September 25, 2017
Dear Friend,
This year, our country has seen more service members die in training accidents than in combat against our nation's enemies. To read more of my column in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, please click on the link.
Academy day 2017
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While our work continues to provide support for our service members, we must also make sure there will be others who want to follow in their footsteps. On Saturday, our office hosted Academy Day 2017 on the Northeast Mississippi Community College campus in Booneville. We had a great turnout of north Mississippi students who are interested in a career as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces.
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Academy Day 2017 attendees top left: Ike,
Cheryl, and Cherikea Patterson |
Cherikea Patterson, a Center Hill High School student from Olive Branch, was among the many students who came with their families to the event. She and her parents, Ike and Cheryl Patterson, were able to meet with service academy and ROTC representatives to hear their personal stories of achievement and to answer questions about attending one of America's prestigious military academies.
For more details, please contact the military academy liaison at (662) 687-1525 or send an email to Melinda.whited@mail.house.gov.
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union public school district
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The First District is our family's home, but I was raised in Union, Mississippi. Last week, I returned to the Union Public School District where I graduated in 1984. Many years have gone by, but the memories of my hometown and the good people there will always be with me. It was great to share stories about playing sports in school and becoming an Eagle Scout. Additionally, it was an opportunity to talk about developing leadership skills and the importance of public service.
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From bottom left: Earl Davis, Michael Gibson,
Mikalyn Gibson, and my mom, Barbara Kelly |
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Southeastern timber Products
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Our forest lands are huge economic drivers in Mississippi and across the nation. Southeastern Timber Products in Ackerman depends on our forests to supply their customers with southern yellow pine lumber and residual products including wood chips, bark, shavings, and sawdust. As a member of the House Agriculture Conservation and Forestry subcommittee, it was important to see this operation firsthand and to talk with members of their team.
Last week, Plant Manager Jody Webb walked us through the lumber mill. Since 2010, Southeastern Timber Products has doubled the number of their employees from 75 to 150. Jody said the company is able to achieve their goals because of the quality of our workforce.
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| ability works, Inc. |
Mississippians know the value of holding down a good job, but those with a disability may have a harder time finding one. Assistance is available at Ability Works, Inc. in Oxford. Sharon Young, Ability Works plant manager, and her team help those with a documented disability acquire the skills to get a job.
During our tour of the facility, Sharon and Jackie Pruitt, an Ability Works evaluator, talked about how wonderful it feels to help someone become more independent. It is great to see Sharon and her team making a difference in the lives of our fellow Mississippians. Their commitment improves the quality of life for their clients and enhances our workforce.
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| listening to our constituents |
One of the most important facets of my job is listening to our constituents. Our work to make sure your voice is heard on Capitol Hill led us to Choctaw, Winston, Lafayette,Tate, Alcorn, and Lee Counties. In almost every setting, we heard concerns expressed about national defense, healthcare, and the need to reduce taxes.
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From top left:Tate County Economic
Development Foundation, Iuka Rotary Club,
Mississippi Lignite Mining Company, and the
Tupelo Civitan International Club |
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| a week in pictures |
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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Union Schools Superintendent Wayne
McDill, Elementary Principal Deanna
Rush, Middle School Principal
Tyler Hansford, and High School
Principal Brett Rigby |
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Union Schools students Dorian Hunter and
Justin Campbell |
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Union High School Student Body President
Brant Lowrey and Student Body
Vice President Chloe Chapman |
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Union Middle School students Jack
Ross, Carson Kennedy,Trey Hamilton,
Jaxon Hollingsworth, Brylen Edmondson,
Reice Belk, Ty Hobden, and Jes Henry
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Winston County Republican Women Treasurer
Ouida Donald, Vice President Jane Wood,
Secretary Tracey Coleman, President
Kay Forsman, and past President
Willa Dean Watkins |
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| Iuka Rotary President Sandra Medlin |
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Retired ARNG Brigadier General (BG) Harold
Lomenick at the Iuka Rotary Club meeting |
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Tupelo Civitan International Club member
June Geddie |
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| Tupelo Civitan Club member Wayne Lauderdale |
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Tupelo Civitan International Club Vice President
Mike Maynard and President
Jim Brown |
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Landon and Dana Long from Tupelo
at Academy Day 2017 |
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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