I recently had the honor of presenting three medals, including the Purple Heart, to the family and friends of Private First Class Thaddeus Buchanan Green, a World War I veteran. When the family first tried to obtain his medals, having been approved and awarded in November of 2024, they were told it would take years, possibly until 2028. Thanks to my office and outstanding staff, we were able to secure them within two weeks. It was a great privilege to present PFC Thaddeus Green's medals to his son, David Green, a Vietnam Era veteran who served in Korea in 1968.

Thaddeus Green was born in Tate, Georgia, and worked in construction before answering the call to serve his country. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on February 13, 1918, and deployed to France just three months later. As an Automatic Rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 327th Regiment, 82nd Infantry Division, Thad, as he was known, fought in some of World War I's most pivotal campaigns, such as the Toul Defensive Sector, the Battle of St. Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive

On October 10, 1918, Thad was wounded by shrapnel from an enemy shell near the Aire River, south of St. Juvin, France. Despite his injuries, he continued his service and after the Armistice, he was reassigned to the 243rd Military Police Company, where he remained until July 1919. After returning home, Thad settled in Florence, Alabama, where he worked for 44 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Valley Authority. As a crane operator and later a machinist foreman, he helped build and maintain the Wilson Dam at Muscle Shoals, AL.

David Green, Thad's son; grandsons Pete McMurry and Tom McMurry; and great-grandson Cody McMurry

Thad and his wife, Annabel, raised four children together. David Green, Thad's youngest son, grew up in the TVA Village and remembers his father for his sense of humor and his lifelong dedication to service. When asked about his time at war, Thad told David, "I cleaned my 'Sho-Sho' (French Chauchat rifle) and played harmonica and spoons during my spare time, except when the Germans wanted to get in a fuss with us."

Private First Class Thaddeus Green's story is one of courage, humility, and service. His life reminds us of the strength and resilience of those who fought for freedom during World War I. It was an honor to recognize his sacrifice and to present his medals to the family and friends who carry on his memory. Because of men like Thad Green, we live in the greatest nation on earth. We will never forget his service and sacrifice. 

K.C. Grist, Executive Director of American Red Cross North Mississippi

Anyone who lives in Mississippi has experienced severe weather. From tornadoes to flooding, we've seen it all. When disaster strikes, we are not alone. No matter what the conditions, a familiar friend always comes to our aid - an American Red Cross volunteer. Armed with hot coffee, warm meals, and much-needed supplies, these caring men and women offer a helping hand with relief efforts.

Recently, I was honored to participate in the American Red Cross North Mississippi Annual Meeting in Tupelo. K.C. Grist, Executive Director, does an outstanding job as leader of 31 counties and their bastion of volunteers. I am thankful for their service to Mississippi, our great nation, and to the world.

I recently had the opportunity to speak at the Mississippi Road Builders Association's October meeting in Oxford. It was great visiting with Executive Director Mike Pepper, Northern District Highway Commissioner John Caldwell, and many of Mississippi's road and bridge contractors and industry suppliers to hear their concerns and priorities firsthand. 

Mississippi's roads have come a long way, with major improvements underway across the First District, from Highway 25 and Highway 15 to I-55 in DeSoto County. The men and women in this industry keep Mississippi moving. Their work connects our communities, strengthens our economy, and lays the foundation for future growth across our state.

Every mile of road and every bridge built represents jobs, progress, and a better quality of life for Mississippians. I'm proud of the work they do, and I'll continue working to make sure Mississippi gets the resources we need to keep investing in our infrastructure.