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October 21, 2016
Dear Friend,
The role of the federal government is to keep our nation safe from threats at home and abroad. Our state has a long history of serving, supporting and providing for the common defense. The week included visits to businesses who manufacture and build the equipment necessary to keep our nation safe. Our tours followed Academy Day 2016 which connected interested young people in the First District with representatives of our military.
Defense Manufacturing
Our district is home to a number of defense manufacturers. Our district is also home to businesses that manufacture important parts and components that defense manufacturers need throughout our state and this nation. This week, I had the opportunity to tour defense manufacturing facilities who utilize First District suppliers.
It was impressive to see defense manufacturers throughout our state who utilize vital parts and components from suppliers located in the First District. It was a privilege to meet some of the men and women who help support our nation's defense through important equipment that they build.
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| Tony Livingston with Raytheon |
Academy Day 2016
On Saturday, I was proud to host our annual Academy Day. Young Mississippians and their parents gathered to learn more about how to attend one of our nation's prestigious military academies.
We had a great turnout this year on the Mississippi University for Women campus. All branches of the U.S. Armed Forces sent representatives to share their experiences beginning with their military academy acceptance. All told unique stories about how their in-depth training helps them take on leadership roles when duty calls, and prepares them for leadership roles after their military careers.
Dozens of students from the First District met face-to-face with officers from all branches of the military. Students like Terin Beene from Baldwyn and Columbus natives Alexis Byrd and William Yingst asked questions and got the answers straight from those who can help them pursue their goal to serve our country.
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| Terin Beene |
Military service is a commitment and an honor. Those who serve help to protect the freedoms we enjoy. It was a privilege to see young people who want to continue this important tradition.
a class of future leaders
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Leadership is about vision. That's what separates leaders. This week, I was humbled to be a guest speaker to the students of Mississippi State University, Dr. Mark Keenum's leadership class.
It is so important for our young people to understand that true leadership is about making tough decisions and building trust. The decisions you make in the best interests of others shows integrity. If you share the hardships and the risks, your people will respect you. When a ship is sailing, anyone can be a captain - until you encounter rough seas. You're defined in the hard times and that builds character.
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| Dr. Keenum's Leadership Class |
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how can we assist you?
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Tara Gaddis
It's so important to bring the Mississippi mindset to Capitol Hill. Our team works hard to make sure your interests are heard.
Agriculture is one of the main drivers of Mississippi's economy. It is our job to promote the policies that help our farmers succeed and to fight those that stand in the way of making a living. Tara Gaddis, Senior Legislative Assistant, is our lead staffer for agriculture policy.
Tara, a Saltillo native, grew up surrounded by cattle on her dad's Lee County farm. Over the years, she has watched our Mississippi farmers become burdened by increasing government regulations. Her legislative work supports our team's effort to be a voice for our farmers and others who need their concerns to be heard in Washington.
"Being able to work for my home district is nice," Tara said. "These are the people I care about the most. It might be a neighbor who needs help. It's an honor to work for my home state and home district."
In addition to being the main point of contact for the House Committee on Agriculture, Tara's legislative areas of responsibility include transportation, healthcare, education, and judiciary policy. Our team is here to assist you.
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a week in pictures
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For more photos from the district work week, please visit my Facebook page.
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| Academy Day 2016 participant William Yingst |
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| Academy Day 2016 participant Alexis Byrd |
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MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum's
leadership class |
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| MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum |
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| leadership class graduate Emma Jumper |
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| Randy Padgett with Ingalls Shipbuilding |
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| Lance Carnahan with Ingalls Shipbuilding |
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Aerojet Rocketdyne General Manager Mike
McDaniel, Deputy Chief of Staff Elizabeth Parks
and Chief of Staff Ted Maness |
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Granny's Alliance, Inc. Brandon Payne,
Jason Heisey and Gary Heisey |
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STAY IN TOUCH
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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.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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