August 30, 2019

Dear Friend,

As your Representative, I look forward to the August district work period to take each and every opportunity to listen to what you have to say. Throughout the First District, it has been encouraging to see a collective enthusiasm about our robust economy and the positive impact it is having on the quality of life. More people are working in Mississippi and across the nation than we have seen since man first landed on the moon in 1969. Businesses are thriving - proof that tax reform is working.

While we focus on the positives that come with a booming economy, we must also take steps to sustain this unprecedented growth. Our farmers continue to battle with falling prices amid concerns about a trade war. Now is the time to back President Trump as he seeks to level the playing field with China. The first step must be passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA will have far-reaching affects across the spectrum from agriculture to manufacturing. USMCA is the best and most practical solution to freer markets and fairer trade. Mississippi needs the $3.2 billion in exports to Canada and Mexico which can only come through passage of the USMCA.

As we prepare to return to Washington, D.C., it is my priority to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this passed. I believe passage of the USMCA will show China and the world that America is ready to take the lead to achieve fairer trade. We won't stop until all of our farmers, manufacturers and businesses get a fair return on their investment.

As always, my team and I are at your service and ready to listen to what you have to say. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with your thoughts and concerns.

DeSoto County Sheriff's office recognized

Congratulations to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office which has been awarded the 2018 National Computer Forensic Institute NCFI Top Forensic Partner Award. Recently, the United States Secret Service recognized Sheriff Bill Rasco and Deputy Sheriff Greg Horton for the critical role they play as key partners with the Secret Service Memphis Field Office's Financial and Electronic Crimes Task Force.

Deputy Horton was honored for completing approximately 2,230 forensic exams. In fiscal year 2018, he completed 638 exams. I appreciated the opportunity to thank Deputy Horton for being selected #4 in the nation for his work to combat cyber-enabled crimes. This is the fourth consecutive year to achieve this recognition!

angie garrett - a small business owner making a difference

Angie Garrett, a small business owner, opened in October 2018. She operates the 7SOUTH Coffee House in a building located in historic downtown Pontotoc. Like many entrepreneurs experience, opening a small business can be challenging, but she finds the rewards far outweigh the worries. She divides her time between the coffee shop and her other job working as a freelance drug and alcohol counselor. Angie has three children - the youngest being a senior in high school. "Operating a small business can be difficult because I fully fund it myself," Angie said. "The people of Pontotoc have embraced my business and support what I am trying to do which is to offer a place for people of all ages to fellowship and a place to spread the word about the importance of sobriety."

Recently, I was able to talk with Angie about her business and to let her know that we are working hard in Washington, D.C., to make it easier for small business operators to do business. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, we have and will continue to advocate for policies that will encourage more entrepreneurs to open a business. We want them to thrive - not just survive.

honoring a world war ii veteran

Mr. Olin Pickens entered World War II on August 19, 1942. He had just completed high school in Blue Mountain when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Eventually, he landed in North Africa where there was fierce fighting. Their captain predicted that everyone in the unit would likely be killed or captured. Still, they pressed forward with the mission. Mr. Pickens' unit was overrun by German soldiers and not long after, he was taken prisoner. He was held captive as a Prisoner of War (POW) for 26 months. During that time, Mr. Pickens suffered greatly from starvation and endless miles of walking in the bitter cold. After an escape attempt, he was forced into a dungeon. "The Germans tried to make an example of me," Mr. Pickens said. "Their leader thought I was going to be by myself down there. Jesus went in ahead of me. During those dark days, the Devil tried to get me to give up on life, but I had promised my mother and father that I would make it back home. On April 21, 1945, I got my freedom back. I only weighed 120 pounds - down from 195 pounds. As bad as it was, Jesus never let me suffer more than I could stand."

After the war, Mr. Pickens remembers well the day he returned to Blue Mountain. A man who lost his son in the war escorted him home. Everyone cried that day - tears of both joy and loss. Mr. Pickens met and married his wife, Ruth. They have two sons, Larry and David, a grandchild and a great grandchild. Mr. Pickens is still enjoying life at 97 and always eager to share his story with others. I am thankful for his service and inspired by his devotion to God, our nation, and family. We must all remember the many sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

send us a patch!

It is an honor to offer a variety of Constituent Services through our offices located throughout the First District and in Washington, D.C. It is also a privilege for our office to assist Veterans who reach out to us for help. Recently, our office assisted a group of Veterans who were among 100 members of the 411^th Military Police Company who assisted in the evacuation of 130,000 Vietnam refugees out of Saigon and into Fort Chaffee, AK. Our team was able to help them file the necessary paperwork to receive a medal they earned – the Humanitarian Service Medal.

One of the Veterans sent our team their unit badge! We would like for more Veterans and current Servicemembers to send us a patch for display. Please mail patches to 431 West Main Street, Suite 450, Tupelo, MS 38804.

introducing our fall intern Boyd Housey

I am pleased to welcome Boyd Housey, our new fall intern in the Washington, D.C. office. Boyd is a sophomore at Georgetown University majoring in Global Business. Boyd, a native of Pass Christian, is the son of John and Mary Housey. This week, Boyd began his internship which includes administrative duties, assisting our legislative policy team, and welcoming the public to our DC office. Additionally, interns lead tours of the U.S. Capitol - a favorite duty for most! If you would like to learn more about our internship program, please click on the link. You can also contact Staff Assistant Cally Perkins at Cally.Perkins@mail.house.gov or give her a call at (202) 225-4306.

from the district - pictures

World War II Veteran Carl Nance at the Ripley Rotary

DeSoto County Sheriff's Department

McKesson Corporation representatives Derrick
Holloway, Quality Control, Terry Elliott, Operations
Supervisor, Alex Dabson, Material Handler, Shannon
Hayden, Operations Manager, and Carlos Brewer,
Lead Systems Engineer

The Beacon in Oxford

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann in Tupelo

Jacob Johnson (Pontotoc)

Justin Farr (Pontotoc)

For more photos, please visit my Facebook page.

STAY IN TOUCH

Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress