September 5, 2017
Dear Friend,
The month of August has been productive. We had the opportunity to talk with our constituents in many of the 22 counties that make up the First District. We have discussed the issues that are important to you in Alcorn, Benton, Clay, DeSoto, Lee, Lowndes, Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Webster, and Union Counties.
I am proud of what we have accomplished in the House, but we have much more work to do. Your thoughts on healthcare, tax reform, the debt ceiling, and the next Farm Bill will help us in Congress continue to pursue meaningful legislation that improves quality of life, strengthens the economy, and creates more jobs.
General atomics electromagnetic systems
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Labor Day is a celebration of the contribution of hardworking Americans who support the strength and prosperity of our state and nation. In Mississippi, our workforce is second to none. Their dedication to excellence has attracted major manufacturers including General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems. Last week, we had the opportunity to tour the Lee County operation. General Atomics' major product is the aircraft launch and recovery system for the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy's newest aircraft carrier.
The company has expanded their operation almost every year since the doors opened in 2005. General Atomics has 230 employees. The majority of their team members are from towns with names you may recognize like Tupelo, Saltillo, Shannon, Plantersville, Verona, and Nettleton. General Atomics employees are trained to work on high-tech systems that will improve our nation's defense readiness capabilities, a goal my colleagues and I in the House and on the House Armed Services Committee are working hard to achieve.
"In light of the threats America is facing across the world, our military must have advanced systems," General Atomics Operations and Manufacturing Vice President Peter Rinaldi said. "Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017 in the House will not only work to support our country's strong national defense, but it will also continue to promote operations for the critical defense products made right here in northeast Mississippi."
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officers candidates school
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As a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard for 31 years, it is always a proud moment to see young men and women who want to serve our nation. Recently, I was honored to serve as the keynote speaker for the Officer Candidate School (OCS) 07-17 graduating class. The ceremony was held at Fort Benning, Georgia. Seven of the graduates are members of the Mississippi Army National Guard.
The following day, candidates received their commissions as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army. Their Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) is the next step in their professional military education.
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air force sergeants association
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The most effective way to understand the needs of our military men and women begins by simply listening to them. Last week, we met with the Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 651/ Columbus Air Force Base to answer their questions and to share with them the progress that has been made in the House to support our nation's military personnel including those stationed at Columbus Air Force Base.
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2017 America's Farmers Mom of the year for the southeast region
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Agriculture is a top industry in Mississippi because of farmers like Cala Tabb of Eupora. She was recently selected the 2017 America's Farmers Mom of the Year for the southeast region, an honor she says that came as a complete surprise. Cala and her husband, Billy, are well-known for taking an active role in their community to promote agriculture. Last year, Cala and her husband received the 2016 American Farm Bureau Federal Young Farmer & Rancher Award. Cala says it is her hope that their children will be able to follow in their footsteps.
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I look forward to continuing our work on the next Farm Bill so all those in the agriculture industry can be successful now and in the future.
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national park service birthday
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In 2016, I joined other members of Congress to celebrate the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial. This milestone event kicked off two years of celebrations and programs for the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates to connect with our public lands.
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From top left: Natchez Trace Parkway
Superintendent Mary Risser, volunteer, Kathy
Nethery, and Ranger Andy Danneker |
A significant portion of the 444-mile long Natchez Trace Parkway is located in the First District. A new NPS report shows that 5,891,315 visitors to the Natchez Trace Parkway in 2016 spent $142 million in the communities near the Parkway, which supported 1,907 jobs in the local areas. Mary Risser, Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent, says the Parkway is the 8th most visited national park. Happy 101st birthday!
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a week in pictures
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For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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Air Force Sergeants Association
Chapter 651 representatives MSgt
Kristina Omeara, MSgt Eric Severs, MSgt
Brent Shields, MSgt Richard Neal, A1C
Katelyn Jaime, and A1C Benjamin Sacramuzzino |
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LTC Sheldon Morris, 146th Infantry Regiment
Commander, Ft. Benning, GA |
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Ft. Benning breakfast with Advanced Individual
Training (AIT) soldiers |
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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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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