Senate President Pro Tempore Billy Hewes appointed Chairman of Mississippi National Guard Caucus

Senate President Pro Tempore Billy Hewes appointed Chairman of Mississippi National Guard Caucus

Members of the Mississippi legislature met at the State Capitol this week for the formation of the Legislative National Guard Caucus. Senator Ezell Lee, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the Caucus along with Rep. Credell Calhoun, said it was created to offer support to Guardsmen and their families.

“The past seven years have dramatically changed the focus and standing of the National Guard within the Department of Defense. Most members of the Mississippi National Guard have been deployed to dangerous locations throughout the world with some doing multiple tours,” said Hewes, who is Chairman of the Caucus. “This year will be no different with units throughout the State of Mississippi being called upon to participate in the Global War on Terrorism in both Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Hewes said in coming weeks future plans for the Caucus will be made.

Caucus members plan to meet during the session and across Mississippi after the 2009 Legislative session ends so they can learn what issues affect Guardsmen and hopefully get them resolved or route them to the proper agencies.

Brigadier General William Freeman was the featured speaker for this inaugural meeting.

(L-R) Col. J. Roy Robinson, Executive Director of the National Guard Association of Mississippi, District 47 Senator Ezell Lee, Chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, Major General William L. Freeman Jr., Adjunct General of the Mississippi National Guard, Senate President Pro Tempore Billy Hewes and District 68 Representative Credell Calhoun, Chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee, held discussions on Thursday, January 29, 2009, at the state Capitol after a meeting of the newly formed Mississippi National Guard Caucus.

Senate Press Release
1/30/9