[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 187 (Friday, November 7, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LT. COLONEL DEIDRE D. SMITH

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 2025

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
service of Lt. Col. Deidre D. Smith, Director of Public Affairs for the 
Mississippi National Guard. In this role, she provides critical counsel 
to the Adjutant General and senior leaders on command information, 
community outreach, and media engagement, ensuring the Guard remains 
connected to the citizens of Mississippi.
  A Hattiesburg native, Lt. Col. Smith has served across the United 
States, Europe, and overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 
and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout her distinguished career, she 
has taken on leadership roles in Human Resources, Public Affairs, 
Information Operations, and Equal Opportunity, demonstrating 
versatility and excellence in every assignment.
  Within the Mississippi Army National Guard, she has held several key 
positions, including State Director of Public Affairs, Deputy Chief of 
Staff for Personnel, and Director of Outreach Services. Her dedicated 
service has earned her numerous awards, including the Meritorious 
Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Mississippi Magnolia 
Cross, reflecting her professionalism and commitment to duty.
  Lt. Col. Smith is a graduate of Marion Military Institute, 
Southeastern Louisiana University, and the University of Oklahoma. She 
has also completed advanced military education through the Command and 
General Staff College, the Defense Information School, and the Defense 
Equal Opportunity Management Institute. In addition to her military 
achievements, she was selected for Leadership Mississippi in 2018 and 
named among the Mississippi TOP 50 in 2022.
  She resides in Brandon with her husband, Maj. James Kevin Polk of the 
172nd Airlift Wing, and their daughters, Pfc. Harley Smith and Pvt. 
Lyndi Polk, both newly enlisted members of the Mississippi Army 
National Guard, continuing their family's proud tradition of service.

                          ____________________