By John Mayo (D., DeSoto County)

Mississippi House of Representatives

Movie Review, Honoring Admiral, Ways and Means, Cell Phone

For the first time in my 11 years up here, I was on the podium to present a resolution honoring a single person.  He was/is Admiral (Ret) Tom Hall. 

Admiral Hall recently also retired as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Guard and Reserve Affairs.  He was appointed by President Bush II right after 9/11.  He was

responsible for mobilizing, training and equipping the National Guard and Reserve

Forces for the War on Terrorism. 

Before his retirement he was at the top of the chain of command for all of the Armed Forces of the United States.  Pres. Obama asked him to stay on in his capacity of assistant secretary of defense to aid in the transition between administrations.

He was accompanied by his wife Barbara (who, upon our goodbyes after the ceremony) hugged me and whispered, "Thank you for honoring my husband."  I think that was the most meaningful "thank you" I have ever received and especially since it came from a military wife...they are very special persons.

Also on the podium was my good friend from Clarksdale, Chief Warrant Officer (retired) Tom Jones and his wife Patricia.  In announcing Tom, I mentioned he was also a Vietnam Vet and along with me but at different times, we fought the battle of Tu Do Street in Saigon and came away unscathed.  Everyone applauded...unfortunately -- that is not a distinction for which you seek applause.  The other Vietnam vets got the, shall we say, "Innuendo" of a couple of guys who did not get rolled after an evening of well...let's just say celebrating another day less in Vietnam.

I had called all of the vets up to the podium, starting with the ones from Korea to Vietnam to the war on terrorism, and then all vets.  The admiral made mention how impressed he was by the number and made remarks that Mississippi knows how to serve and take care of its Veterans...Indeed we do.

This occasion I am sure was special for Admiral Hall, but it was an honor of my career here.

We spent much of the rest of the day debating two bills.  One was the "Big" bond bill that has in it everything from repairing buildings at our colleges to repairing the state's infrastructure.

The second bill was building and repairing roads.  It was this bill that members started amending...A LOT… to get roads in their areas four-laned.  Delta roads added included Highway 7 between Greenwood and Grenada, and Highway 61 between Leland and Vicksburg.

Movie Review