May 22, 2018

Dear Friend,

National Police Week is an opportunity to honor members of law enforcement for their service and sacrifice. We appreciate these men and women who are willing to lay down their lives to protect us all. Ceremonies were held in Mississippi and across the nation to pause and reflect on the lives of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Many residents in the First District gathered to show their appreciation and to personally thank members of law enforcement who currently serve in their communities.

National Police Week in the First District
from top left: Law Enforcement Appreciation
Luncheon in Houlka, Northeast Mississippi
Fallen Officers Memorial Service in Tupelo,
and Airmen from the 14th Security
Forces Squadron at the Fallen
Defender's Memorial on Columbus Air Force Base

Uzbekistan president shavkat mirziyoyev

Last week, I appreciated the opportunity to lead a roundtable discussion with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev along with delegates from both of our countries. During our meeting, we discussed Uzbekistan's strategic location and its contributions to the northern logistics network that supports U.S. and coalition forces operating in Afghanistan.

Our conversation included discussion of the bipartisan Congressional delegation that I led last November to talk with soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stationed and deployed in military installations across Uzbekistan, Poland, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Ireland. President Mirziyoyev is optimistic about further joint training opportunities between Uzbekistan and Mississippi through the National Guard's State Partnership Program.

At a time of rising threats around the world, it is in the best interests of both of our countries to build and maintain this important relationship.

economic development spotlight: oxford/Lafayette county

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation recently met to discuss the steady growth they have maintained in the city and the county since 1984. Jon Maynard, Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation president and chief executive officer, said they have much to be thankful for.

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of
Commerce and Economic Development
Foundation President and CEO Jon Maynard,
Oxford Chamber of Commerce Vice
President Pam Swain, Economic Development
Foundation Vice President Alan Kure Office
Manager Julia Blackmon, and Director
of Retirement Attraction Rosie Vassallo

During their annual meeting, Jon highlighted the areas where they have achieved success. Oxford and Lafayette County have the highest population growth rate in the state, the largest annual job growth number on record, $1.2 billion in retail sales, and an average annual income which is $2,443 above the Mississippi average. "We have achieved many of our goals through careful planning," Jon said. "It is important to manage growth so that we do not grow away from who we are as a town."

infrastructure week

In Mississippi, federal and state funding to build and maintain our infrastructure is critical to improving roads, bridges, and utility systems. Improving our state's infrastructure is critical for economic development. National Infrastructure Week was an opportunity to take a closer look at our strengths and consider the infrastructure needs we have in our state and the nation.

Mississippi Asphalt Pavement Association
representatives Michael Arnemann,
Dwayne Boyd, Pepper Beckman,
Doug Philips, and Bradley Coker

I met with representatives of the Mississippi Asphalt Pavement Association to discuss the need for a long term, sustainable funding mechanism that will help improve the safety of the traveling public, promote economic development, and put more Mississippians to work.

academy appointment

It is an honor to announce the appointment of Steadman Harrison, Jr., to the U.S. Naval Academy. Steadman, an 18-year-old Tupelo Christian Preparatory School graduate, and son of Steadman and Alyssa Harrison, plans to major in either naval architecture or nuclear engineering.

Steadman said military service is a tradition in his family. Both of his great grandfathers served in World War II. "I felt called to serve my country in the U.S. Navy," Steadman said. "The U.S. Naval Academy also offers great educational opportunities."

a week in pictures

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

Ambassador to
Uzbekistan Pamela Spratlen

Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and
Convenience Stores Association representatives
Philip Chamblee, Jim Lipscomb, Stan Roberts,
Rex Gillis, and Matt Bogue

Partners for Stennis Space Center representatives
Guy Johnson, Grant Johnson, Tish
Williams, and Beau Gex

University of Mississippi School of Law
Dean Susan Duncan

Chris Harper and Cameron
Williams at the Rockin' on the River
Veterans Festival in Iuka

County Line Dancers Jane Castain, Janice
Patrick, Dolly Barrett, Kathy Hill, and
Faye Bonds in Iuka

Jourdan Harper, Chloe Brooke Hensley,
and Peyton Vicks in Iuka

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