April 10, 2018

Dear Friend,

As your Representative, it is my top priority to make sure our troops have the tools they need to protect us at home and across the globe. This summer, approximately 4,200 members of the Mississippi Army National Guard will deploy to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. At this hour, members of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team are training at Fort Bliss, Texas in preparation for deployment to Central Command for a diverse mission set.

Last week, I traveled to Fort Bliss to meet with leaders and members of the Dixie Thunder Brigade to discuss and observe the important training our soldiers are receiving there. The 155th ABCT has a storied tradition and is well led, well trained, and well equipped to perform their duties. I am proud of the commitment these soldiers are making to this great nation. Let us all keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

customs and Border protection

Within minutes of Fort Bliss are men and women in a uniform of another kind. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers process millions of pedestrians and cars that pass through the El Paso port of entry. Beverly Good, El Paso port director, discussed the challenges of balancing legitimate trade and travel while enforcing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's primary mission. Every year, CBP officers process some 8 million pedestrians, 12 million cars, and 800,000 trucks that make up northbound traffic at the El Paso port, making it one of the busiest locations on the southwest border with Mexico.

In nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico, CBP agents are keeping close watch on our southwest border as well. I talked with agents whose duties include patrolling remote areas of the desert. Last year, agents apprehended 25,000 illegal immigrants and seized 35,000 pounds of marijuana and other drugs.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to stay abreast of the efforts to protect our borders, an essential component of our national defense strategy. I am thankful for the service of these men and women who help to protect our borders.

u.s. army sergeants major academy

Rebuilding America's defense readiness is going to take a multi-pronged approach. In addition to providing our troops with the funding they need to protect America, we must also cultivate the military leaders of tomorrow. That is the goal of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with academy leadership who provide professional military education for noncommissioned officers from all branches of the military. It was an honor to meet with these outstanding educators who are preparing service members to skillfully lead our troops on multiple fronts.

U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy
Director of Education Charlie Guyette,
CSM Nuuese Passi, Chief of Staff
Jesse McKinney, CSM Jeffrey Huggins,
CSM Christopher Simmons, CCO PD&E
Director Mitchell Rucker, and
IMSO Director Michael Huffman

taking care of families

Our men and women in uniform have answered the call to serve our nation. It is important to make sure their needs are met and those of their families back home. Each Mississippi Army National Guard company has a Mississippi Army National Guard Family Readiness Group that communicates with both families and members through civic outreach programs. Additionally, the Mississippi Army National Guard Outreach Services program offers assistance to service members and their families.

Members of the Oxford A Company,
2-198 CAB, 155 loading equipment in
preparation for deployment to Fort Bliss, Texas

It is encouraging to see other organizations offering additional support. Recently, the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce announced a plan to connect families with the services they need. Jon Maynard, Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce president, said the organization is setting up a database of service-oriented businesses and chambers of commerce. Families of Mississippi Army National Guard members will be able to access a portal to receive assistance with the services they need. "We want to reach out to the families of service members who are based out of Oxford," Jon said. "Many of these families live all over the state, so we want to make sure we take care of them through this network."

Margaret Coleman, wife of First Sergeant (1SG) Christopher Coleman and A CO, 2-198 CAB, 155th ABCT (MOB) commander, said spouses and other family members often have to fend for themselves. She said the effort by the chamber to help out families will be greatly appreciated. Margaret serves as the chairperson for the company's Mississippi Army National Guard Family Readiness Group. Margaret will be working with other volunteers to help meet the needs of all those waiting for their loved one to return from deployment. "It is not just spouses that have needs," Margaret said. "Mothers, dads, children, aunts, uncles, and grandparents may also need help. Any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated."

To find out more about what the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is working to achieve, give them a call at (662) 234-4651. If you have a question for Margaret, send her an e-mail at mshhdhmom2299@yahoo.com. Families in need of assistance may also call Mississippi Army National Guard Outreach Services at 1 (888) 288-4898.

congressional art competition

Each spring, a nationwide high school art competition is sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. This is an opportunity to highlight the talented young artists in the First District and across the nation. The competition is open to all high school students. The artwork of our overall winner in the First District competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.

The winner will also have an opportunity to travel to DC for the national ceremony. The deadline to submit artwork is April 18, 2018. For more information, please click on the link.

a week in pictures

LTC Rodney Bowman (Ackerman)
at Fort Bliss, Texas

Mississippi Army National Guard members
training at Fort Bliss, Texas

Mississippi State University President
Dr. Mark Keenum and Major General (MG)
Durr Boyles, Adjutant General of Mississippi

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

STAY IN TOUCH

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Thanks for reading,

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