We are pleased to announce the selection of Chandler Wood as the recipient of the Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship. Chandler is looking forward to working with Gold Star families in Mississippi's First Congressional District. It is our top priority to make sure their voices are heard on Capitol Hill.

Chandler is the Gold Star Child of Mississippi Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Abbott. Family and friends say they will always remember him as the "Forever Hero" who was devoted to God, country, and family. Derek also had a tremendous love for flying, both personally and professionally. "He loved to fly," Chandler said. "He loved offering rides on his Cherokee Six to watch a sunrise or sunset." Derek had a long and distinguished military career beginning in December 2002. His service included a deployment to Iraq where he served as an Ah-64A Apache Pilot in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. "He always took great pride and honor in serving with stature and great valor in all endeavors," family members stated. Derek passed away during a training exercise on February 23rd, 2024. His service will always be remembered.

We are very proud of Mississippi's First District entrepreneurs! Abbi Nichols is the owner and founder of Abbikadabbi's Baking Company. The 23-year-old Olive Branch native began selling homemade baked goods when she was in high school. You could say Abbi is a perfectionist. She worked for one year to perfect a recipe for chocolate chip cookies. "My business has come a long way," Abbi said. "It's my passion and not a job. I love making customers happy with a wide variety of cakes, cookies, and petit fours. My goal is to operate the bakery and to offer nationwide shipping as well as a delivery service." Phelan and Traci Nichols, Abbi's parents, are her biggest fans. Both will continue their active roles in the business when she opens her first storefront bakery in Southaven. 

Abbi recently graduated from the University of Mississippi. During her college career, she continued to expand her business. Abbi won a number of business competition awards while in college. Recently, she was selected the U.S. Small Business Administration's Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the State of Mississippi. 

As a member of Congress, I will continue to push for policies that will encourage more entrepreneurs to open a business. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.