Bryant reinstitutes military council; Freeman named chairman

JACKSON — Gov. Phil Bryant is reviving the Mississippi Military Communities Council to promote the state’s military endeavors.

As chairman, Bryant named Bill Freeman, adjutant general of the Mississippi National Guard.

Jim McIngvale, the Ingalls Shipbuilding director of government and community affairs, was named vice chairman.

Nick Ardillo, retired colonel and former chairman of the Columbus Air Force Base 2020 committee, was named member-at-large.

The governor’s office says legislators also hold positions on the council.

Bryant says in a news release that the military is a major source of revenue for Mississippi and its operations create thousands of jobs.