[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE DISTINGUISH GENTLEMEN ORGANIZATION

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
extraordinary group of young men, The Distinguish Gentlemen.
  ``The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth 
in his way,'' Psalm 37:23. This is the vision of John Jossell in 
wanting to start a male mentoring organization called, ``The 
Distinguish Gentlemen.'' Pondering a sense of directions with the 
vision, a group of male students approached him with a desire to start 
a step team. Considering their approach, he decided to incorporate his 
vision in a step team.
  The Distinguish Gentlemen started in 2010 at Quitman County Middle 
School in Marks, MS. It consist of 20 young, aspiring men that have an 
interest in building a close relationship with Christ, amongst their 
mentoring group, and within the community. Many of the male group 
members come from poor, single parent household. They joined the 
organization with behavioral problems, lack of goals, and 
misunderstanding of themselves, depression, and anger issues, etc.
  Some have testified that knowing the true meaning of a father was 
when they met their organization leader, Mr. Jossell. The goal of the 
organization is to shape at-risk students into better young men in the 
Lord and amongst their families.
  Throughout the year, The Distinguish Gentlemen participates in 
community and church functions through ``stepping'', volunteer work, 
and mime. They have traveled many cities and in some states winning 1st 
Place in a step show competition. They have received standing ovation 
in their ministry of mime in different churches and community 
activities. Because of the discipline, time, and guidance given by Mr. 
Jossell and other men, The Distinguish Gentlemen have improved their 
grades in all subjects, developed a more positive attitude, and become 
better leaders in their perspective homes.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The 
Distinguish Gentlemen Organization for their dedication, hard work and 
commitment.

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