We would like to honor and recognize Vietnam Veteran John Harmon of Chickasaw County. John, originally from Houston and now living in Pontotoc, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in February 1966 at just 17 years old. After completing basic training and tech school, he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he served with the Air Rescue Unit.

At age 19, John deployed to Vietnam, serving 13 months with an Air Control outfit. As a technician on a single-engine plane that flew at tree-top level to spot enemy movement and trails, he often came under fire. His role included firing smoke rockets to signal jets to strike enemy positions. "I sat in the co-pilot seat and would spot on that side of the plane," John said. "As a technician, I was trained to take care of electrical, hydraulics—really anything to keep the plane in the air."

He completed his tour and returned to the United States on his 21st birthday. "Because of the time difference, when I landed in the U.S. I was still 20 and couldn't be served," he recalled. Back home, he followed in his father's footsteps as a deputy sheriff with the Chickasaw County Sheriff's Office, where he served for 40 years. He also spent 20 years as Chickasaw County coroner and nine years as a reserve sheriff in Pontotoc County. In addition, he volunteered as a firefighter and EMT.

Law enforcement runs deep in John's family. His father served before him, and today his grandson, Alex, has joined the ranks as a Chickasaw County deputy sheriff after recently graduating from the Law Enforcement Academy. John's three sons also served in law enforcement. His son, Casey Harmon, was tragically killed in the line of duty in 1998.

The Harmon family represents four generations of service in law enforcement. "My first love is law enforcement," John said. His life of service—to his country, his community, and his family—remains a powerful example of dedication and sacrifice.

We honor John Harmon for his bravery in Vietnam, his decades of service to Chickasaw County, and the legacy of law enforcement his family continues to uphold. We also remember and honor Deputy Jailer Casey Harmon, whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Last week, we celebrated the United States Air Force's birthday. For 78 years, the Air Force has stood strong in defense of our nation. Thank you to all those who serve and protect our freedom. Your skill, sacrifice, and commitment to excellence embody the very best of America. We are proud of the vital role you play in keeping our nation safe.

Next week, we will celebrate Mississippi Manufacturing Week and the hardworking men and women who drive one of our state's most important industries. We appreciate everything they do from creating jobs to fueling our economy. Mississippi manufacturers keep our communities strong. I'm grateful for their dedication and proud to support them in Congress. 

Their innovation and commitment help put Mississippi on the map, proving that our state can compete with anyone. I will continue working to make sure manufacturers have the tools and opportunities they need to grow and succeed.

Houston High School recently hosted a career day, giving students an opportunity to learn more about colleges, the military and workforce careers.

Cathy Spencer, Houston High School's career coach, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between high school and the workforce through the event. About 315 juniors and seniors from Houston, Houlka, and Okolona high schools attended.

Not every student chooses to pursue higher education, and this event highlighted the many paths available after graduation. Twenty-five businesses representing a variety of industries participated, along with 12 colleges. The military was also represented by the Mississippi National Guard, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

I am proud to see our schools and career coaches helping prepare young Mississippians for success beyond high school.

We honor Gold Star Mothers and Families. We remember the ultimate sacrifice of their loved ones and express our deep gratitude for their courage and strength. Their sacrifice is a reminder that the freedoms we cherish come at a great cost. Gold Star families carry the weight of loss with dignity, and their resilience is an inspiration to us all.

We owe them more than words of thanks—we owe them our continued commitment to honor the memory of their loved ones by preserving the values they gave their lives to defend. Our nation is stronger because of the sacrifice of these families, and we will never forget their service and devotion.