WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement on the death of Leland Speed:

“Gayle and I mourn the loss of our longtime friend and one of our state’s preeminent citizens, Leland Speed. As a leader in business and government, he demonstrated the highest commitment to civic duty and the advancement of our state and country. His advocacy for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) was the inspiration for the JROTC Act, which has expanded opportunity for thousands of young Americans. This is just one example of Leland’s impact. His enduring influence on the lives of Mississippians will be hard to measure. He leaves a wonderful legacy for his family and his many friends.”