Smith, a third-generation Army veteran, said he was reminded by his mother to tell the Reservists " remember their moms."
"It's hard on moms," Smith said, having to give up their sons and daughters to serve in the military.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Smith asked the soldiers, families, friends and dignitaries attending the ceremony to remember the "400 soldiers from Mississippi in harm's way."
Several Reservists received an additional commendation for participating in the recovery from Hurricane Katrina that hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
State Rep. John Mayo, a four-time decorated Army veteran of Vietnam, referred to commentaries by the late Gen. Douglas MacArthur that the "'American soldier has drained deep the cup of courage.'"
Mayo also said the lives of the citizen soldiers changed virtually overnight.
One may be graduating from high school one day and "driving a Humvee in Baghdad" the following day.
Mayo said the American patriot gives up the "good life" to "make life good" for others home and abroad.
The Reservists received a U.S. flag among other hardware for their service in Iraq.
Dr. Rosetta Jones-Howard, dean of academic affairs at Coahoma Community College, gave the official welcome, noting her father was a high ranking Army officer.
She said the callup forced Reservists to "put their lives on hold" for the security of fellow Americans.
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