HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF KAREN HENRY BEN

On 2026-06-29, Representative Michael Guest (R-MS-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF KAREN HENRY BEN" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF KAREN HENRY BEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E629] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF KAREN HENRY BEN ______ HON. MICHAEL GUEST of mississippi in the house of representatives Monday, June 29, 2026 Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and legacy of Karen Henry Ben. Karen Henry Ben grew up in the Bogue Chitto and Conehatta community and attended Choctaw Central High School where she served as Drum Major, was Salutatorian, and was a talented athlete representing the Warriors on the athletic field. Her first job was at the Baptist Indian Center. Later, she was employed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Choctaw Agency. Karen also held various positions within the Choctaw Tribal Government Operations including jobs with the Choctaw Tribal Schools, Choctaw Social Services, Choctaw Housing Authority, Choctaw Attorney General's Office, and the Realty Program where she handled converting the Tribe's land acquisitions into trust with the Department of the Interior. During her tenure of service to the tribe, she served on the Grievance Committee, as a Choctaw translator in judiciary settings for tribal members, and on the Choctaw Boxing Commission. Karen was a devout advocate for tribal members and was instrumental in helping to protect the Tribe's sovereignty in her various capacities. She was known for her belief in service to her community, service to her fellow man and family, and she will always be remembered for her love of the Pearl River Community and her church, Pearl River Baptist Church. Her legacy of service and love for others lives on through the lives of those she cared for, including her daughter Cheriena Ben and her two sons, Ira Ben and Chief Cyrus Ben. I am thankful for the opportunity to remember the life and legacy of Karen Henry Ben. ____________________