April 9, 2026 Dear Friend,
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It was an honor to participate in the National Center for Narrative Intelligence summit held on the campus of the University of Mississippi. This event brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry to examine narrative intelligence and its vital role in strengthening America's national defense.
As our adversaries increasingly leverage information and messaging as strategic tools, it is critical that we remain prepared to counter these threats and protect our national security.
Lt. Gen. Gil Ferguson, Commanding General of U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), and Joe Stradinger, Founder and CEO of EdgeTheory
As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I was proud to join this important conversation and remain committed to ensuring the United States is equipped to meet the challenges of today's information environment. |
I am proud to announce the appointment of Shaw Prewitt of Shannon, Mississippi, to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Shaw has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar, athlete, and servant leader. He attended South Pontotoc High School from 2022 to 2024 and currently attends the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, where he continues to excel in Advanced Placement and dual-credit coursework.
Shaw's leadership extends well beyond the classroom and athletic field. He has served as Honorary President of the Mississippi State Society Children of the American Revolution and as a County Representative at American Legion Boys State. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America Troop 12 and has served as a Mississippi Senate Page for Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hoseman, as well as a U.S. Senate Page in Washington, D.C., for Senator Roger Wicker. Shaw is also actively involved in volunteer service within his community.
"I am most excited about the challenges that West Point will offer me, both physically and mentally," Shaw said. "I am not seeking an easy experience, and that is exactly what appeals to me. I look forward to the demanding physical training as well as the unique military experiences that come with the academy, including field exercises and other opportunities to grow as a leader."
We are proud of Shaw's outstanding accomplishments and wish him continued success as he begins his journey at West Point. |
Congratulations to Abigail Presley, the first-place winner of Mississippi's First Congressional District Art Competition. Abigail, an 11-grade student at Corinth High School, earned this honor for her watercolor painting titled "Legacy," which was inspired by her family's strong tradition of military service.
"Military service is a big part of our family's life," Abigail said. "I appreciate this recognition for my family and my artwork."
Her father, Edward Presley, a former West Point cadet, is featured in the painting and now works in Iuka with Northrop Grumman helping build B21 Raiders. Her brother, also depicted in the artwork, is an ROTC cadet at the University of Memphis who has completed Sabalauski Air Assault School (TSAAS) at Fort Campbell and will attend U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning this summer.
Abigail's artwork will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol. She will also receive two airline tickets to attend the national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., this summer. We congratulate Abigail on this outstanding achievement and commend her remarkable talent. We also extend our gratitude to her father and brother for their service to our nation. |
We received an outstanding group of submissions for this year's Congressional Art Competition. We are proud of every First District student who participated and showcased their talent.
Each spring, a nationwide high school art competition is sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute. The contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the nation, as well as in our congressional district.
For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, visit TrentKelly.house.gov.
Our 2026 Winners:
1st Place: Abigail Presley, Corinth High School - Watercolor painting titled "Legacy"
2nd Place: Isabella Hancock, Hernando, MS - Acrylic painting titled "King of the Jungle"
3rd Place: Carley Foster, Booneville High School - Acrylic painting titled "Luke 16:10"
4th Place: Hannah Horton, New Albany High School - Acrylic painting titled "Dance with Me"
5th Place: Aylin Hernandez, Corinth High School - Pencil piece titled "Sophia's First"
5th Place: Isaac Snodgrass, Alcorn Central High School - Pencil piece titled "Bestfriend" |
One of the most rewarding responsibilities I have as your congressman is to nominate young men and women to America's prestigious service academies. In 2023, I had the honor to nominate Luke Fisher to the United States Air Force Academy. The Heritage High School graduate from Columbus is thriving at the Academy, working diligently to prepare for a career in the U.S. Military.
From an early age, Luke excelled in and out of the classroom. While maintaining excellent grades, he worked tirelessly in numerous public service roles as both leader and volunteer. He takes great pride in earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Luke is also well known for his love of sports – especially football – where he served as team captain.
His awards are numerous, crossing the spectrum of academics, athletics, and leadership roles. That's what got the attention of America's service academies. Three academies tried to recruit him to play football. The Air Force Academy was his first choice, and it was my honor to nominate Luke.
Jay, Noel, Luke, and Marla Fisher
"Coming from a military family and growing up in a military community, the opportunity to serve my country is such a huge blessing. I always knew that I wanted to make a difference in my community and push myself to do difficult things," Luke said. "Coming here has been one of the most challenging but rewarding things I have done in my life, from balancing academics, military training, and playing Division 1 football, I am so thankful for God giving such a rewarding opportunity."
No one could be prouder of Luke than his family. COL Jay Fisher (Ret.) is his father. Jay served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot instructor and later as Vice Wing Commander at Columbus Air Force Base. You could say military service and a love for flying is a family trait. Luke is hoping to train as an Air Force pilot upon graduation.
Until then, Luke will keep making the plays as an inside linebacker for the Air Force Falcons. Watching closely from the sidelines will be his family, who try to attend every game.
Thank you for your desire to serve, Cadet 2nd Class Luke Fisher.
For more information about Service Academy nominations through our office, please visit TrentKelly.house.gov. |
I was honored to join local, state, and federal leaders for the ribbon cutting of Firehawk Aerospace's new rocket integration facility in Crawford.
Firehawk's new facility will help modernize the defense industry's approach to missile and munitions production, strengthening our nation's ability to respond to emerging threats and maintain a strong national defense.
With the creation of 100 new jobs and the capability to integrate up to 120,000 systems per year, this project represents a significant economic boost for the Golden Triangle and a major step forward for advanced manufacturing in Mississippi.
Mississippi's highly skilled workforce continues to attract cutting-edge companies that are critical to America's security and economic competitiveness. Investments like this not only support good-paying jobs for Mississippians but also reinforces our growing role as a leader in the defense and aerospace industry. |
Team Kelly was honored to attend a ceremony at Columbus Air Force Base marking the final flight of the T-1A Jayhawk after more than 30 years of preparing future Air Force pilots for service.
Airmen lined up to sign the final aircraft departing from Columbus, joining Team Kelly in commemorating its remarkable legacy. Since arriving at the base in 1996, the T-1A has helped train approximately 5,500 pilots in the 48th Flying Training Squadron.
Officials noted the occasion was not only a farewell to the aircraft, but also a tribute to the dedicated airmen who operated and maintained it. The legacy of the T-1A will continue to be reflected in the skill and dedication of the thousands of students who trained in its cockpit.
We were proud to witness this historic milestone and honor the lasting impact it has had on generations of aviators and our nation's defense. |
Team Kelly was honored to attend a road dedication ceremony recognizing two Booneville natives and Vietnam War heroes, SGT Kennth Carpenter and PFC William Stringer. We extend our appreciation to VFW Post 4877 CDR Terry Tolar, SGT Marsha Holder, and all who helped make this tribute possible for the families and loved ones of these brave servicemen.
SGT Kennth Carpenter was born in Booneville, the oldest of three, and lived just east of Liberty Methodist Church prior to his enlistment. Kenneth served with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army.
SGT Carpenter died on January 2, 1968, in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, when Fire Support Base Burt was attacked by four battalions of North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces. The battle lasted more than seven hours, resulting in the loss of 23 U.S. soldiers and 153 wounded. SGT Carpenter was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal. He had previously been awarded the Purple Heart prior to returning to combat.
PFC William Stringer, also a Booneville native and a triplet, lived just west of Liberty Methodist Church prior to his enlistment. He served with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army.
PFC Stringer died on June 25, 1969, in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam, during a combat operation where he and another soldier were mistakenly identified as hostile forces. He had been in Vietnam only 45 days. PFC Stringer was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.
State Road 130, from Liberty Methodist Church east to the intersection of Highway 364 and Highway 364 Extension, is now dedicated in honor of SGT Kenneth Carpenter and PFC William Stringer. Their service to our nation will never be forgotten. |
House Armed Services Committee | 03.18.26 | Kelly: Sealift Capacity is Critical to Sustaining America's Military Advantage
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, delivered the following opening remarks at a joint subcommittee hearing on the posture of U.S. Transportation Command and the Maritime Administration in Fiscal Year 2027.
"The United States Transportation Command and Maritime Administration – TRANSCOM and MARAD – provide vital logistics capabilities to support our force projection and help overcome the tyranny of distance," Rep. Kelly said. "It's only getting harder to move and sustain our equipment and our people across these vast distances... We have to grow the Tanker Security Program fleet...recapitalize our organic sealift fleet...and address our aging strategic airlift, intra-theater airlift, and aerial refueling fleets."
The Dispatch | 04.01.26 | Firehawk unveils rocket manufacturing facility, plans to expand
Inside a large white warehouse off Wicker Road, federal and local leaders stood side by side Tuesday afternoon as Firehawk Aerospace cut the ribbon on its new rocket integration facility, a site capable of producing 40,000 rockets annually, with plans to triple that outputs in the coming years.
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, joined by U.S. 1st District Rep. Trent Kelly, Lowndes County Supervisors Trip Hariston and Jeff Smith, and Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Lain Vassey, said the United States is facing its most dangerous national defense situation in decades.
Kelly said the greatest workforce in the world exists "right here in Mississippi," and has for decades.
"We won World War II, not because of the Detroits and the Chicagos and the New Yorks," Kelly said. "We won the industrial revolution of War World II because of the rural people around America who started building things better than they could be built in big cities. It's the workforce, it's the work ethic, it's the moral fiber of those neighborhoods." |
Mississippi State University Representatives
East Mississippi Community College Students
Northeast Mississippi Farmers
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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