FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2008

GOVERNOR BARBOUR APPOINTS MISKELLY TO VETERANS’ AFFAIRS BOARD

(JACKSON, Mississippi)—Governor Haley Barbour has appointed Howard L. Miskelly, Sr., of Okolona, to the Veterans’ Affairs Board, which is designed to assist former and current members of the Armed Forces of the United States and their families in securing benefits or privileges to which they are entitled. The Board operates four Mississippi State Veterans Nursing Homes, approves programs and institutions of education and training under the G.I. Bill, and advises the governor and Legislature on veterans’ affairs.

“Howard has an admirable military record, and I know he will carry out his duties on this board skillfully and with the utmost respect for all of Mississippi’s veterans,” Governor Barbour said.

Miskelly helped to establish Miskelly Furniture Store, the southeast’s largest furniture outlet. He previously served as owner of Howard’s Clothing Store from 1952 to 1992 and was an agriculture teacher in the Pontotoc City Schools. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in World War II with the 102nd Infantry Division and earned the Eameto, Good Conduct, and World War II Victory medals. Professionally, Miskelly has served as president of the Retail Association of Mississippi and the Okolona Chamber of Commerce. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Okolona and served as a trustee for Baptist Children’s Village and the Mississippi School for the Blind and Deaf. Additionally, Miskelly has served on the Chickasaw County Welfare board for 20 years and is a past president of the Lions Club.

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Miskelly holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the institution. He is married and has five children, 13 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.