May 22, 2017
Dear Friend,
Every day, law enforcement officers go to work knowing the next shift could be their last. This is a sacrifice they willingly make to protect all of us. John 15:13 says it best, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." National Police Week is an opportunity to show our appreciation to law enforcement officers - those living and those who have died in the line of duty. Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) Agent Lee Tartt is among the officers whose names were read aloud during the 36th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol. The 22-year law enforcement veteran was killed and two other officers were wounded during a standoff near Iuka in February 2016.
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National Peace Officers' Memorial Service attendees
Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Jay Bass,
Agent Tartt's stepdaughter, Lauren Harbun,
wife, Deborah Tartt, and Mississippi Highway
Patrol Trooper Corey Ott |
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) Agent Charlton Smith escorted the Tartt family to ceremonies which included a candlelight vigil where Agent Tartt's name was formally dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
"I was honored to have escorted the Tartt family," Agent Smith said. "I will keep this experience in my heart forever, never forgetting that Lee Tartt made the ultimate sacrifice."
When someone acting in their official capacity is killed in the line of duty, it is important that those responsible be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 115, U.S. Thin Blue Line Act. The legislation amends the federal criminal code to include the killing or attempted killing of a local or state law enforcement officer or first responder as an aggravating factor in Federal death penalty determinations. If signed into law, the legislation would cover the killing of any law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder, including state and local officials who are murdered on duty.
cotton farmers need relief
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Last week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Sonny Perdue made his first appearance before the House Committee on Agriculture. Secretary Perdue brings to the table a sincere understanding of farming practices in the south which will be important as my colleagues and I work on the next farm bill. Producers are facing tough times including cotton farmers who battle with worsening market conditions. It's not worth their while to plant cotton if the cost of production is more than the market price. Please watch the video below to see Secretary Perdue respond to questions.
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| listening to our constituents |
It is a top priority to hear from our constituents which is why we take every opportunity to meet with you at home and in Washington. Last week, we sat down and listened to the issues that matter to the people of the First District including companies and associations which provide jobs and help to improve our quality of life.
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ServiceMaster representatives Peter Toschs,
Thomas Campbell, and Glenn LeMunyon |
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International Paper representatives Neil Naraine,
Dana Armstrong, and Adam Miklos |
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| hometown news |
Jeff Hudson is the Body Weld Production Assistant Manager at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi. He was among a group of TMMMS representatives who recently visited our DC office to talk about issues that are important to the auto manufacturing industry, Toyota and their affiliates. It is encouraging to hear about the continued success of TMMMS which company officials attribute to their hardworking team members like Jeff.
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Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi
representatives Akitoshi Ichino, Jeff Hudson,
Sean Suggs, and Kathryn Ragsdale |
Jeff, a Louisville native, started working at the Blue Springs plant six years ago. He has worked his way up to a management position by demonstrating the Toyota philosophy - continuous improvement and respect for people. Jeff says Toyota's mentoring, coaching and self development programs give him the opportunity to progress through the company.
"The opportunities that I have been presented with was to learn about the auto manufacturing industry," Jeff said. "It is exciting to see a vehicle begin with a sheet of metal and every 71 seconds roll a new car off the line to a happy customer."
Jeff has accomplished much during his time at Toyota while raising five children with his wife, Renita. He is a great example of the hardworking Mississippians that make up a workforce that continues to attract manufacturers to our great state.
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| U.S. coast guard academy appointment |
It is an honor to announce the appointment of Hunter Blankenship to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Hunter, a 17-year-old Saltillo High School graduate, and son of Murry and Lori Blankenship, is one of 300 students chosen to attend the academy.
Hunter was recruited by the academy which became aware of his precision rifle skills when he competed in the Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Two years ago, Hunter met with service academy representatives during the annual Academy Day which was hosted by my office in Tupelo. Last week, it was a proud moment to present Hunter with U.S. Coast Guard Academy acceptance letter.
Every year, our office hosts Academy Day which is an opportunity for north Mississippi students to explore a career as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. Academy Day is open to students, parents, counselors, and educators. For more information, please contact our military academy liaison Melinda Whited at (662) 687-1525 or send her an email at Melinda.Whited@mail.house.gov.
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| honoring fallen soldiers |
We continue to honor the lives of service members with ties to Mississippi. These soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect America. We have submitted details of their service into the Congressional Record.
PFC Stephen Phillip Baldwyn
SGT Jason Walter Vaughn
SSGT John Thomas Self
SSG David Dwayne Self
CPL William Justin Lee Cooper
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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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Mississippi Silicon representatives Braulio Lage,
Rosa Jeong, John Lalley, Alan Slomowitz, Mark
Ivey, and Adriana Bello Vincintin de Vasconcellos |
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Mississippi Society of Anesthesiologist members
Dr. Tim Beacham and Dr. Jim Rabalais |
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Mississippi Chapter of Electronic Security
Association members Bart Williams,
John Knox, and L.J. Lynes
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Mississippi Association of Realtors members Ellen
Short, David Griffith, Corie Haynes, Judy Glenn,
Amanda Woods, Christy McDowell, Keith Henley,
Jay McMiller, Kay Jeffries, and David Anderson |
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Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and
Convenience Stores Association
representatives Philip Chamblee,
Jim Lipscomb, Cam Richards, Missy Richards,
Rex Gillis, Matt Bogue, and Stanley Roberts |
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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