Executive Director Dr. Brian Pugh

I am pleased to announce my election as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Stennis Center for Public Service. The Stennis Center, a bipartisan legislative branch agency established by Congress, is dedicated to promoting public service and fostering the highest ideals of leadership in America. I look forward to working with Chairman Senator Chris Coons and Executive Director Dr. Brian Pugh to expand opportunities for young people, military leaders, and public servants across the country.

Defense Manufacturers are vital to safeguarding our nation, and Northrop Grumman is a key leader in Mississippi's First District. The company operates a manufacturing plant in Iuka, where it produces composite structures that strengthen U.S. aerospace resources.

Located in Tri-State Commerce Park, Northrop Grumman has continually expanded its facilities since opening in 1998. The company plays a vital role in job creation and economic growth, employing more than 600 people. Tishomingo County leads the southern U.S. in new manufacturing jobs per capita over the past decade.

We are grateful for Northrop Grumman's ongoing support to our nation's security and for its decision to establish operations in Tishomingo County. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to advocate on behalf of our businesses and industries in the First District, including Northrop Grumman.

On January 9, we recognize National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Law enforcement officers in Mississippi and across the nation risk their lives every day to protect and serve their communities. We thank these brave men and women who watch over us and honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Today, we are honoring Vietnam War veteran Bill Rutledge. Bill completed four years of ROTC at the University of Mississippi before graduating from Ole Miss Law School in 1967. After graduation, he was assigned to the Military Police branch and began active duty. Bill received orders to attend Vietnamese language school at Fort Bliss, Texas, and two months later was sent to Vietnam.

During his year in Vietnam, he served as a G-4 Advisor with Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 51 in Bac Lieu. Advisors lived and worked alongside the Army of the Republic of Vietnam troops, and he hardly ever saw any U.S. troops. He frequently traveled across the IV Corps, setting up command posts for operations that often put him in combat situations.

One of Bill's most memorable experiences in Vietnam was receiving Lt. James Rowe upon his arrival after being rescued from the Viet Cong. Rowe had been a prisoner of war for five years, and Bill was the first person to shake his hand upon his rescue. Rowe was among only 34 American POWs to escape captivity during the Vietnam War and later developed the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape training now used by the U.S. Army.

After returning home, Bill spent 10 years in the newspaper business before beginning his law career in 1982. He is currently an attorney in New Albany with Rutledge and Davis PLLC and is a longtime member of the American Legion. Thank you, Bill, for your service and dedication to our country.

The people of Tishomingo County kicked off the New Year with a First Day Walk at Tishomingo State Park. The annual event, held for the past 10 to 12 years, typically attracts around 100 participants. Attendees split into groups and have the option to walk up to 13 miles of trails. This year, about 150 people took part in the tradition, which has become a beloved community gathering.