December 12, 2018

Dear Friend,

Last week, Americans celebrated the life and legacy of the late President George H.W. Bush, a devoted husband, father, and member of the greatest generation. From the time he was a young U.S. Navy aviator serving in World War II to his final days, President Bush demonstrated what it means to be a true American hero and distinguished leader.

His devotion to public service will always be remembered and will serve as an example for generations to follow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as we bid farewell to our 41st Commander in Chief.

Aviation Machinist 2nd Class durell wade

On December 7, 1941, U.S. Navy Aviation Machinist 2nd Class (AM2) Durell Wade, a native of Calhoun County, was killed while defending our great nation aboard the USS Oklahoma. During the surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, the ship was struck multiple times by torpedoes. The USS Oklahoma capsized, claiming the lives of 429 crewmen.  Following his death, attempts to identify his remains were unsuccessful until recently. In June 2015, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) personnel began the process of identifying the remains of all unidentified USS Oklahoma crew members who were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. They were able to identify Wade's remains through DNA testing.

After 77 years, the family finally has closure. Last week, a visitation was held in Calhoun City to celebrate the life of this American patriot who gave all to protect our freedoms. Following visitation, state and local officials gathered with the family for an interment ceremony held at the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, Mississippi. Durell Wade's service and sacrifice will always be remembered.

sutter street manufacturing

Evidence of our thriving economy is all around us! One after another, companies are announcing plans to locate to Mississippi or expansion of their operations. Sutter Street Manufacturing, a subsidiary of specialty homes furnishings retailer Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is expanding production of its upholstered furniture manufacturing operations, creating 350 jobs over a five-year period. The company plans to start up their northeast Mississippi operation in January at the Harry A. Martin North Lee Industrial Complex in Lee County.

veterans assistance update

Our veterans deserve the best care our nation has to offer. We want all those who have served our nation to have access to services that they have earned and deserve. It is with this in mind that the vets.gov project was created to increase access to VA information, benefits, and services for veterans and affiliated users with an easy to navigate, one-stop location. Recently, the web address was changed to va.gov. The user will not experience difficulties. They will automatically be rerouted to the new address. If you have any questions, please contact our Veterans Services Coordinator Mike Patterson at (662) 841-8808 or send him an email at Michael.patterson@mail.house.gov.

STAY IN TOUCH

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Thanks for reading,

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