Co B 106th BSB/155TH SEND OFF CEREMONY

The time is getting closer.  We now have a date for the send off ceremony for his unit.  

I had someone ask me yesterday if I was "SCARED".  You damn right I am scared to death.  Why wouldn't I be.  If I weren't scared, I would not be a normal mom.  

As the time gets closer, I find myself getting a little more teary eyed each time I think about it.  Things are different for this deployment.  He is much more wiser and much more mature.  He's got a lot more to think about before he leaves this time.   

Funny how 4 years sure makes a difference in a young soldier.  He is thinking way ahead this time, as with the first deployment he just had himself to worry about.  This time he has a new wife, a home and animals to think about.

He brought me his generator yesterday, just in case I need it during hurricane season while he is gone.  Think he has Kristy all set at their house as well.  She has learned how to drive the zero turn lawn mower and love it she says.  

These next few weeks will be filled with lots of emotions I am sure.  

Mississippi Soldiers prepare for Iraq

WTOK

Nearly 3,200 Mississippi Soldiers Prepare for Iraq

More than 3,000 Mississippi Army National Guard soldiers will soon be going back to Iraq.

For many members of the 155th Brigade Combat Team, deployment overseas will be nothing new. Hundreds of members of the group spent a year in Iraq earlier, in the largest war-time deployment of Mississippi soldiers since World War II.

It's about to happen again. Members of the 155th have been told to mobilize in May for training in advance of another deployment.

They will go hoping that this deployment will not be as dangerous as the last. Fourteen members of the 155th died during that last deployment, including some young men from east Mississippi, like Sergeant Shane Pugh, and Specialist Robert McNail.

Several members of the 155th also returned home with serious injuries. Meridianite Norris Galatas was among them, suffering numerous wounds when a roadside bomb hit his vehicle.

The brigade returned home to widespread praise, earning 123 Purple Hearts, 328 Bronze Stars, two thousand combat badges, and a Silver Star.

This time, the soldiers plan to use a buddy system, pairing those who've been in combat before with those who haven't, so the first timers will have an idea of what to expect, and a better chance of getting home to their families, safe and sound.

GOLD STAR DAD GOES TO THE PENTAGON

Thanks to David for this...

My Visit to the Pentagon [Robert Stokely]

My 30 minute visit with the Under Secretary of Defense, Arthur J. Myers, went very well. But, we need to keep the letters coming to say no to changing the Dover Policy (no media at Dover).

Then, I had the opportunity of oppotunities. Besides a one on one personal guided tour of the Pentagon and the Office of the Army Chief of Staff, I was surprised by getting to spend over 15 minutes alone with General George Casey, Army Chief of Staff.

I am still amazed at this opportunity and I can only say that General Casey is a down to earth, genuine person, and he understands what it means to be a Gold Star Family, for he is a Gold Star Son, his father having died when his helicopter was shot down in Viet Nam (General Casey was 21 and had just been commissioned when his father was KIA.) And the guided tour was awesome, especially since I am a big fan of McArthur. But, it was sombering experience to visit the crash impact site from 9 / 11 and to stand where the plane hit the Pentagon.

I have tried to think how to put these opportunities into perspective. I can only say that the footprints and shoulders of my "boy", Mike, have carried his old man to places few see, at least as up close and personal as I have been given the privilege of seeing.

Robert Stokely

proud dad SGT Mike Stokely

KIA 16 AUG 05 near Yusufiyah Iraq

USA E 108 CAV 48th BCT GAARNG

U S Army honored Byram, MS Middle School

The Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders were honored to be a part of this program.

Courtesy of WLBT.

Teacher and students honored for their encouragement to U.S. Troops

Posted: Feb 13, 2009 10:07 PM
Updated: Feb 13, 2009 10:45 PM

U.S. Army honored Byram Middle School

By Bert Case

BYRAM, MS (WLBT)- It is a simple idea, fix up a box from home, fill it with chocolates and items a soldier might need, and send it to those in harm's way and in the hospital, along with a note.

A simple idea that means a lot, according to MS. Adjutant General William Freeman.

"A tremendous boost to morale. And of course they take the candy and stuff and give it to the Iraqi kids over there," General Freeman said.

The lady who came up with the idea was officially commended by the U.S. Army. She is Cheryl Shelton, sixth grade teacher at Byram Middle School. We asked her how the idea originated.

"A friend of mine had a brother that was going to Iraq, and I said my students will write letters and we will send cards and pictures, and candy to him," Shelton added.

Fifty five boxes a month have been sent to the troops for six years and Major Mike Conroy, who works in the Pentagon, came all the way to Byram to say thank you.

"It truly helps our military, accomplish their mission," Major Conroy said.

The boxes from home made those who assembled them, like 11 year-old Kelly Byrd, and 12 year old Austin Partridge feel good.

"It helps everybody like to remember, the soldiers that are in Iraq. It feels good because they know that they are not alone," said Byrd.

One of the soldiers who got a box is now retired S.F.C. Norris Galatas of Meridian, MS.

"We are over here doing something that the world is against, and really people do care, but we like to hear it," said Sgt. First Class Galatas.

One hundred twenty students got commendations from the Army and everybody got a flag courtesy of the Woodmen Of The World.

Rest in Peace CPT Yllescas

Rob is with God now

"Well, today Rob went to be with the Lord. Last night his ICP's went really high and they took him for another CT scan. The scan results were devastating. So, we decided to let him go Home. He went very painlessly and quickly. I don't know when his funeral will be but it will be in Nebraska in my hometown. I will let you all know the details when I get them. Thank so all so much for the thousands of prayers you sent for my husband. We now have an angel looking over us."

Our thoughts and prayers are with this family.

VI DAY

Victory in Iraq

We won. The Iraq War is over. 

I declare November 22, 2008 to be "Victory in Iraq Day." (Hereafter known as "VI Day.") 

By every measure, The United States and coalition forces have conclusively defeated all enemies in Iraq, pacified the country, deposed the previous regime, successfully helped to establish a new functioning democratic government, and suppressed any lingering insurgencies. The war has come to an end. And we won. 

What more indication do you need? An announcement from the outgoing Bush administration? It's not gonna happen. An announcement from the incoming Obama administration? That's really not gonna happen. A declaration of victory by the media? Please. Don't make me laugh. A concession of surrender by what few remaining insurgents remain in hiding? Forget about it. 

The moment has come to acknowledge the obvious. To overtly declare a fact that has already been true for quite some time now. Let me repeat: 

WE WON THE WAR IN IRAQ

nd since there will never be a ticker-tape parade down Fifth Avenue in New York for our troops, it's up to us, the people, to arrange a virtual ticker-tape parade. An online victory celebration. 

Saturday, November 22, 2008 is the day of that celebration: Victory in Iraq Day. 

What do you need to do to participate? Simple. Just make a post on your blog on Saturday, November 22, announcing that the war is over, and declaring that day to be Victory in Iraq Day. That's it. 

If you want to write a short post (or a long essay) analyzing the nature of our victory or cheering the troops for a job well done, great; but if you just want to make a simple announcement of the victory, that's fine as well. Anything will do. Just come and join the celebration to mark the day. 

Keep reading below to find: evidence that the war is over (for the doubters); an historical discussion of previous postwar occupations and guerrilla violence; a list of blogs which have already joined the VI Day movement; free banners and graphics for you to download and put on your blog, if you so choose; and an invitation to submit your own "victory graphics" for posting here. 

Former AG passes away

WLBT NEWS

Former Mississippi National Guard Adjutant General Gray Harrison passed away at 3:00 Thursday afternoon at St. Dominic Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Harrison was the fourth Mississippian to be elected to the National Board of Governors of the American Red Cross in 1996. He had also served as the chairman of the Central Mississippi Chapter of the Red Cross and chairman of the Southeast region.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

THANK YOU to all past and present members of our military, but especially this one for making me the proudest Mom...

Remember to thank a Veteran today. I will be headed to our local VA to spend a little time with our Veterans today and to hand out some beautiful hand made blankets made by Soldiers' Angel Blanket Team.

A Pittance of TIme

LEX-GRAND MARSHALL OF VETERANS PARADE

KNXV-TV in Phoenix, AZ

Military dog honored for staying by his handler's side.

A bomb-sniffing dog who once worked in Iraq is being honored during a reception at the Arizona State Veteran home.

The German Shepherd Marine, Lex, and his handler, Marine Corporal Dustin Lee, suffered shrapnel wounds in Karmah, Iraq in March 2007.

According to Lee's family, an IED exploded and launched shrapnel into Lee's body and his dog's body.

"There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of him," said Rachel Lee, Dustin Lee's mother.

According to Lee's family, Lex refused to leave Lee's side during the incident, as Lee waited for transportation to a treatment facility.

"Lex did not want to leave Dustin because that was his partner," said Jerome Lee, Dustin Lee's father. "He was going to stay with him no matter what."

"Lex laid on top (of Dustin)...and didn't want to be removed," recalled Rachel Lee.

"He actually had to be pulled way from Dustin," added Jerome Lee.

According to the Lee's parents, Lex attended Lee's funeral in Mississippi after receiving his own treatment at a veterinary hospital in North Carolina.

Lee's parents told ABC15 they adopted Lex after the incident. However, the process was not easy.

"When we lost Dustin, we knew we wanted a part of Lex to be with us," said Jerome Lee. "No matter what," he said.

Lee's parents said Lex was a working military dog, and had already served several years in the military. He had approximately two years left of duty.

Lee's parents said they believe Lex is the first military dog to be retired from service early.

"Lex is like a member of our family," said Jerome Lee. "I'm not going to say it fills a void, but we know that Dustin wanted Lex to be with us," he said.

Rachel Lee said looking at Lex helps her see her son's soul.

"It's like having the spirit within," she said.

Rachel Lee said dogs like Lex are helping military troops all over the world.

"They may be just a dog," she said, "but they're a soldier, and they're a partner with another mother's son to protect."

The reception honoring Lex happened Saturday at 2:00pm at the Arizona State Veteran Home.

Lex, who already has been honored with a commemorative purple heart, will also be an honorary grand marshal at the VA Veteran's Day Parade in Phoenix.

azfamily.com

Iraq Veteran Honored by AZ Vets

VOTING

I decided that I would go and vote on my way into work this morning, instead of waiting until I got home tonight.  I was there at 0640 and there was already a long line.  Don't recall ever seeing so many people that early of a morning on election day in the past.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the right team will be elected...

I overheard the poll workers saying that they are anticipating a record breaking turnout for Mississippi.

Another Mississippi Soldier...

The Columbian Progress

Columbia resident makes the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq...

Private First-Class Christopher A.(Chris) McCraw, son of Avon McCraw and Cathy McCraw, both of Columbia, was killed in Iraq this week. He was 23 years old and joined the Army in Feb. 2006. He went to Basic Training at Fort Benning, Ga., where he graduated in June 2006. McCraw had been stationed in Hawaii prior to being deployed to Iraq in Dec. 2007. In Iraq he was stationed at Camp Liberty outside Baghdad. McCraw attended city schools until his family moved to North Carolina in the late 1990’s. He graduated high school there prior to the family moving back to Columbia.

The Clarion Ledger

Avon McCraw clearly remembers the last time he talked with his son, Pfc. Christopher McCraw.

"I was talking with him on the cell phone, and he was laughing when it cut out," said Avon, of Marion County. "That was the last time I got to hear his voice, his laughter."

Christopher McCraw, 23, died Tuesday in Baghdad from wounds suffered when he encountered small-arms fire while on patrol, according to the Department of Defense.

At least 67 people from Mississippi or with strong ties to the state have died in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Christopher McCraw is the third soldier from Marion County to be killed in Iraq.

"We all knew the danger was there, but I didn't expect this to happen," Avon McCraw said. "I'll probably never get over it, but I don't want to because he was my child."

Christopher McCraw comes from a family of soldiers, with Avon's brothers, Jerry and Monroe, both having served in the Army. Christopher McCraw's brother also served in Iraq and came home two years ago with post-traumatic stress disorder, a family member said.

Christopher McCraw was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and was looking forward to coming home from Iraq and marrying the mother of his young son.

There was no mistaking Christopher's sweet sense of humor, friends said.

"Chris was just a charmer, an all around, happy-go-lucky kid," said Wendy Bracey, his Sunday school teacher at Woodlawn Pentecostal Church in Columbia. "He was a prankster with a sweet smile. I remember he would always sneak up behind me, then tap me on my shoulder trying to scare me."

Christopher McCraw called Columbia home until his parents separated as he entered high school. He moved with his mother to North Carolina, where he eventually graduated.

Jerron Carney, 28, of Columbia said Christopher was always loyal to his friends in Mississippi and would always stop by to say hello when he was in town.

On Oct. 1, Christopher McCraw sent Carney a message on MySpace checking in on Carney and his family.

"He was a favorite of mine. He will be missed by a lot of people, and I know I'm one of them," he said.

A message Christopher McCraw wrote before his death on his MySpace.com page said: "For man hath no greater love than that he would lay down his own life for his friends."

Avon McCraw said he supported his son's decision to join the military.

"He loved his job. He was a true soldier," he said. "He never mentioned anything about being scared, which is why I say he was a soldier."

GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY

I received this via email from a Mississippi Gold Star Mom and wanted to share with you all.

THE WHITE HOUSE

GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY, 2008

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Throughout our history, the men and women of the Armed Forces have put our Nation's security before their own, doing their duty in the face of grave danger.

On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay solemn tribute to the mothers of the patriots lost serving this great Nation.

Gold Star Mothers inspire our Nation with their deep devotion to family and country. These extraordinary women serve their communities, dedicate their time to helping members of our Armed Forces and veterans, and bring comfort and hope to families whose loved ones laid down their lives in the defense of our liberty. Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage and resolve while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen heroes.

On this day, we honor our country's Gold Star Mothers and remember their sons' and daughters' noble service and great sacrifice. We offer them our deepest gratitude and our most profound respect, and we ask for God's blessings to be upon them and their families.

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 28, 2008, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this special day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

/s/ GEORGE W. BUSH

DEBATE or BAILOUT?

THE CLARION LEDGER

OXFORD — Both Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain are expected to be in the University of Mississippi's Gertrude Ford Center for sound checks Friday afternoon, despite McCain raising doubt Wednesday over whether the first presidential debate would proceed as planned.

Ole Miss and the Commission on Presidential Debates both said they plan to hold the debate at 8 p.m. Friday, as scheduled.

"The commission has been working with these schools for a year and a half," said Commission spokesman Peter Eyre. "We are ready to go on with the debate on Friday."

Obama, the Democratic nominee, has said he plans to be in Mississippi for the debate.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who negotiated the terms of the debate formats on McCain's behalf, told CNN on Wednesday that McCain would propose the debate take the place of the vice presidential debate, currently scheduled for next Thursday in St. Louis, if a financial bailout deal is not arranged by Friday.

The VP debate would then be rescheduled to take place in Oxford.

Mississippi Republican Party chairman Brad White said McCain has staffers in Oxford working on rallies that are scheduled before and after Friday's debate. Workers at the GOP state headquarters also are on their way to Oxford, White said.

"Nothing has been communicated to me that would lead me to believe we need to put a stop to, or slow down, the plans for a debate," White said late Wednesday. "As of right now, no one has said a word to me that would (make me think) this isn't going to happen."

McCain's campaign is continuing to advance scheduled activities here on Friday for McCain's wife, Cindy. She has two planned events, one at an Ole Miss sorority house and one with local Republican women at the Oxford University Club.

Gov. Haley Barbour and Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat are scheduled to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. today at the Ford Center entrance on University Avenue.

While the campus was rocked Wednesday with news of a possibly postponed debate, crews continued to work to prepare the Ford Center for the estimated 3,000 media members expected.

"The final details are unfolding," said university spokeswoman Gloria Kellum. "The majority of this is accommodating the media and meeting their needs for debate coverage."

A large tent was erected on University Avenue for the Secret Service to check credentials.

In front of the Ford Center, media satellite trucks continued to pour in and jockey for parking places.

Cobra security guards continued monitoring security perimeter checkpoints on Old Taylor Road, University Drive and other points of entry to the campus.

At the Triplett Alumni Center, the process of media credentialing continued, despite a period of head-scratching and hurried cell phone calls made by newspeople watching the debate postponement drama unfold on cable TV.

At sundown, forklifts still were unloading truckloads of everything from media center commissary food and drink to folding chairs and furniture.

Debate commission technical personnel - under the direction of CPD producer Martin Slutsky - continued their work tweaking minor details inside the Ford Center.

Kellum said the finishing touches in the Ford Center, such as lighting and installing camera equipment, have been put into place.

Crews also are finishing last- minute details for several events scheduled on campus over the next two days, including a debate overview by NBC News special correspondent Tom Brokaw tonight, and a Rock the Debate festival in the Grove on Friday.

2008 National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Until July 18th, 1979, no commemoration was held to honor America's POW/MIAs, those returned and those still missing and unaccounted for from our nation's wars. That first year, resolutions were passed in the Congress and the national ceremony was held at the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The Missing Man formation was flown by the 1st Tactical Squadron, Langley AFB, Virginia. The Veterans Administration published a poster including only the letters "POW/MIA" and that format was continued until 1982 when a black and white drawing of a POW in harsh captivity was used to convey the urgency of the situation and the priority that President Reagan assigned to achieving the fullest possible accounting for Americans still missing from the Vietnam War.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day legislation was introduced yearly, until 1995 when it was deemed by Congress that legislation for special days would no longer be proclaimed by Congress. However, the President continues to sign a proclamation each year. In the early years, the date was routinely set in close proximity to the League's annual meetings. In the mid-1980's, the American Ex-POWs decided that they wished to see the date established as April 9th, the date during World War II when the largest number of Americans were captured. As a result, legislation was passed in 1984 which included a July date, but established April 9th as the commemoration date for 1985.

The 1984 National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony was held at the White House. At that most impressive ceremony, the Reagan Administration balanced the focus to honor all returned POWs and renew national commitment to accounting as fully as possible for those still missing. Perhaps the most impressive Missing Man formation ever flown was that year, up the Ellipse and over the White House. Unfortunately, the 1985 ceremony was canceled due to inclement weather, a concern which the League had expressed when the April 9th date was first proposed.

Subsequently, in an effort to accommodate all returned POWs and all Americans still missing and unaccounted for from all wars, the National League of Families proposed a date in September, usually the third Friday, not associated with any particular war and not in conjunction with any organization's national convention. Nearly all National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies have been held at the Pentagon; however, on September 19, 1986, the national ceremony was held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol facing the Mall, again concluding with a flight in Missing Man formation.

Never thought I would see this day...

$5.08 a gallon

All because of IKE...

This station is about 4 miles from my house...

I just bought an SUV, so this really sucks...

IKE...National Guard responding on Coast

Clarion Ledger

Members of the Mississippi Army National Guard 155th Combined Arms Battalion from McComb are supporting Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties due to effects from Hurricane Ike.

Soldiers are on standby to assist with search and rescue efforts if needed due to flooding and damaging winds caused by the storm.

Members of the battalion are from Biloxi, Brookhaven, McComb and Poplarville.

These Guardsmen were called to active duty just over a week ago to help support local governments during Hurricane Gustav.

Gulf Coast under tropical storm warning; some schools closing

Flooding and severe weather conditions from Hurricane Ike caused road and school closures today.

In Hancock County, Second Street Elementary and North Bay Elementary will close at 12:30 p.m. Bay High School and Bay Middle School will close early at 2 p.m. Pass Christian schools are also closed.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency reports that Jackson, Harrison and Hancock counties are under a tropical storm warning and wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour have been recorded on the coast.

Way to many road closings to list.  The surge is more than some expected in Mississippi...

September 11th...

THE DAY THAT CHANGED SO MANY LIVES.

Where were you?

I remember that day as if it were yesterday, but Some Soldiers Mom tells it much better than I ever could here, here, here and here.



Please keep out troops in your thoughts, especially today, PATRIOTS DAY...

GOVERNOR BARBOUR ORDERS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1005

PATRIOT DAY

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the United States of America at the World Trade Center in New York City; the Pentagon near Washington, D.C.; and Somerset County, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, on that fateful day and in its aftermath, Americans and the world saw the bravery and heroism of first responders who sacrificed their lives to save the victims of these atrocious attacks, many of whom they had never met; and

WHEREAS, the spirit of America was witnessed by the world as Americans joined together, united in our determination to overcome this tragedy and continue to spread the merits of democracy throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, courageous Mississippians in our National Guard and Reserve, in the active duty military services, and in vital civilian, health care and public safety roles, both at home and overseas, continue to display acts of bravery in the fight to advance freedom and prevent future terrorist attacks on America; and

WHEREAS, America remains a symbol of liberty and freedom for nations throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has issued a directive ordering U.S. Governors as well as appropriate government officials to direct that U.S. flags under their jurisdictions be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Haley Barbour, by the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and laws of the State of Mississippi, do hereby proclaim a period of official mourning in the State of Mississippi and further do hereby order the flag of the State of Mississippi and the flag of the United States of America be flown at half-staff on all buildings and grounds of the State of Mississippi and all areas under its jurisdiction beginning at sunrise and ending at sunset on September 11, 2008.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi to be affixed.

DONE at the Capitol in the City of Jackson, the 10th day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-second.

HALEY BARBOUR,

GOVERNOR

The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom.

Shelters Full and Flooding continues in South Mississippi

Richland 09/01/08
Red Cross Shelters Fill to Capacity
Posted: Sep 1, 2008 07:29 PM
Updated: Sep 2, 2008 08:42 AM

Shelters Full to Capacity in Central Mississippi

By Julie Straw
Julie@wlbt.net

Many people fleeing the gulf were still searching for shelter Monday. 

By 10:00 a.m., American Red Cross officials said every one of their shelters in central Mississippi were at capacity.

Richland High School Gymnasium was one of the first to open, sheltering 172 people from infants to the elderly. Most of the evacuees are from Louisiana and used the gym as a safe haven during Hurricane Katrina. 

Shelter managers say the hardest part has been turning people away without knowing where to send them.

"We did not know what shelters were open or if they were full or what time they were going to open, so that was hard for us," said shelter manager Mary Alic Hydrick. "We had servicemen to come in and say they had been in Iraq and they were home and they were looking for a place to stay, and we had to turn them away also -- after they had been over there fighting for us."

The American Red Cross says it has been working with local city governments and private organizations, helping them open shelters of their own.

The Clarion Ledger

Flash-flood and tornado watches will continue today and into Wednesday, as the remnants of Hurricane Gustav linger in the region, spinning out heavy rains and wind throughout much of the state.

“In some portions of east Mississippi, they’ve had 10 inches of rain,” said Mark McAllister, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson.

“Gustav is not moving very much; it’s stuck over Louisiana right now.

“So the risk of heavy rains, gusty winds and isolated tornadoes remains. Flash flood watches will continue until about 7 p.m. Wednesday.”

Flash flood watches cover an area from Greenville in the Delta’s Washington County, east to Louisville and southeast from there to DeKalb in Kemper County, which borders Alabama.

As of mid-afternoon, tornado watches were in effect along and east of the Mississippi River, except in some areas of north Mississippi, including Starkville and Macon, McAllister said.

North of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, heavy rains continued to pound portions of the state, especially southwest Mississippi. 

As of mid-afternoon, Franklin County had absorbed at least six inches of rain since 7 a.m., McAllister said.

“They had to take in a boat to get some of the people out,” said Mark Thornton, Franklin County’s emergency management director.

“As long as I’ve lived here, 48 years, I’ve never seen as much water as we’ve had from flash flooding. In Bude, it’s more water than I’ve ever seen.”

Around noon today, it was in or near the rain-soaked town of Bude that firefighters, first responders and county officials rescued a total of eight or so residents from two mobile homes and one house, Thornton said.

“Trees are down, and about three-fourths of the county is without power, at least. There’s some power in Meadville and some in Bude,” he said.

“We’ve been informed that it will be seven to nine days before the power is back.

“And right now it’s raining so hard, I’m looking out the window and can hardly see across the road.”

P.S. Bude/Franklin County is where my parents live. Daddy has been busy, and looks like he will be that way for several days. He says there are lots of trees down throughout the whole county.