February 15, 2020
Dear Friend,
On Saturday, February 8, the Boys Scouts of America celebrated the organization's 120th anniversary! On this day, I had the opportunity to participate in the Pushmataha Area Council's annual recognition ceremony that was held in West Point. It was an honor to recognize the Eagle Scout Class of 2019 and to congratulate these young people who have achieved Scouting's highest rank.
I remember well the day I received the Eagle Scout badge. My father and mentor, John Kelly, was by my side. He devoted countless hours to Scouting, leading by example each and every day. Dad touched many lives as a volunteer, demonstrating the same level of dedication to Scouting as the many volunteers I was thankful to meet in West Point.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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H.R. 5887 - The Guard and Reserve Hazard-Duty Pay Equity Act
Members of our National Guard and Reserve play a vital role in protecting the nation and their communities. Since 2001, utilization rates for members of our Reserve Forces have skyrocketed twenty-two fold. As part of their service, qualified Soldiers are entitled to hazard-duty incentive pay for activities including but not limited to parachute jumping and the demolition of explosives. This piece of legislation is an important step in recognizing the increased physical burden placed on our Soldiers and Airmen in the Reserve Component.
Currently, Guard and Reserve Service Members are awarded 1/30th hazard-duty incentive pay of their active duty counterparts. In context, a Private First Class, E-3, with two years of service who is jump qualified, makes $272 a drill period. The service member is required to maintain the same parachuting jumping requirements as his active duty counterpart, however, is only entitled to $12 versus $150 additional monthly compensation for the same level of risk.
I was honored to be an original cosponsor of this important legislation. To read the full text of the bill, please click on the link.
Honoring a Fallen Soldier
O n Friday, I was pleased to introduce legislation to name the United States Post Office located at 305 Highway 15 North in Pontotoc, Mississippi, in honor of Lance Corporal Marc Lucas Tucker. Lance Corporal Tucker, of Pontotoc, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2003, at 23 years old and was deployed to Iraq with the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force. On June 8, 2005, Lance Corporal Tucker lost his life in service to our country. I, like the citizens of Pontotoc, will be forever grateful for his sacrifice and service.
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| listening to veterans |
Mississippians have always been known for their patriotism, answering the call to serve our Nation in times of war and peace. We must continue to support our Veterans which begins by listening to their thoughts and concerns. Retired U.S. Army Captain Adam Napier, a new member of our team, will be leading this effort in the field. He will travel throughout the First District, becoming a familiar face where Veterans are gathered.
Additionally, Adam will be participating in The Library of Congress Veterans History Project. He will meet with Veterans of all conflicts to listen and record their stories. For more information or to nominate a Veteran for this project, call Adam at (662) 873-1963 or send him an email at Adam.Napier@mail.house.gov. Mike Patterson, our Veterans Services Coordinator, is also available to assist our Veterans. Mike can be reached at (662) 841-8808.
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| military academy appointment |
Congratulations to Mason Bay! The Lafayette High School senior, has received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Mason comes from a long line of family members who have worn the uniform, including his great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and brother. He plans to pursue a Space Science degree which is a new field of study at the Academy. He said it will be exciting to be a member of the first class to graduate with this degree. Upon graduation, Mason will serve as an officer in the U.S. Army. "I am eager to serve America as an aviator," Mason said. "This is a dream that has come true for me."
Mason was among the scores of young people from across the First District who attended Academy Day 2019 in August. Every year, I host this event to connect students with Service Academy and ROTC representatives. It is a privilege to nominate outstanding students who wish to attend one of America's prestigious military academies. For more information about the nomination process, please contact Robert.Smith@mail.house.gov.
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STAY IN TOUCH
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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.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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