Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-07-13

HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHN M. RHODES

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Context

On 2026-07-13, Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHN M. RHODES" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHN M. RHODES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E673-E674] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHN M. RHODES ______ HON. TRENT KELLY of mississippi in the house of representatives Monday, July 13, 2026 Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Major General John M. Rhodes on his retirement after more than 36 years of distinguished service to the United States Army and the Mississippi National Guard. Throughout his military career. Major General Rhodes demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to serving our Nation. A graduate of Mississippi State University, Touro University, and the United States Army War College, he held numerous command and leadership positions, including Commanding General of the 29th Infantry Division, Assistant Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard, and most recently, Special Assistant to the Director, Army National Guard for 18th Airborne Corps Matters. Major General Rhodes' retirement marks the culmination of a remarkable career defined by service and sacrifice. From leading soldiers during Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Spartan Shield to mentoring the next generation of military leaders, his contributions have strengthened both the Mississippi National Guard and the United States Army. His exemplary service has been recognized with numerous military decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. Beyond his military career, he has also faithfully served the people of Mississippi as General Manager of the City of Corinth Gas and Water Department. [[Page E674]] As Major General Rhodes begins this well-earned retirement, we thank him for his decades of faithful service, steadfast leadership, and unwavering dedication to our Nation. Major General Rhodes' commitment to service exemplifies the very best of the United States Army and the Mississippi National Guard. I congratulate him on an extraordinary career and wish him and his family every success in the years ahead. ____________________

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HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHN M. RHODES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E673-E674] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHN M. RHODES ______ HON. TRENT KELLY of mississippi in the house of representatives Monday, July 13, 2026 Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Major General John M. Rhodes on his retirement after more than 36 years of distinguished service to the United States Army and the Mississippi National Guard. Throughout his military career. Major General Rhodes demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to serving our Nation. A graduate of Mississippi State University, Touro University, and the United States Army War College, he held numerous command and leadership positions, including Commanding General of the 29th Infantry Division, Assistant Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard, and most recently, Special Assistant to the Director, Army National Guard for 18th Airborne Corps Matters. Major General Rhodes' retirement marks the culmination of a remarkable career defined by service and sacrifice. From leading soldiers during Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Spartan Shield to mentoring the next generation of military leaders, his contributions have strengthened both the Mississippi National Guard and the United States Army. His exemplary service has been recognized with numerous military decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. Beyond his military career, he has also faithfully served the people of Mississippi as General Manager of the City of Corinth Gas and Water Department. [[Page E674]] As Major General Rhodes begins this well-earned retirement, we thank him for his decades of faithful service, steadfast leadership, and unwavering dedication to our Nation. Major General Rhodes' commitment to service exemplifies the very best of the United States Army and the Mississippi National Guard. I congratulate him on an extraordinary career and wish him and his family every success in the years ahead. ____________________