[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL JAMES ``BEN'' BENTON GASTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 29, 2023

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
life of James ``Ben'' Benton Gaston, 74, who passed away on November 
22, 2023, in Indianola, MS.
  Ben was born in Greenville, MS, on December 4, 1948, where he also 
grew up. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1966 and attended 
Mississippi State University and Mississippi Delta Community College. 
He ultimately graduated from Delta State University following his 
discharge from active duty military service. He joined the U.S. Army in 
July 1969 and served as an Infantryman in the 4th Infantry Division in 
Vietnam and Cambodia.
  Upon his discharge from active duty, Ben joined the Mississippi 
National Guard as a Non-Commissioned Officer in 1971 and later took a 
direct commission to 1st Lt. in 1981. Ben also served as the Company 
Commander for B Company 2/198th Armor--Indianola, MS, Battalion 
Commander 1/198 Armor--Amory, MS, 155 Armored Brigade--Tupelo, MS, 66th 
Troop Command--Jackson, MS and Assistant Adjutant General--Mississippi 
Joint Force Headquarters--Jackson, MS.
  Brigadier General Gaston retired in January 2008. He was recalled one 
month later to function as the Assistant Adjutant General as a Major 
General, which ultimately culminated his 42-year military career. MG 
Gaston received numerous awards and decorations, including the 
Soldier's Medal, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Legion of 
Merit. Following his discharge from active duty, he continued his 
civilian education at Delta State University, obtaining a Bachelors and 
Master's in Chemistry and an MBA in Business. He also received a 
Master's in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He began 
his civilian career with the USDA in Stoneville, MS, and was eventually 
elected as the District 3 Supervisor for Sunflower County.
  Ben is survived by his wife, Sherry Ikerd Gaston, his high school 
sweetheart, his sister, Ann Bradshaw (Jimmy) of Pearl, MS. He was 
preceded in death by his parents, James and Bobbie Ruth Gaston of 
Greenville, MS.

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