June 6, 2019

Dear Friend,

In Mississippi and Across America, Memorial Day is an opportunity to spend time with friends and family. What is important to remember is that we have the privilege to live our lives as we choose because of the sacrifices made on our behalf. Since our nation was in its infancy, Americans have stepped into the line of fire to protect our freedoms.

Recently, I was honored to take part in the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Tupelo. Throughout the First District, we honored our fallen warriors from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We also thanked and praised those who have suffered the unbearable loss of their loved one in service to our country - Gold Star Families. Every chance you get, offer these families a hug or a handshake and thank them for their commitment - the ultimate price anyone can give in the name of freedom. These men and women did not die in vain. General Patton said it best, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived."

Memorial Day in the First District from top right
Tupelo, Ripley, and Columbus Air Force Base

honoring a World war II veteran

Memorial Day was an extra special one for Louisville World War II Veteran Joseph Merritt - his 100th birthday! Carol Higginbotham, Mr. Merritt's daughter, said her dad is the oldest living World War II Veteran in Winston County. "How special it is and pleased am I that my father is among the 'greatest generation' of men who willingly served our country during World War II," Carol said. "To describe him is to use the motto of the Marines - Semper Fi - Always Faithful, Always Loyal!"

In 1942, Mr. Merritt enlisted in the U.S. Marines. During the war, his duties included operating a bulldozer and serving as a driver. Mr. Merritt said his unit was assigned to building air strips for the B-29 Superfortress. After completing his military service, Mr. Merritt couldn't wait to get back home to his wife, Gladys Taylor Merritt. After four years working for a local plumber, Mr. Merritt opened his own plumbing business which he operated for 30 years. He also served as the music director for the Poplar Flat Baptist Church - a calling that would last for over 50 years. Larry Veazey, the Winston County Veterans Service Officer, said Mr. Merritt is a standout citizen and has always been a well respected member of the community. "He is a super person," Veazey said. "He is one of the best people that you will ever meet in life and in business."

These days, Mr. Merritt is taking it easy while spending time with his children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Mr. Merritt can lay claim to being the oldest living World War II Veteran in Winston County, but he is not the oldest member of his family. His sister, Bertha Vickers, is 101!

If you would like to nominate a Veteran to be featured in my newsletter, please contact our team in locations throughout the First District..

Terry norwood - celebrating a long and distinguished career

Recently, I was pleased to present a copy of a floor speech celebrating the life and career of Terry Norwood. Friends and family gathered for a retirement ceremony in Pontotoc to thank him for his faithful commitment to the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation for which he served as a regional manager. Terry, a native of Union County, was raised on a dairy and cotton farm in Rocky Ford, Mississippi, which is now known as Etta. Agriculture has been the focus of the majority of his endeavors in life and continues to this day. When asked how much he is enjoying retirement, Terry said with a smile, "Retirement? I have fields on my farm waiting for me right now!" Terry has selflessly served his community and Mississippi. I wish him and his family many years of health and happiness.

If there is someone you would like to honor with special recognition from our office, our team is here to assist you. Please give us a call at (202) 225-4306.

in the news

behold washington

This week, a ceremony was held to celebrate the rebuilding of Behold Washington's Stafford Boulevard facility that burned in a fire on September 26, 2018. After the fire, I was pleased to learn that the Pontotoc-based furniture manufacturer continued to pay their 400 employees for three weeks until production resumed - a testament to their appreciation for our hardworking Mississippians. The 400,000 square-foot building which is approximately 55 percent complete, will enable the company to expand their operation and create more jobs. I appreciate Behold Washington's investment in our workforce and Mississippi.

meet our first district intern, zach pugh!

Zach Pugh is participating in our summer internship program in the First District. Zach, an Oxford resident, said he wanted to serve as an intern this summer to be able to view the workings of a Congressional office on the local as well as the national level. "It is this firsthand experience that I believe will allow me to be better informed when thinking about policy in my studies as well as the opportunities that such an internship can open up for me," Zach said.

Zach has a long list of accomplishments which include acceptance to the Trent Lott Institute at the University of Mississippi where he is majoring in Public Policy Leadership. He is also a scholar in the Catalyzing Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) program through the McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement at Ole Miss. Following graduation, Zach hopes to be accepted to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he plans to pursue a law degree.

We are proud of Zach and all of our interns who want to learn more about the legislative process. For more information about our internship program, please click on the link.

a week in pictures

Christy and Molly Flynn, Gary, Sandy, Erin Ruth,
and Elise Waters, and ray and Ann Leeper (Tupelo)

Stewart, Molly and Peyton Hodge (Booneville)

John Caruthers (Tupelo)

Mark and Roxy Weathers (Lee County)

Javier Terry and Braden Pillstrom at the
Mississippi American Legion Boys
State Conference

Hiram and Elizabeth Eastland (Oxford)

Community Development Bankers

Mr. Kiyoto Tsuji, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for
Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

SGM Mathew Krenz

Mississippi Wildlife Federation Johnny Marquez

National Regional Distribution Center
(Olive Branch) Operations Supervisor Daniel Shing
and NRDC Operations Manager Shannon Hayden

Oasis Petroleum Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer Tommy Nusz

Jeffrey, Alicia and Ava McVey (Rienzi)

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

Washington D.C. 1005 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4306	Hernando 2565 Caffey St., #200 P.O. Box 218 Hernando, MS 38632 Phone: (662) 449-3090	Columbus 318 North 7th St., Ste. D Columbus, MS 39701 Phone: (662) 327-0748
Tupelo 431 West Main St. Tupelo, MS 38804 Phone: (662) 841-8808	Eupora 855 South Dunn St. Eupora, MS 39744 Phone: (662) 687-1545	Farmington 4135 County Road 200 Corinth, MS 38834 Phone: (662) 687-1525

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