March 5, 2026 Dear Friend,
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I recently joined Richard Cross on SuperTalk Mississippi to discuss Operation Epic Fury and where we go from here.
We also pause to remember the six American lives lost. Freedom is never free, and we honor our service members and their families for the sacrifices they make on behalf of our nation.
Watch the full interview here: Video Gallery : Congressman Trent Kelly |
I was honored to visit the University of Southern Mississippi Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport. During the visit, we received a presentation and on-water demonstration from Vatn, a venture-backed company developing advanced autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Vatn recently completed Gulf Blue Navigator, a premier blue tech accelerator based at USM.
Vatn's AUVs are designed to operate in cooperative swarms, enabling a wide range of mission capabilities, including sensing, surveillance, and payload delivery. The vehicles also feature advanced navigation software designed to operate in environments where GPS, visual, and communications signals may be compromised.
It was a privilege to see firsthand how this innovative technology enhances readiness and helps provide our men and women in uniform with the tools they need to defend our nation. |
I am proud to announce the appointment of Cyrus Flaherty of Tupelo, Mississippi, to the United States Military Academy at West Point. It is an honor to nominate exceptional young men and women to our nation's prestigious Service Academies.
Cyrus is an outstanding student leader at Tupelo High School, where he has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and strong achievement. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a Rotary Scholar, and has earned placement on the Superintendent's List every year since 2014.
He is also a dedicated leader outside the classroom. Cyrus has participated in JROTC at Tupelo High School since 2021 and is completing his fourth year as a cadet. He currently serves as Cadet Major and Staff Officer, helping oversee program operations and cadet training. "I was introduced to the academies during my second year of JROTC, and with several family members in the U.S. Army, I felt inclined to follow in their footsteps and shoot for the moon with West Point," Cyrus said.
In addition, he serves as a Teenage Republican Officer, the Golden Wave Varsity Football team manager, and has earned the rank of Eagle South with Scouting America Troop 85. Cyrus has gained valuable public service experience as a U.S. Senate Page in Washington, D.C., for Senator Roger Wicker, as well as a Page for Governor Tate Reeves.
Cyrus is looking forward to his time at West Point, sharing, "I am excited for the brotherhood that comes from being a West Point cadet. To be a member of the Long Gray Line connects you to a special family of people, and I cannot wait to meet my future brothers and sisters in arms." He intends to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering while preparing for a career of service in the United States Army.
We are proud of Cyrus's accomplishments and wish him continued success as he begins this next chapter at West Point.
For more information about Service Academy nominations through my office, please contact Melinda Whited at (662) 687-1525 or melinda.whited@mail.house.gov. |
After more than 32 years of serving the Tupelo community, Bar-B-Q by Jim has officially closed its doors. Owner Jim Beane has called Tupelo home for decades and has carried a lifelong passion for cooking. In 1970, he attended Tennessee Military Institute, where he managed the mess hall. He later returned home to attend Itawamba Community College, playing football. Jim dedicated 53 years to law enforcement as a sworn officer with the City of Tupelo.
About 42 years ago, Jim began cooking for friends and neighbors on the side, which quickly turned into something more. In July 1993, he opened Bar-B-Q by Jim. Over the years, it has become a staple of the community, with regulars visiting several times a week. "I'm a people person," Jim said. "I love meeting new people and talking to them."
The restaurant has always been a true family operation. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, in 1976. After a 28-year career as a kindergarten teacher in Tupelo, Barbara retired and began running the kitchen at the restaurant. Together, they raised three children: Jim Jr., Jordan, and Betsy, who have all played a role in the business.
Jim has remained committed to the Tupelo community. He has supported local schools, Meals on Wheels, and numerous civic organizations. He has provided meals to hospital workers and even served Secret Service agents during President Trump's visit to Tupelo – an occasion that included the opportunity to shake the President's hand.
On February 27, the Beane family closed the restaurant to spend more time together. "It's bittersweet," Jim said. Now, he looks forward to enjoying more time with his four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. We are grateful for small businesses like Bar-B-Q by Jim that strengthen the communities they call home. |
Team Kelly was proud to attend an open house hosted by the Mississippi National Guard and the City of Tupelo to welcome the 185th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade (ECAB). The brigade's relocation from Jackson to Tupelo follows the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team's move to Columbia last September and brings valuable aviation assets to North Mississippi.
The even offered a chance to introduce the unit to the community and showcase its vital role. Major General John Rhodes highlighted the brigade's capabilities and its proud history of service, including deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Tupelo is proud to welcome the 185th ECAB, and we are grateful for all of our service members who protect and serve our nation every day. |
The pursuit of economic development is a top priority in Corinth and Alcorn County. That's where you will find The Alliance, the driving force leading this First District county into the future.
Every year, The Alliance hosts the Taste of Corinth to share economic development figures with all those in attendance. Additionally, organizers recognize those who help to promote what Corinth and Alcorn County have to offer, including manufacturers, business owners, and volunteers.
The Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer G.T. McCullough said existing industry is performing well. Employers are paying competitive wages, and the economy is healthy. We are thankful for all those working to provide jobs to our hardworking Mississippians. |
Mississippi Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees President Spence Flatgard, outgoing MDAH Director Katie Blount, and incoming Director Barry White
Mayor of Olive Branch Ken Adams
Dr. Michael Heindl, President of Northwest Mississippi Community College, and Dr. Andrew Dale, Vice President of Community Relations
Representatives from CropLife America |
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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