March 26, 2026 Dear Friend,
I am proud to announce the date for Academy Day 2026. This year's event will be held on April 18, 2026, at the Northwest Mississippi Community College Ranger Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
It is a privilege to nominate exceptional young men and women to our nation's prestigious service academies. These dedicated students represent the next generation of military leaders, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.
Academy Day offers parents, students, and educators in Mississippi's First Congressional District an opportunity to learn more about these institutions and meet face-to-face with academy representatives.
Representatives in attendance will include:
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Naval Academy
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point
- Marion Military Institute
- University of Mississippi ROTC
- Mississippi State University ROTC
For more information, please contact our Military Academy Liaison, Melinda Whited, at (662) 687-1525 or Melinda.Whited@mail.house.gov. Click HERE to learn more about the Service Academy nomination process through my office. |
I am proud to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (Ellie) Grehan of Hernando, Mississippi, to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Ellie is a dedicated student-athlete who has excelled academically throughout her high school career. She is a student at Hernando High School, where she has maintained a 4.0+ GPA across all four years while earning outstanding standardized testing scores.
She is also an accomplished multi-sport athlete competing on the Hernando High junior varsity basketball team, junior varsity cross country team, and varsity track and field, where she qualified for state regionals.
Ellie's leadership is reflected through her extracurricular involvement and community engagement. She serves as Director of Communications for the Hernando Mayor's Youth Council and works as an umpire and game clock operator for Hernando Park and Recreation.
"I'm excited for every part of the journey," Ellie said. "The challenging but rewarding education, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the chance to grow as an officer. Most of all, I'm ready to give back to the country."
She plans to pursue a degree in mechanical or civil engineering at West Point and serve in the United States Army for 20 years, with the goal of becoming an Army Ranger or joining the Special Forces.
We are proud of Ellie's hard work and look forward to all she will accomplish in this next chapter of service. |
Team Kelly recently had the privilege of attending a meeting at VFW Post 6696 in Walnut. It was an honor to meet and be introduced to members who have proudly served our nation.
We are grateful to Post Commander Kerry Williams for the opportunity to connect with these dedicated veterans and thank each of them for their service and sacrifice in defense of our country. |
We would like to recognize and honor veteran Walter Ray Barber Jr. for his service to our nation. Walter enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1985, completing basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes before being stationed in Jacksonville, Florida.
During his three years of service, he served as a Boatswain's Mate aboard the USS Koelsch (FF-1049). Walter was deployed to the Bahamas and Cuba and took part in recovery efforts following the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle explosion.
After completing his military service, Walter worked in Orlando installing glass windows before returning to Walnut. He later worked as a beautician at the Mall at Barnes Crossing when it first opened in Tupelo. He went on to build a career in construction, building homes in his community.
Walter has been an active member of VFW Post 6696 for the past 15 years, where he currently serves as Executive Commander. We are grateful for Walter's dedication, both in uniform and in his community, and we thank him for his service to our great nation. |
We are proud to recognize veteran Jeremy Jones. A native of Walnut who has called Corinth home for the past 18 years, Jeremy joined the Mississippi Army National Guard in March 2006, prior to graduating high school. He completed basic training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma becoming a 13B Cannon Crewmember.
In 2009, Jeremy was mobilized and deployed to Iraq with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 98 Calvary Regiment spending nine months in Tikrit, stationed at FOB Speicher. During his deployment, he served as a gunner on convoy patrols and as part of a quick reaction force. He met his oldest daughter for the first time during his two-weeks leave from his combat deployment.
After six years of service, Jeremy pursued higher education and earned a degree in accounting from the University of Mississippi. He now works remotely helping complete audit engagements with the Littleton, Colorado, audit team.
Jeremy and his wife Hannah, also a graduate of the University of Mississippi, are proud parents to two daughters, Janna and Jernigan. He has been involved in 4-H Shooting Sports and remains active in his community as a member of VFW Post 6696, where he serves as Quartermaster.
We are grateful for Jeremy's dedicated service and continued commitment to his community and country. |
We are proud to honor veteran Harold West Jr. for his dedicated service to our nation. Originally from Illinois, Harold enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1981 at a time when job opportunities were limited. Encouraged by his mother to join the military, he later reflected, "It was the best thing I ever did."
Harold completed basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes and went on to serve a distinguished 20-year career. During his time in the Navy, he served as an Electrician's Mate, achieving the rank of E-6, and was stationed aboard two aircraft carriers. His service took him to Puerto Rico and throughout the Gulf region, as well as assignments in Charleston, South Carolina; Naples, Florida; and Norfolk, Virginia. He concluded his military career where it began, at Naval Station Great Lakes, retiring in 2001.
Following his retirement, Harold and his wife, a native of Red Banks, Mississippi, made their home in Mississippi. He went on to work in several manufacturing roles, including as a Senior Electrician at a facility in Holly Springs where he helped build Loomis Armored Vehicles.
Harold has been an active member of VFW Post 6696 for the past two years and currently serves as Junior Vice Commander. We are grateful for Harold's commitment to service, and we thank him for his service to our country. |
Great economic news for DeSoto County. Sheet metal manufacturer Southwark Metal is expanding its Mississippi operations with a new facility in Hernando. The company currently employs 150 people at its Southaven location and operates seven facilities across the United States.
This new investment in Hernando will create 25 additional jobs, further strengthening the local economy and providing new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians. We appreciate the investment in our community and look forward to the positive impact this expansion will have on the region. |
The next generation of hardworking Mississippians have more choices than ever in their pursuit of a career. That is the goal of numerous career and technical center educators who work to meet the workforce needs of Mississippi's businesses and industries.
Recently, Team Kelly was on hand for the CTC Expo held in Amory. The Monroe County Chamber of Commerce hosted the event to showcase a sample of career technical programs in Monroe County which include tool making, welding, sports medicine, health sciences, culinary arts, diversified agriculture, and construction classes.
We are thankful for all the hard work and dedication demonstrated by these professionals who strive to build a successful workforce. |
USTRANSCO General Randall Reed, Commander and Command Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick
Tupelo Mayor Todd Jordan, Community Development Foundation representatives Rob Hairston, Jon Milstead, and President and CEO David Rumbarger, along with Lee County District 1 Supervisor George Rutledge
Mississippi Firefighters Association |
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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