In April 2021, The University of Mississippi's Office of Veterans & Military Services officially opened in a new, more convenient location on campus. This facility houses the services that will help meet the needs of student veterans. It was a privilege to participate in the grand opening ceremony and to talk with these patriotic men and women who have served America in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Student veterans shared their stories with us, discussing how the office has helped them gain access to important services, while providing a place to fellowship with other student veterans.

I was pleased to introduce The Veterans Treatment Teams (VeTTs) on Campus Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation would allow student veterans to receive healthcare for their service-connected injuries at their campus hospital or clinic. This initiative, spearheaded by the University of Mississippi's Office of Veterans & Military Services and already implemented at Ole Miss, reduces or removes disruptions to school, work, and family life for student veterans across the Nation. By receiving healthcare that is approved in their VA treatment plan at their college campus, there will be no additional need for student veterans to coordinate childcare, put wear and tear on their vehicles, and potentially miss classes or exams because of their VA healthcare needs. This bill will offer immediacy of care, reduce backlog for VA wait-times, and removes the burden of taxpayer-funded travel costs for student veterans who may reside hours away from the nearest VA facility. Most importantly, taking care of our student veterans’ healthcare needs sends a strong message of institutional commitment to the military-connected student population, which is the single contributing factor to student veteran retention and graduation rates.

"Veterans Treatment Teams work to meet student veterans where they are, to walk through the walls they may put up, and to serve them immediately," Andrew Newby, UM Asst. Dir. for Veterans & Military Services, USMC Veteran, said. "Veterans Treatment Teams allow student veterans to stay in class, to not have to miss work, to not have to find additional childcare for VA appointments that may run longer than they had planned. All this can be done while student veterans move to, through, and beyond college, which is remarkable."

Adam and Ali Carnes operate a Christmas tree farm in Pontotoc. In 2018, Adam said that God called him to cultivate family land where traditional crops had been grown for decades. Adam felt led to grow Christmas trees. He sought the advice of other Christmas tree farmers who were eager to help. The Mississippi State University Extension Service also offered guidance. In 2019, Carnes Family Farms opened for business. In the beginning, Adam had Fraser and Douglas fir trees shipped in to sell. That gave him time to start planting a variety of cypress trees. The fast-growing trees have enabled the family to grow their seasonal business. "We have been blessed," Adam said. "It is a joy to have people come out and choose a tree. Everyone is happy and smiling! We treat them to a visit from Santa Claus!" 

This year, Adam is considering adding a new attraction to the Christmas tree farm - a fire engine slide. Adam and his father own the very first modern fire engine purchased by the City of Pontotoc approximately 40 years ago. The vehicle has a special place in Adam's heart because it was used by his father when he worked for the Pontotoc Fire Department.

We are proud of Adam and Ali for all their hard work and dedication to their Christmas tree farm. When they are not tending to their trees, they devote their time to raising Culley Ann and Neeley Ross. Both parents work full-time jobs as well. Adam is a firefighter for the Olive Branch Fire Department, and Ali is a special education teacher at North Pontotoc High School.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, it is an honor to advocate on behalf of all our farmers in Mississippi's First Congressional District. Our producers have made Agriculture Mississippi's top industry. 

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