In 1943, sixteen-year-old Velma Welch traded life on the family farm for a full-time job in Memphis. At the time, Fisher Body Aircraft Division of General Motors Corporation was assembling parts for military aircraft. Scores of women joined the assembly line to produce munitions and war supplies in factories and shipyards across the United States. This new role would earn them the nickname "Rosie the Riveter". "We were all patriotic," Velma said. "All the men were going off to World War II. We wanted to do our part. It was really hard work —much harder than my chores on the farm." After working at the factory for eighteen months, Velma completed business school and became a secretary.

In 1948, Velma married Robert Gipson. "We met on a blind date! We hit it off after I invited him to a Christmas party. He was a great, honorable man," Velma said.

They were married for 53 years until he passed away in 2002. The couple raised five children: Robert Jr., Liz, Brian, Jeanie, and Karen. They have 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. 

Velma may be 97 years old, but she is one hundred percent independent. She lives on her own, drives, and even does water aerobics four days a week. We salute Southaven's "Rosie the Riveter" and will always be grateful for her service to America. 

Brett, Jon Worth, and Jennifer Garrett

Congratulations to Jon Worth Garrett! The Corinth High School student is the first-place winner of Mississippi's First Congressional District Art Competition. Jon Worth's watercolor titled "Mississippi Liberty" depicts the Mississippi State Capitol building. As winner, his artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol along with winners from across America. Additionally, Jon Worth will receive two plane tickets to attend the Congressional Art Competition ceremony in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the competition, please click on the link.

Danny O'Brien, Head of Office, Hanwha

Mississippi Northern District Highway Commissioner John Caldwell with DeSoto County, Hernando, Olive Branch, Southaven, Walls, and Horn Lake officials

Mississippi Association of Realtors

Jon Milstead, Senior Vice President, Planning & Property, Community Development Foundation, Todd Jordan, Mayor, City of Tupelo, Wesley Webb, President, Lee County Board of Supervisors, and Rob Hairston, Director of Projects, Community Development Foundation

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