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US CONGRESS · SITTING

Michael Guest

Representative for Mississippi · Republican · United States

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

She also guided the department in providing support to the Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag, helping ensure the Commission carried out its work with transparency and effectiveness.

CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE710 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

She also guided the department in providing support to the Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag, helping ensure the Commission carried out its work with transparency and effectiveness.

HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E710] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI ______ H…

CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE710 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E710] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI ______ H…

HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

As only the second woman to lead the department since its founding in 1902, Katie had a steadfast commitment to ``honest storytelling'' and understanding the complexities of Mississippi's storied history.

HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

As only the second woman to lead the department since its founding in 1902, Katie had a steadfast commitment to ``honest storytelling'' and understanding the complexities of Mississippi's storied history.

CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE710 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

The complete record

Every one of 16 lines we hold for Michael Guest, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account.

  1. She also guided the department in providing support to the Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag, helping ensure the Commission carried out its work with transparency and effectiveness. She has positioned the department for continued success in developing new sites that tell Mississippi's stories, including the Vicksburg Civil War Visitor Center, the Natchez Tribal History Center, and Margaret Ann Crigler Park, while also strengthening the protection of historic places across our state. I am thankful for Katie's dedication and many years of service to Mississippi. Her work will live on through future generations and continue to inspire other historians to keep Mississippi's unique story alive. I am thankful for the opportunity to recognize Katie's service and commitment to the people of Mississippi and to our state's history.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE710 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  2. As only the second woman to lead the department since its founding in 1902, Katie had a steadfast commitment to ``honest storytelling'' and understanding the complexities of Mississippi's storied history. Under Katie's leadership, the department has broadened access to its collections, expanded the stories it tells, and strengthened its commitment to preserving and interpreting the full and complex history of the state, ensuring that all Mississippians are represented. Katie was instrumental in the creation and opening of the Two Mississippi Museums, which has welcomed more than 800,000 visitors and established Mississippi as a national leader in public history.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE710 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  3. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E710] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI ______ HON. MICHAEL GUEST of mississippi in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the public service of Katie Blount, who dedicated more than thirty years to the State of Mississippi at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH), serving as the seventh director of the agency since 2015.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE710 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  4. She also guided the department in providing support to the Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag, helping ensure the Commission carried out its work with transparency and effectiveness. She has positioned the department for continued success in developing new sites that tell Mississippi's stories, including the Vicksburg Civil War Visitor Center, the Natchez Tribal History Center, and Margaret Ann Crigler Park, while also strengthening the protection of historic places across our state. I am thankful for Katie's dedication and many years of service to Mississippi. Her work will live on through future generations and continue to inspire other historians to keep Mississippi's unique story alive. I am thankful for the opportunity to recognize Katie's service and commitment to the people of Mississippi and to our state's history.

    HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  5. As only the second woman to lead the department since its founding in 1902, Katie had a steadfast commitment to ``honest storytelling'' and understanding the complexities of Mississippi's storied history. Under Katie's leadership, the department has broadened access to its collections, expanded the stories it tells, and strengthened its commitment to preserving and interpreting the full and complex history of the state, ensuring that all Mississippians are represented. Katie was instrumental in the creation and opening of the Two Mississippi Museums, which has welcomed more than 800,000 visitors and established Mississippi as a national leader in public history.

    HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  6. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E710] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI ______ HON. MICHAEL GUEST of mississippi in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the public service of Katie Blount, who dedicated more than thirty years to the State of Mississippi at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH), serving as the seventh director of the agency since 2015.

    HONORING THE SERVICE OF KATIE BLOUNT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  7. It is a privilege to recognize his life, his service, and his enduring commitment to the people of Mississippi. ____________________

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGH4419 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  8. He also held leadership roles as president of the Jasper County Farm Bureau, the Jasper County Soil and Water Commission, the Meridian Stockyard board of directors, and the Mississippi Pork Producers Association. He remained active in numerous civic and agricultural organizations, including the Jasper County Forestry Association, the Jasper County Livestock Association, and the Bay Springs Lions Club. Mr. Keenan was widely regarded as a man of honor and integrity, and many sought his counsel on both personal and professional matters, a testament to the trust he earned throughout his life. He was a faithful member of Wesley Independent Methodist Church, where he lived out the values that guided his service. Mr. Keenan will be deeply missed, not only by his family, but by the entire Jasper County community.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGH4419 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  9. He began his career at La-Z-Boy in Newton before entering public service as a deputy with the Jasper County Sheriff's Department. In 1977, he joined the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks as a conservation officer, where he served with distinction for more than three decades. While serving at the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, he rose to the rank of captain for District IV before retiring in 2010. Two years later, the Jasper County Board of Supervisors appointed him as interim sheriff, and he concluded his law enforcement career as a bailiff for the circuit court. Mr. Keenan's dedication to public service extended well beyond his official duties. He was deeply committed to the stewardship of Mississippi's natural resources, and he served as Jasper County director of the Pat Harrison Waterway District.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGH4419 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  10. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H4419] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING LYLE KEENAN (Mr. Guest of Mississippi was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life and legacy of John Lyle Keenan of Jasper County, Mississippi. Mr. Keenan was a respected law enforcement officer and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor whose service and character left a lasting mark on his community. Born in Rose Hill, Mississippi, Mr. Keenan graduated from Heidelberg High School in 1964.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGH4419 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  11. It is a privilege to recognize his life, his service, and his enduring commitment to the people of Mississippi. ____________________

    REMEMBERING LYLE KEENAN · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  12. He also held leadership roles as president of the Jasper County Farm Bureau, the Jasper County Soil and Water Commission, the Meridian Stockyard board of directors, and the Mississippi Pork Producers Association. He remained active in numerous civic and agricultural organizations, including the Jasper County Forestry Association, the Jasper County Livestock Association, and the Bay Springs Lions Club. Mr. Keenan was widely regarded as a man of honor and integrity, and many sought his counsel on both personal and professional matters, a testament to the trust he earned throughout his life. He was a faithful member of Wesley Independent Methodist Church, where he lived out the values that guided his service. Mr. Keenan will be deeply missed, not only by his family, but by the entire Jasper County community.

    REMEMBERING LYLE KEENAN · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  13. He began his career at La-Z-Boy in Newton before entering public service as a deputy with the Jasper County Sheriff's Department. In 1977, he joined the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks as a conservation officer, where he served with distinction for more than three decades. While serving at the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, he rose to the rank of captain for District IV before retiring in 2010. Two years later, the Jasper County Board of Supervisors appointed him as interim sheriff, and he concluded his law enforcement career as a bailiff for the circuit court. Mr. Keenan's dedication to public service extended well beyond his official duties. He was deeply committed to the stewardship of Mississippi's natural resources, and he served as Jasper County director of the Pat Harrison Waterway District.

    REMEMBERING LYLE KEENAN · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  14. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H4419] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING LYLE KEENAN (Mr. Guest of Mississippi was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life and legacy of John Lyle Keenan of Jasper County, Mississippi. Mr. Keenan was a respected law enforcement officer and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor whose service and character left a lasting mark on his community. Born in Rose Hill, Mississippi, Mr. Keenan graduated from Heidelberg High School in 1964.

    REMEMBERING LYLE KEENAN · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  15. His impact on many careers can be seen in the life of the community and the growth of WTOK. John Johnson will be remembered throughout Meridian and Mississippi for his dedication to leadership and service to his community. ____________________

    CREC-2025-04-07-PT1-PGE288-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  16. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E288] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING MERIDIAN NEWS ANCHOR JOHN JOHNSON ______ HON. MICHAEL GUEST of mississippi in the house of representatives Monday, April 7, 2025 Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember one of Meridian's finest in the world of local news: John Johnson. John Johnson was one of the first African-American news directors in Mississippi and the Southeast. He served as the anchorman and news director at WTOK-TV for many years. His dedication to his community showed in how he built up the next generation of local news anchors across his 32 years of service.

    CREC-2025-04-07-PT1-PGE288-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD