April 24, 2019
Dear Friend,
On Easter Sunday, members of our family gathered to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Heroes, past and present, have made it possible for Americans to worship freely without fear of persecution. As we sat around the table for food and fellowship, we thought about the many families who have celebrated special occasions with an empty seat at the table.
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| Photo Courtesy: TSgt Shawn Nickel |
It was almost one year ago that approximately 3,250 Mississippi Army National Guard soldiers were deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Their mission to deter and react to possible threats in the Middle East was critical to help maintain our national defense readiness capabilities. Beginning in February, soldiers were welcomed home by their families, friends, and cheering crowds. We are grateful for their service and for the quiet sacrifices their loved ones have made to keep America safe.
| in the news |
TRICARE Reserve Select
Our men and women in the National Guard and Reserves and their families deserve the same affordable access to healthcare coverage plans. As the leading sponsor of the TRICARE Reserve Select bill, I am working with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to advance this important legislation to make a simple fix to an unfair bureaucratic restriction. This bill will allow dual-status military technicians in the National Guard and Reserves the choice to select TRICARE Reserve Select coverage instead of the Federal Employee Benefit option.
To read more about our efforts to improve healthcare options for the National Guard and Reserves, please click on the link.
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Backs Bill That Opens TRICARE Reserve Select Coverage to Federal Employees in Guard, Reserve
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| general atomics expands - again |
Our strong economy in Mississippi and America, combined with our excellent workforce, gives our job creators the confidence to invest in their operations. Recently, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, a contractor for the U.S. Navy, announced plans to increase its Shannon, Mississippi, manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for their advanced technology products.
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| General Atomics |
This $50 million investment will create 75 jobs over the next five years. A new line of products will be manufactured in a 100,000-square-foot facility. Currently, General Atomics' existing facility is 552,000-square-feet. The company employs 300 team members. It is exciting to see Mississippians have the opportunity to pursue high-tech, good paying jobs right in their own backyard.
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| congressional art contest winners |
I am pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Congressional Artistic Discovery Contest for the First Congressional District. We had more than 100 talented students to submit their artwork - the most we have ever had!
Skylar Sloan, a Saltillo High School senior, won first place. The awards ceremony was held this week at Itawamba Community College's W.O. Benjamin Fine Arts Center. Following the presentation of awards, Skylar talked about how hard she has worked to develop her artistic skills. "I like a lot of technical work and lots of things that are really intricate," Skylar said. "I love hyper realistic drawing because it is really challenging."
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| "Shells" by Skylar Sloan |
Skylar's artwork will be on display for one year in the U.S. Capitol along with winners from across America. Additionally, all first place winners will be honored during a reception to be held on June 24th in Washington, D.C.
We will display artwork in our First Congressional District field offices. Those selected for this honor are: Winston Academy junior Sidnie Hunt, Ripley High School senior Annie Simpson, Ripley High School sophomore Reagan Hall, Ripley High School sophomore Ellis McBride, and Corinth home-schooled senior Katie Beth Wadkins.
To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, please click HERE.
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| military academy appointment |
Military service is an honor and a privilege. It is encouraging to see young people in the First District who are eager to attend one of America's prestigious military academies. Every year, I have the honor to select a number of high school students who wish to serve as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. I am pleased to announce the appointment of John-David Luttrell to the United States Air Force Academy. John-David, the son of David and Robin Luttrell, is a Tishomingo County High School senior. His many academic achievements include selection as a 2017 Governor's School Scholar. John-David is Co-captain of the TCHS Academic Team and a member of the TCHS Mu Alpha Theta- math honor society. Throughout his high school career, John-David has maintained a 95+ grade point average while also serving as a member of the TCHS Honor Society and TCHS Beta Club. His community service work includes the Summer FANS (Friends and Neighbors Serving) program which he launched to help older and disabled people in the community with their yard work. John-David serves as the TCHS Golf Team Captain. "John-David is passionate about our country," Robin Luttrell said. "He wants to serve America in the U.S. Armed Forces as a pilot and pursue a degree in engineering. Military service is a tradition in our family which is one reason why we are so proud of John-David."
For more information, please click HERE. You can also contact Robert Smith, our military academy liaison, at (662) 687-1540 or send him an e-mail at Robert.Smith@mail.house.gov
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| reading with youngsters |
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| Mrs. Hamilton's class |
What could be more fun than sitting down with youngsters to read a Doctor Suess book - or any book for that matter! I thoroughly enjoyed doing just that with Mrs. Hamilton's first grade class at Saltillo Primary School.
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| Mrs. Myhand's class |
What is better than reading to one class? How about two! I also had a great time reading to the students in Mrs. Myhand's second grade class at Saltillo Primary School!
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| a week in pictures |
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| Sammy, Marilyn, and Peyton Reed (Lee County) |
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MAZON representatives Julie Gold, Anasazi Levy,
and Sammy Chavin |
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Jefferson County Board of Supervisors
James Wells, Tracy Collins, S.D.
Johnson, Jr., Cammie Hutcherson, Jerry
Wilson, and County Administrator Brenda Buck |
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MajGen Daniel Lecce, Staff Advocate to the
Commandant of the Marine Corps |
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Mississippi Optometric Association Minh
Duong, OD, Linda Ross Aldy, CAE,
Executive Director, Jay Fuller, OD, and
Mississippi State Senator David Parker, OD |
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Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation
Services representatives Anna Tucker, Kristy Embry,
Chris Howard, Joshua Woodward, Billy Taylor,
and Jan Schaefer |
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Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi
Team Members Andre Hardiman, Erik
Kirkhorn, Kevin Burgess, and Kathryn Ragsdale |
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Mississippi Beer Distributors Association
representatives Clark Beverage Group, Inc.,
Vice President Steve Clark, Mississippi Beer
Distributors Association President Ricky Brown,
Sean Moore and Brian Richardson with
Standard Sales Companies, and A&B Distributing
Co. General Manager Steve Allen |
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4-H Delegation members Callie Shae Philips
(Lee County), Hunter Brooks (Lowndes County),
and Lana Estes (Union County) |
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Mississippi Bar Association members Pat Bennett,
Amanda Tollison, and Deanne Mosley |
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Mississippi Association of Housing and
Redevelopment representatives John W. Bounds,
Gregory Partman, Jason Spencer, Robert
Finch, Janice Isaac, Ailrick Young, Judy
Mellard, George Barnes, Thomas Coleman,
and Ben Washington
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Hernando United Methodist
Church Men's Group |
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| Meeting with Oxford constituents |
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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