Fasten your seat belts because even though yesterday it was 90 degrees, today the runway might be icy. Welcome to MS, where the most generous, selfless people in America live. I’m your pilot and we’re going —flying. This is CAP 2233 requesting take off from north MS home to 2 rival SEC teams and the King of Rock n Roll— Elvis Presley, asking to go all the way down to the beautiful Mississippi gulf coast.

 

Climbing to 3000 feet, we see acres of catfish ponds. You are looking at the catfish capital of the world. Catfish ponds merge into cotton fields as we enter the Delta, one time home to the famous Zig Ziglar. As the winds pick up, we can hear the delta blues sung by the king of the blues himself, BB King. Heading south, we fly over the state’s capital, rich in history and controversy. Mississippi has come so far to now having the most African American elected officials. 

 

We continue south and admire the grand Mississippi River. Hundreds of pine trees come into view and I know we are in the Pine Belt. We see Southern Miss and the Hub City. Following the train tracks below towards the coast, we look at the resilient live oaks and the Biloxi lighthouse holding firm despite Camille and Katrina. We are dedicated to overcoming obstacles or turbulence, that threaten our success. We are rich in culture, history, and generosity. 

 

Ladies and gentlemen, as we make our descent, be sure to secure your seatbelts. This is CAP 2233 requesting to land in the number one state for agricultural production and hospitality. The grand state of Mississippi.