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This week, America is celebrating National Veterans Small Business Week. We are proud to recognize Jerry Gann, a U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran. He is the owner of Gann Services, a plumbing and electrical business in Pontotoc.

Jerry grew up developing electrical and plumbing skills while working with his father. While he thoroughly enjoyed a job in the trades, Jerry's great patriotism led him down a different path. In 1991, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and later, the Mississippi Army National Guard, serving active duty as an AGR Soldier for 16 years. "I am very proud of my service," said Jerry. "It was very fulfilling to be a part of something bigger."

After serving over 19 years in the military, Jerry returned to the trades and eventually started his own business. "It made sense for me because I had the knowledge. The military prepared me for the struggles of owning a small business," added Jerry.

We honor the men and women who have served our country and are now succeeding as entrepreneurs.

Veterans Day is special for Mississippi Army National Guard veteran Landon Tucker. In 1999, he embarked on a military career that would include three deployments to Iraq from 2005 to 2018. "From the first deployment to the last, Iraq looked like two different places," said Landon. "We saw so much restoration."

Landon's military service was diverse and rewarding. In short order, he went from commanding four to 180 service members. In 2023, Landon completed his military service, retiring as captain. "My service shaped my life. A lot of things we do now are lessons we learned in the military," added Landon. He is referring to his 18-year career in law enforcement. Currently, Landon serves as the Corinth Chief of Police.

On Veterans Day, Chief Tucker gathered with other veterans for breakfast and a good conversation at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3962 in Corinth. "I enjoy seeing people I served with. Veterans are the same. We feel a bond. You can always pick another veteran out in a crowd. Even if you haven't met before, you just click," said Landon.

Chief Tucker and his wife, Kate, have four children. They are Carter, Allyn, Ella Kate. and Mason.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it's our privilege to honor Bobby Davis, a U.S. Navy veteran and entrepreneur. The Pontotoc native operates his own remodeling business, Davis Home Improvements.

Bobby enlisted in the Navy in 1988. During his 23 years of service, he was part of a Construction Battalion, served as a yard boss, and worked as a small firearms instructor. "I'm proud of my service, and I'd still be in the military if they let me," he said. 

Bobby credits much of his construction knowledge to the military and the electricians and builders he worked with. He retired from the Navy as an EO1 in 2015 and transitioned to running his business full time. "I enjoy working for myself," Bobby said. "It's the American dream." Bobby also has been teaching civilian firearm classes since his retirement.

We are pleased to recognize Korey Monohan, a student veteran at the University of Mississippi. Korey served five years in the U.S. Navy as a sonar technician on the USS Maine, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine. "I was like the eyes and ears," he said.

Korey is a junior working toward a bachelor's degree in mathematics. He also serves as a work-study student for Sergeant Douglas at the Ole Miss Veteran and Military Services office. The office provides resources and support for veteran and military students. "They look out for us and provide us with great opportunities," Korey said.

The transition from military service to university life can be challenging, but Korey says the services office has offered a comforting environment for him and other students veterans. "It makes me feel at home because all I knew for five years of my young adult life was the military," he said.

Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers

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