I am pleased to introduce our 2025 Congressional Defense Fellow, Commander Bobby Hsu. He has joined our policy team in Washington, D.C., where he will focus on defense issues. Hailing from Tucson, Arizona, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, on a Navy ROTC scholarship and earned an MBA from the University of Southern California. CDR Hsu has a distinguished record of service to our country, with numerous military achievements and service medals.

"It's an absolute honor to join Team Kelly in representing the people of the First District of the Magnolia State," he said. "I look forward to learning from the best legislative team on the Hill and championing Mississippi's priorities on the House Armed Service Committee."

We are thrilled to have Commander Hsu on board and look forward to his invaluable contributions to our defense policy team.

Military OneSource and SECO are Department of Defense funded programs that offer military members and spouses access to free resources for business, education, and employment. These resources were instrumental in helping Blenda prepare for her venture and gave her the confidence to succeed.

More than just a business, The Blissful Bean, which opened on June 11, has become an active part of the community. "We give back," she said. "That's the heart of all military families, the attitude of service." Blenda is grateful for Military OneSource for providing the resources and knowledge she needed to follow her dream.

We are proud of Blenda's entrepreneurial journey and Henry's dedicated service to our country. Through my role in Congress, I will continue to do everything in my power to support our small business owners.

Today, we honor Afghanistan War veteran Steven Hopper. A Walnut native, Steven joined the Army in October 2009 after seeing a recruiting tent in Corinth, marking the beginning of his military career. He served three years active duty with the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment (Iron Rakkasans), 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He later transitioned to the Reserves for a year and a half.

Just four weeks after graduating from basic training in 2010, Steven was sent to Afghanistan to the Paktika and Ghazni Provinces at 19 years old. During his year-long deployment, he earned his Combat Infantry Badge within two weeks of arriving in Afghanistan and participated in around 250 patrols. "I am extremely proud of my service," he said. "I had so many great leaders during my time and great friends that I consider my family. That's what I miss the most, the brotherhood."

After his military career, Steven attended Northeast Mississippi Community College and then the University of Mississippi, where he graduated in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He worked for the Walnut Gas and Water Department for four years before becoming the Walnut Parks and Recreation Director, a role he has held for the past year. Steven has been married to his wife for 13 years and together they have three children.

We are grateful for all that Steven Hopper has done for our country and thank him for his service.

Today we would like to recognize Amy Barringer, an Olive Branch native and hometown hero for her exceptional contributions to the community. A passionate volunteer for the local fire departments since the age of 17, Amy has served as a lieutenant and public education officer at the Fairhaven Volunteer Fire Department for six years.

Growing up, Amy was inspired by the firefighters at her church and always knew she wanted to follow a similar path. In addition to her fire department duties, Amy has spent 16 years as a dialysis technician, educating and assisting patients with kidney failure.

Amy's connection with Desoto County Supervisor Jessie Medlin dates back to when she was 10 years old. At a Christmas party at the Fairhaven Fire Department, Amy learned that Jessie, who had been struggling with kidney failure, was on the transplant list. Motivated to help, she decided to undergo testing to see if she was a match.

"I just thought, if we were a match, I could give him his freedom back," Amy said. Jessie had been spending hours each day undergoing dialysis, often missing time with his kids and grandkids. In September 2024, after testing, Amy found out she was a match for Jessie. "Who knew we would live right here, know each other all these years, and be a match," she said. The transplant took place on November 21, and the procedure went smoothly.

Amy has no regrets and is grateful for the opportunity to give Jessie a second chance at life. Inspired by the experience, she plans to volunteer with the National Kidney Foundation and raise awareness for organ donation.

We commend Amy for her incredible contributions to Olive Branch and Desoto County.

Local, state, and federal representatives gathered on February 10 to celebrate a major economic development in Monroe County. Avid Boats held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new facility, which replaces the one damaged during the 2023 tornado in Amory.

This new development is a significant boost for Monroe County, creating 50 new jobs while retaining all employees from the previous location. Mississippi ranks third in the nation for GDP growth, a success attributed to the state's outstanding workforce.

Avid Boats, founded by Phillip Faulkner in Mississippi six years ago, has since grown to become the sixth largest aluminum boat brand in the country. The new property is also expected to attract additional industrial companies in the future.

The future is bright for both Avid Boats and Monroe County, and we commend the state of Mississippi for supporting the growth and success of businesses like Avid Boats.

We would like to recognize Dan Walton, a former mayor, teacher, coach, and business owner in Mantachie. Over the years, he has become a cherished figure in his community. In 2013, he purchased a historic house built in 1887 in the heart of Mantachie, a property he had admired since childhood. After a year of dedicated renovation and preservation, Dan opened the house to the public, attracting around 400 visitors.

The house has since become a well-known landmark, and Dan continues to share it with the community. Each Christmas, he decorates the home and hosts a holiday open house. This past December marked the tenth annual Christmas event. Dan also enjoys collecting antique pieces originating from Itawamba County to showcase in his home.

Through these efforts, he has ensured that this historic home remains an important part of Mantachie's heritage. His commitment to preserving and sharing local history is a gift to the community.

William Cole

Mississippi Rural Water Association

Deuce McCallister Next Generation Logistics

Northwest Mississippi Community College