hanna, Breanna, and Isaac. LTC Malone's parents are Steve Malone and Teri Kirkpatrick, both of whom have loved and supported him throughout his career.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life and outstanding service of World War II veteran Holder C. Estes. Mr. Estes was born on July 5, 1919, to Eli Hugh ``E.H.'' and Lillian Jones Estes. His siblings were Fred Estes and Hoyle Estes. After the death of his first wife, E.H. married Verble Dozier on June 3, 1935. She had one son, Harold Sullins. Together, they had Joe Howard Estes, Margie Estes Cook, Maynor Estes Blackburn, Martha Estes Draper, Willie Gene Estes, Tommy Estes, Geneva Estes Melko, Hugh Allen Estes, Mary Estes Hallman, Robert Estes, and Janice Estes.

On August 29, 1936, Mr. Holder Estes married Mary Ruth Brooks. They had four children, Cecil Estes, Charlie Estes, Jimmy Estes, and Brenda Estes Spearman.

In life, Mr. Estes was a retired contractor and a brick mason for 35 years. He served as the treasurer for the Brick Masons-Plaster Union and was a former member of the Lee County School Board. Mr. Estes was also a member of the Eggville Church of Christ. Prior to this death, he was a member of the East Main Church of Christ.

Mr. Estes served his country in the U.S. Army from June 28, 1944, until February 9, 1946. He fought in World War II with honor and pride. His commitment to serving our great nation earned him the American Campaign Medal, the European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victor Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

Mr. Estes' medals and ribbons could not be found after his death. At the request of his sister, Mary Hallman, the office of U.S. Representative Trent Kelly submitted a request for replacement medals to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). We were honored to present the medals to members of Mr. Estes' family during a ceremony held at the Eggville Church of Christ.

Mr. Estes was a true hero who served our great Nation. He will always be remembered as a man who loved God, country, and family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mississippi State Representative Lynn Wright. Mr. Wright passed away on June 17, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was 69.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Loyd Wright, Sr. and Jo Etta Lipsey Wright. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Ginger Howell Wright; sons, Josh Wright (Caroline), Jody Wright (Meredith) and Jonathan Wright (Pearl); brothers, Loyd Wright (Susan), Larry Wright (Kathy), Luther Wright (Penney) and Lane Wright (Carol); sister, Beth Wright Ludwig (Michael), and six grandchildren, Roper Penny, Thomas Wright, Levee Wright, Lydia Wright, Wellesley Wright and Landon Wright.

Lynn Wright graduated valedictorian from Carrollton High School (AL) in 1970, where he played football for Hall of Fame Coach Billy McGee. He went on to play football at the University of West Alabama where he helped lead the Tigers to a 22-7-3 overall record during his three years in Livingston, including an overall record of 8-1-2, and a trip to the NAIA Semifinals in 1972. After graduating from UWA in 1975, Mr. Wright began his coaching career in 1983 at McIntosh Academy, where he would serve as head coach through the 1987 season.

Mr. Wright has also coached five undefeated football teams and has put together winning streaks of 47 and 32 games. In addition to coaching, he also served as the Headmaster at Pickens Academy and won the AISA 2A Presidents Award for the Highest Academic School in its class. Mr. Wright is a 2003 inductee into the AISA Hall of Fame. He served in Education for 44 years. He also served as Headmaster and Head Coach at Jackson Academy and New Hope High School Principal. Mr. Wright was elected and served as Lowndes County (MS) Superintendent of Education from 2011-19 during which time the school district under his leadership received an `A' rating from the state, and a state-of-the- art career technical center. Caledonia Elementary School and New Hope High School were also built under his leadership. In 2020, Mr. Wright was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives District 37 and served as a Republican until his passing.

Pallbearers will be Steve Davis, Darrell Gregory, Tony Holmes, Sam McCorkle, Leo Wright and Steve Younger. Honorary Pallbearers are the Mississippi House of Representatives, former teammates, coaches and players and the Juanice Hayes Sunday School Class.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of service of Mrs. Ruth Bridgeforth Lester.

Mrs. Ruth Bridgeforth Lester was born in Southaven Mississippi to Mr. Gedie and Mrs. Willie Ruth McGowan Bridgeforth on November 17, 1938. She was 13 years old when her mother passed away and she began her lifelong journey as family Matriarch. With eight younger sisters and brothers she remained devoted and committed to taking care of family members. As the eldest, she made many sacrifices to help support the family and help her father Gedie raise her siblings.

Those early experiences prepared her for life as a businesswoman. She faced many obstacles planning for business administration and ownership, but her past experiences emphasized vision, commitment, and a capacity to serve and honor others. Ms. Lester had learned to overcome any fears, erasing any and all doubts, and ``bridging forth'' to new endeavors. Thus, Ms. Lester became the proud owner of The Final Touch, the first nail salon, in Memphis, TN. She and her business partner opened the nail salon in October 1972.

Ms. Lester continues to give, serve, and create capacity throughout her family and the

community she lives in and works in across the states of Mississippi and Tennessee. She is well known for her savory and healthy meals, even giving food to strangers. No one goes hungry around her. She has been and continues to be the unbeatable family cook for over 70 years.

Ruth has lived in the Desoto County area and has been a contributing citizen for at least 65 years of her life. As a matter of fact, the home that she currently lives in was the last home that her father Gedie built, and where she and her siblings were born.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Lt. Jimmy L. ``Cotton'' McCoy, Retd., a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War who folded his earthly tent and transformed to eternal rest on Monday morning, May 23, 2022, after a period of declining health. Cotton, as he was universally known, was born the third of six children to Noel and Katie Putt McCoy. Growing up on Canal St. in east Tupelo, he attended Lawhon School, graduated from Tupelo High School in 1965 and attended ICC for two years.

Cotton answered the call of his country and served in the U.S. Army during the heart of the Vietnam War. He was a mortar man with the 173rd Airborne Division and a paratrooper. For his bravery and courage, he received many medals including the Bronze Star--declining a Purple Heart because he felt others deserved it more than he. Determined to continue in public service, Cotton graduated from the Miss. Law Enforcement Academy and became a police officer for the City of Tupelo. For 35 years, Cotton became a beloved figure among the citizens as a motorcycle cop and street patrolman. He always tempered justice with mercy whenever possible and was a strong mentor/teacher for many young people who just needed a steady force and guidance to get back on track in life.

Cotton retired in 2006 with the rank of Lieutenant. A great southern storyteller, Cotton endeared himself to family and friends with his yams and clever personality. He never met a stranger and loved being a citizen of Tupelo and Lee County. Cotton was a lifelong member of the East Heights Baptist Church, a Mason and Shriner, an avid gardener and gun collector.

Cotton was a dedicated servant of God, country, and state. My prayers will be with those mourning his loss.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of

Mr. Joseph Patrick ``Pat'' Carr who passed away Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the Courtyards Nursing Facility in Fulton at the age of 77.

Pat was born in Tupelo on September 19, 1944 to Joe F. and Cecilia Gusmus Carr. He was raised in Saltillo and graduated from Saltillo High School in 1963. While in School, he was on the basketball and track teams. Pat attended Barber College in Jackson. He was the co-owner of Saltillo Barber Shop until George Partlow retired and Pat became the sole owner. Over the course of his career, Pat worked at Tupelo Auto Sales and was also the owner of Rebel Raceway Go Kart Track from 1964 until 2005 and the owner of Pine Ridge Speedway from 1991 until 1997.

In 1975, Pat joined the National Guard 155th Armed Brigade. He served as a helicopter door gunner and mechanic. Pat will be well remembered for the 25 years he served as Justice Court Judge for the Northern District. He was also a member of the Tombigbee Electric Power Association Board for 27 years. On June 21, 1964, Pat married his sweetheart, Josie Marie Ford at St. James Catholic Church. They enjoyed many happy years together. Pat loved talking to people. He was a true patriot and proud of his Confederate heritage. Pat was an active member of Saltillo First United Methodist Church and an avid collector of classic automobiles. His greatest joy was found in his sons and grandchildren.

Pat was a dedicated servant of God, country, and state. My prayers will be with those mourning his loss.

Mr. Speaker, today I am proud and honored to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of our National Guard and Reserve component men and women.

The history of the National Guard and Reserve predates the birth of our Nation. In Mississippi we have the sixth oldest active regiment, the First Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment--the Mississippi Rifles.

For over 250 years, brave Americans have answered the call to service to protect both our homeland and democracies abroad, and to conduct disaster response or support to civilian authorities during a crisis.

Our reservists and Guard members bring a unique skill set to our Armed Forces, leveraging their expertise and real-world experiences from the civilian workforce to bring an exceptional and innovative perspective to our national defense.

In addition to deployments overseas, Guard and reservists are employed across the broad and diverse mission set, whether it is responding to civil unrest in our Nation's Capitol, defending our borders, providing relief from hurricanes or other natural disasters, as well as responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, the Guard did a yeoman's work in the COVID response, and it was much less by building testing sites, by giving vaccinations, and by helping with all the logistics. We would not have gone as smoothly without our Guard.

As of today the Mississippi National Guard has forces deployed in support of four combatant commands around the world. During the pandemic, the Mississippi National Guard activated approximately 1,700 servicemembers who administered more than 765,000 vaccinations, 226,000 tests, and processed more than 109,000 lab samples supporting the Mississippi Department of Health.

Our logistics professionals traveled more than 665,000 miles throughout our State to deliver more than 58 million pieces of personal protective equipment to our hospitals, long-term healthcare facilities, clinics, and testing sites.

Since the global war on terror, the Guard has shifted from a strategic reserve force to an operational reserve, deploying in support of the same conflicts, fulfilling the same mission sets, and seeing the same combat against our enemies as the active component.

Within this service has come great sacrifice, and I honor the fallen Guard heroes who gave their lives in service of our country and its ideals in the global war on terror in addition to the countless other Guard lives lost in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf.

One of these heroes is Sergeant First Class Sean M. Cooley, who I had the privilege of serving alongside in the 155th Brigade Combat Team in Iraq who was killed in action in Iraq on February 3, 2005. In his memory I introduced and had passed the House resolution that led to the Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act named for Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton, both of whom were Guardsmen.

In closing, it has been my life's honor to have served in the Mississippi National Guard for the past 36 years. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and within the Department of Defense to ensure that our National Guard components are resourced appropriately, maintain a high level of readiness, and receive the same benefits that they have earned in their service of our great Nation.