May 31, 2022
Dear Friend,
On Monday, May 30, 2022, Americans recognized all the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy. These brave patriots left their families and friends - not knowing if they would ever return. Many did not. Throughout the First District, Mississippians attended ceremonies and proudly recited the Pledge of Allegiance, while reflecting on what it means to die in the name of Liberty. These Heroes made it possible to speak freely without fear of persecution. We live in the greatest nation on Earth because of them. Let us all remember that freedom is not free.
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On Memorial Day, James Hubbard, son of the late retired Master Sergeant (MSG) James Troy Hubbard, was presented a wreath to place on his father's grave during the annual Memorial Day Ceremony held at Shiloh National Military Park in Shiloh, Tennessee. Mr. Hubbard is buried at the Shiloh National Cemetery.
Mr. Hubbard devoted his military career to aviation, specifically the maintenance and operational capabilities of helicopters. His long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army included two tours during the Vietnam War. In August 1953, Mr. Hubbard married Billie Sue Weathers while he was home on leave from military service. They had three children, James, Angela, and Cindi. During his service, Mr. Hubbard earned the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Master Aircraft Crewman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
“Dad’s devotion to family and country are the two most important things that we were fortunate enough to have in our memories,” James Hubbard said. “Dad never bragged about his accomplishments because there are too many to list. He would only want everyone to know how proud he was to have been given the opportunity to serve our great country!” |
Our World War II Veterans hold a special place in my heart. They are members of the greatest generation. W.B. Hudson reached a milestone on May 28, 2022. Scores of family, friends, and members of the community turned out for a drive-through birthday party in his hometown of Aberdeen, Mississippi.
Mr. Hudson was born on May 28, 1922, in his family's home on Hickory Street. He is the youngest of four children. His descendants arrived from Ireland in the early 1800s and settled first in Virginia along the Potomac River. On November 9, 1942, Mr. Hudson entered the U.S. Army Air Force with his service beginning at Camp Shelby. He also served in installations in Florida, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
When he returned home, Mr. Hudson worked in the grocery business until he retired at the age of 84! These days, he enjoys spending time with his family, making peanut brittle and preserves. Mr. Hudson's service to America during World War II will always be remembered. We are thankful for his commitment to preserving the freedoms we all enjoy. |
One of the most important facets of serving as your Representative is appointing young people from the First District to attend America's prestigious service academies. In Mississippi, we continue to see the spirit of patriotism demonstrated through the desire to serve as the future leaders of our U.S. Armed Forces.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Samuel Rossetti to the United States Merchant Marines Academy (USMMA). Samuel is a recent honors graduate of New Albany High School. He has demonstrated excellent leadership skills in and out of the classroom. Samuel has maintained outstanding grades while serving as the New Albany High School AFJROTC unit's second in command and being awarded the national AMVETS award. We are thankful for Samuel's commitment to serve our great Nation.
"I'm just glad my hard work and determination allowed me to be able to choose between so many great paths in life," Samuel said. "I'm blessed to have my appointment to USMMA as one of those choices, and I am even happier to say I will be attending USMMA for the next four years."
For more information about service academy appointments through our office, please click on the link. |
Dan and Daniel Arata, residents of Horn Lake, are Special Olympics athletes and have been since middle school. From the time they first began to compete, the twin brothers dived right in. They compete every year in the Special Olympics Mississippi's Summer Games at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi and recently won second place in flag football. Dan and Daniel enjoy swimming, basketball, flag football, and softball. The 34-year-old brothers will compete in the Special Olympics USA Games which are held every four years.
"Special Olympics Mississippi is proud of all our athlete's accomplishments and the hard work they put into excelling on and off the field," Sara Shea Gunter, Special Olympics Mississippi Director of Development and Marketing, said. "We cannot wait to cheer them on as they compete next week at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida."
"We like getting to know people from all over," Dan said. "We like to socialize with them."
Dan and Daniel's parents are George and Joyce Arata. We are thankful to have these great Mississippians living in the First Congressional District. Additionally, I want to recognize Mr. Arata's distinguished military service. He proudly served America in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 - 1972. Thank you for your service! |
Welcome to John Handy Jennings, our 2022 summer intern. John Handy is a rising senior at the University of Mississippi majoring in Political Science. He is eager to learn more about the legislative process. John Handy plans to work on Capitol Hill after graduation. He is the son of Hal and Michelle Jennings.
"I have always held a strong interest in politics and have always wanted to intern on Capitol Hill," John Handy said. "I want to see how the day-to-day is conducted in a Congressional office. I would like to work as a Congressional staff member in the near future and eventually move into lobbying at some point."
For more information about internships through our office, please click on the link.
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Brigadier General Thomas Savage, Deputy Director of Operations, U.S. Africa Command
Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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