June 6, 2018

Dear Friend,

As your Representative, I am committed to making sure your voice is heard on Capitol Hill. That effort begins by listening to your ideas and discussing any concerns you may have. Last week, I had the opportunity to talk with many of our constituents while traveling in the district.

I am thankful for each and every opportunity to meet with residents in the district. Listening helps us to pursue meaningful policies that will move our state and the nation forward and to improve the quality of life for Mississippians and all Americans.

Airbus helicopters, Inc.

Airbus Helicopters, Inc. continues to play a critical role in America's defense readiness capabilities. One platform crucial to the nation's readiness posture is the UH72-A Lakota, manufactured in Columbus. The Lakota is a modern, multi-mission aircraft functioning today as the U.S. Army's primary rotocraft trainer, qualifying over 1,000 pilots per year.

Airbus Helicopters North America Region
President Chris Emerson and Airbus Helicopters
Chief Executive Officer Bruno Even

Chris Emerson, Airbus Helicopters North America Region president, accompanied by Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters chief executive officer, led a tour of the 331,000-square-foot manufacturing facility last week. Last month, Airbus celebrated its strong record of performance of the Lakota, highlighting the award of its contract for 51 additional aircraft for the Army through 2020. Currently, three Mississippi National Guard UH-72A Lakota helicopters provide aerial surveillance for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Border Patrol for Operation Guardian Support along the Southwest border. The UH-72A is a versatile aircraft, operating in a multitude of military missions around the globe.

I appreciated the opportunity to meet with members of their team - many of whom are military veterans. Through the hard work and dedication of all Airbus employees, more than 1,000 aircraft have departed the Mississippi flight line since 2003.

keytronicems

Many companies choose to locate in Mississippi because of our friendly business climate and strong workforce. KeyTronicEMS in Corinth started production in 2014. The company manufactures products that include LED lights, automotive, industrial controls, and telecommunications.

The outstanding work of their 350 team members has enabled the company to grow their client base. Ed Carter, KeyTronicEMS vice president and general manager, recently invited us to see firsthand the products that they build.

"Nothing matters more than the workforce," Ed said. "Our employees take great pride in their work which helps us to grow our business. Additionally, this helps us to achieve our goals and it improves their lives as well."

We are thankful for KeyTronicEMS's investment in our workforce and in Mississippi's economy. I will continue to advocate for policies which will enable companies like KeyTronicEMS to innovate, grow, and create more jobs.

American legion Mississippi boys state conference

Recently, the American Legion Mississippi Boys State conference was held at the University of Mississippi. I had the opportunity to share my experiences in public service with more than 400 young men who attended the event.

The conference is a unique opportunity for young men to learn how city, county, and state governments operate. I believe what they learn through immersing themselves in the program will serve them well now and in the future.

hoby leadership program

I appreciated the opportunity to speak with the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Program (HOBY) participants at Millsaps College in Jackson. The program is an opportunity for high school juniors to learn how to become effective leaders who will make a difference back home.

HOBY Leadership Program senior staff
member Eric Bennett and
participant Jacy Waltman

One of the HOBY Leadership Program's core values promoted is integrity which is essential to gain the trust of those you serve. It was an honor to share with everyone how important it is to stay true to their values and to lead by example.

military academy appointment

It is an honor to announce the appointment of Wade Lawrie to the United State Air Force Academy. Wade, an 18-year-old Heritage Academy graduate, and son of Colonel Stan and Karen Lawrie, said life in the United States Air Force is all that he has ever known. The family has lived on bases in Florida, Oklahoma, England, Kansas, Colorado, Texas and Mississippi. His father currently serves as the Columbus Air Force Base 14th Operations Group commander. Wade said he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his father and become an officer and a pilot in the Air Force.

Wade has excelled in both academics and athletics. He plans to major in astronautical engineering at the United States Air Force Academy. "The Air Force has always been an important part of my life," Wade said. "I want to serve my country and fly while doing that."

For more information about attending one of the five federal service academies, please contact our military academy liaison Robert Smith at (662) 687-1540. You can send Robert an e-mail at Robert.smith@mail.house.gov

a week in pictures

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

KeyTronicEMS Vice President and General
Manager Ed Carter and The Alliance
President and CEO Clayton Stanley

Mason Smith at the American Legion
Mississippi Boys State Conference

Blake Wilson at the American Legion
Mississippi Boys State Conference

HOBY staff member Robert Arledge

HOBY participant Dayhath Marte

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

STAY IN TOUCH

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.

Thanks for reading,

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