The Salute to the Military is one of the longest-running annual events like this in the country. It's a testament to the strong relationship between our communities and the military installations across the coast.

I'm so thankful for those who serve and have served our nation, and I'm proud of the way communities across South Mississippi embrace them both during and after their service.

As your Congressman, I'm working to support every servicemember and veteran that calls South Mississippi home. I voted to pass House Republicans' NDAA, which contains the largest pay raise for our troops in decades, and our VA appropriations bill, which fully funds veterans' healthcare and benefits.

Over my forty-two year career in law enforcement, I worked countless storms and several major hurricanes. In fact, Hurricane Frederic struck on one of my first days on the job as a Pascagoula Police Officer.

No other storm I worked came close to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, which hit just over 18 years ago.

We've come a long way from that fateful August day. While we'll always remember the lives lost and damage done 18 years ago, I'm proud of the way South Mississippi has rebuilt stronger.

Next week, I'll be holding a town hall at the George County Public Library. I hope you'll join me on Tuesday, September 5th at 2:00 p.m.