November 9, 2020

Dear Friend,

National Veterans Small Business Week (November 2-6) is an opportunity for Mississippians and all Americans to recognize Veteran entrepreneurs. These men and women have distinguished themselves in service to our great Nation and now devote their time and energy to providing jobs to our citizens. Data provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration shows there are 26,789 Veteran owned businesses in Mississippi. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I have strived to do everything in my power to make it easier for Veterans and all our small business operators to conduct business. My colleagues and I have been successful in our effort to roll back regulations - a key to building a strong economy. In this edition of my newsletter, we are featuring Veteran small business owners from the First District. I am thankful for their service to our Nation and for the significant investment they make to our economy.

Shannon Arick - West Point

Shannon Arick is the owner and operator of Bits & Pieces, an antiques and consignment store in downtown West Point. The U.S. Army Veteran served 18 years in both active and reserve roles. Her service included deployments to Kuwait (2002) and Iraq (2005). Shannon has three daughters who have always been proud of her service. "When my daughters' friends asked them if I wore combat boots, they would happily tell them that I did," Shannon said. "They have always been proud of having a mother who served in the U.S. Armed Forces!" 

Sid's Trading Company - Iuka

Sid Whitehurst is the owner and operator of Sid's Trading Company in Iuka. After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1974, he joined the U.S. Navy. Sid was commissioned in Pensacola, Florida, where he learned how to pilot T-34s and T-28s. In 2004, after a long and successful career working for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Sid decided to open a business that specializes in outdoor power equipment. The family operation includes Sid's wife, Terrie, and sons, Sid, Jr., Jake, and daughter-in-law, Thelma. Jake and Thelma are U.S. Army Veterans with seven deployments between them. We are thankful for their commitment to defend America and for employing hardworking Mississippians!

As a member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, my colleagues and I address a wide range of issues that impact our men and women in uniform, including recruiting and retention. It is often said, "We recruit the Soldier. We retain the family." One of the biggest challenges in recruiting young people to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces is the recruits' ability to meet qualification standards. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are crucial to building and sustaining our forces. I appreciated the invitation to discuss our work to maintain military readiness on the Mission: Readiness Podcast. To listen to the interview, please click on the link. 

Strong relationships with America's allies are critical to our national defense. Recently, Northrop Grumman initiated the build process for Australia's first MQ-4C Triton, an unmanned maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. The Triton operates at altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet and can cover more than one million square miles in a single flight. I participated in the ceremony which included representatives from the Australian Government, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), U.S. Navy, and Northrop Grumman.

From left; Paul Balke, Jeffery Davis, Lewis Pedroza, Doug Shaffer, and Edward Graziano

(Photos courtesy of Northrop Grumman)

The late Reverend W.L. Oaks was born on September 26, 1922, in Lafayette County. He married Frances Paralee Foster in December 1941. During World War II, Mr. Oaks served in the 5th Army, 91st Infantry, L. Company, as a BAR gunner. The Army awarded Mr. Oaks the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery in battle and the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained while defending our great Nation in Europe. After returning from war, he owned and operated several service stations. In addition to his distinguished service in the U.S. Armed Forces, Mr. Oaks answered the call to serve in the ministry. Brother Oaks preached throughout the southeast for many years as both a church pastor and guest pastor at church revivals. At 97, he was still called upon to offer a word of encouragement and a prayer for his fellow residents of the State Veterans Home in Oxford.

After 68 years of marriage, Mr. Oaks lost his wife in November 2009. His daughter, Patsy, and her husband, Kenneth, of Tupelo enjoy sharing stories about Mr. Oaks' service to America and his community. Mr. Oaks, a member of the "Greatest Generation," passed away on August 7, 2020. His impact on the lives of so many will always be remembered.