[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.

                          ____________________