November 26, 2024 Dear Friend,
There is a great deal of enthusiasm on Capitol Hill as important leadership decisions are being made to move our nation forward. It is an honor to be elected by my Republican colleagues to serve on the House Republican Policy Committee for the 119th Congress. We will work to support and enhance legislation that will improve quality of life for Mississippians and all Americans. We will do everything in our power to push for policies that lower food and energy costs, and secure the borders. |
Today, we are highlighting BJ McClenton, a cattle farmer from West Point. BJ grew up working on his family's cattle farm, learning from his father, who also grew up in cattle farming. In 2015, BJ began rebuilding his family's herd and starting his own operations. He runs a 90-acre cattle farm in Prairie and has land in West Point, with a total of 70 head of cattle. "I love the process and seeing them grow from start to finish," BJ said.
Like many other Mississippi farmers, BJ was impacted by this year's drought and the resulting hay shortage. Fewer bales of hay are being harvested due to the drought. After devoting himself to the Mississippi State Extension office for 15 years, BJ now works for ASSUREd Safe, First Responder UAS Training and Education, at Mississippi State. |
We are proud to highlight Vietnam Veteran Sam Phillips. Sam joined the U.S. Marines in 1963 and served as a heavy truck driver. He was stationed in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 with the 3rd Marines, 3rd Motor Transport Battalion.
During Sam's time in Vietnam, he served as Otter Commander and transported supplies over the DMZ in Otter vehicles, which were unarmored and designed to navigate rough terrain that other vehicles could not manage. Sam and his team operated these vehicles bravely, completing numerous missions.
Born and raised in Oxford, Sam has been married to his wife, Joyce, for 32 years. He is very proud of his service and remains active in the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the Marine Corps League. Thank you, Sam, for your remarkable service to our great nation. |
We are honored to celebrate Mr. Earl Brown, who recently reached the remarkable milestone of turning 100 years old. A World War II veteran, Mr. Brown served in the U.S. Navy aboard a vessel that protected troopships and fought in the battles of Iwo Jima, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. Currently, he enjoys spending time in Unity with his family, friends, and pets.
Let us all remember those who have bravely fought for the freedoms we hold dear. Thank you, Mr. Earl Brown, for your dedicated service to the United States. |
Mississippi's workforce is second to none. We are proud of these men and women who help our businesses and industries achieve important goals. Education is key to sustaining this successful partnership. Saltillo High School offers the College and Career Readiness class which provides seniors with valuable, real-world experience. Recently, business owners and members of the community participated in mock interviews with students to prepare them for the workforce and college.
"Employability is one of the most important things for a student to learn," said Morgan Reed, Saltillo's career coach. Each student participated in three, 10-minute interviews, where they were scored on a rubric evaluating their performance and resumes. Additionally, students were taught the importance of first impressions, eye contact, posture, and overall demeanor.
Baylor Phillips, a senior who took part in the mock interviews, said the experience was beneficial in preparing him for life after high school. Baylor plans to attend the University of Mississippi, major in Microbiology, and then pursue a degree at Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine. We appreciate Saltillo High School for helping students transition into their next phase in life. |
The University of Mississippi recently celebrated the opening of the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation. The 202,000-square-foot building, the largest academic facility on campus, was completed earlier this fall. The center is designed to enhance STEM education and active learning. Team Kelly was present to mark the occasion and celebrate this significant milestone for higher education in Mississippi. |
An important facet of my job is to nominate young men and women to attend one of America's prestigious service academies. 2LT Mason Bay is a recent U.S. Military Academy at West Point graduate. The Lafayette County native received a nomination through our office. "We form tight bonds and friendships at West Point," Mason said. "The most important person is the one right next to you."
Those who are selected are required to serve in the military for a minimum of five years following graduation. Mason is looking forward to his assignment in Bavaria, Germany.
"While at West Point, I went to Air Assault School and Army Space Cadre Basic Course. I received my Space Badge based on my degree in Space Science. I also spent a semester of my junior year living abroad in Latvia, learning the Russian language," Mason added.
We look forward to hearing more about Mason's great achievements. To learn about nominations through our office, please click on the link. |
Team Kelly recently visited Center Hill High School's school farm, which was established 12 years ago by teacher Angel Pilcher. What started out as two raised beds has grown into a thriving farm with numerous beds, a greenhouse, a compost maker, and a learning garden. Students also care for farm animals, including chickens, turkeys, rabbits, quail, and ducks.
Pilcher's primary goal is to teach students life skills, responsibility, and promote mental wellness. The farm offers a chance for students to unplug from technology and connect with nature. "I want them to know where their food comes from and how much hard work goes into it," Pilcher said.
The farm serves as a hands-on learning space for various classes. Nutrition and Wellness students use the farm's vegetables, fruits, herbs, and eggs in their cooking lessons. It also exposes students to potential career paths in agriculture and animal sciences. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will continue to advocate for policies that enhance Mississippi's agriculture industry. We want more young people to seek careers in the ag industry. |
U.S. Peanut Federation
USA Rice
Steven Richman, CEO, Techtronic Industries, Tim Albrecht, Group President, Milwaukee Tool, and Alec Smyczek, General Counsel, Milwaukee Tool
Ambassador to Croatia Nathalie Rayes |
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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