June 6, 2025 Dear Friend,
I recently had the honor of visiting the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), currently moored at Naval Air Station North Island. This visit underscored the unmatched capabilities of our U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and the critical role they play in demonstrating American strength and commitment to our allies and partners.
During the tour, I had the privilege of meeting with Captain Kerry Hicks, executive officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln, and members of the ship's leadership team. Their dedication reflects the best of our Armed Forces.
As Chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittees on Sea Power and Projection Forces and Readiness, I'm committed to ensuring our Navy remains the most capable and prepared force in the world. |
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Samuel Bain of Oxford to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Sam is an accomplished student-athlete at Oxford High School. He plays offensive line for the varsity football team and competes in the 285-pound weight class on the school's club wrestling team. He has earned honors such as the Tomorrow's Team Award for offensive line and the Newcomer of the Year Award in wrestling.
Sam is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club, reflecting both academic achievement and leadership. His leadership experience includes serving as executive director of the Federalist Party at Boys State, chaplain of the Children of the American Revolution, leader of the Football Players Bible Study, and participant in the Trent Lott Leadership Institute's Emerging Leaders Conference.
He is also active in his community and church, serving on the First Baptist Church Oxford's Mission Committee and Outreach Program, and taking part in mission trips to Olsztyn, Poland, and Custer, South Dakota.
"I've been wanting to attend the Naval Academy since I was in fifth grade, and I've wanted to be in the military for as long as I can remember. The Naval Academy was my dream college because I'll be able to serve once I graduate and get a fantastic education as well," Sam said. "I plan on majoring in chemistry but want to pursue a career as a Marine Corp Infantry Officer."
I am proud to have Sam represent Mississippi at the U.S. Naval Academy and congratulate him on this outstanding achievement. |
Halle Riddle, winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Mississippi's First Congressional District, is headed to Washington, D.C., next week to be recognized at the national awards ceremony and visit our office.
Halle's winning piece, Tunnel Vision, will be honored at the ceremony and displayed in the Cannon Tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol for one year, alongside artwork from other student winners across the nation. We congratulate Halle once again for this outstanding accomplishment.
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual nationwide event that celebrates and encourages the artistic talent of high school students. One winner is selected from each Congressional district.
For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, contact Melinda Whited at melinda.whited@mail.house.gov or (662) 687-1525, or visit trentkelly.house.gov |
Jack Kizer recently joined our D.C. staff as a staff assistant, after interning with our office this spring. He's now the face behind helping Mississippians schedule tours and navigate their visit to our nation's capital. Jack is a Columbus native and proud graduate of the University of Mississippi, with a bachelor's degree in finance.
He's already hit the ground running, helping people secure free Congressional tours and tickets to some of D.C.'s most popular landmarks. We're proud to welcome Jack to the team and look forward to all he'll do to serve the people of Mississippi's First District.
Tour hours and ticket availability can vary throughout the year, please contact my office at least three to six weeks before your visit. If a Congressional tour is not available for your selected sites, many locations still offer public tours. You can find more information on public options through the House Visitor's Guide.
Tour Locations Include: - The White House
- The U.S. Capitol Building
- The National Museum of African American History
- The Library of Congress
If you're planning a trip to D.C., please contact Jack Kizer at (202) 225-4306 or jack.kizer@mail.house.gov, or visit trentkelly.house.gov |
We're pleased to welcome Barton Boyll as one of our summer interns. Barton is a student at the University of Mississippi, pursuing a degree in Public Policy Leadership through the Trent Lott Leadership Institute. He has a strong interest in defense policy and is contributing to research for the House Armed Services Committee. We're proud to have him on Team Kelly this summer.
My office offers internships for college students each semester and during the summer. This is an amazing opportunity for students. Interns will work with staff members to learn the legislative process, assist with daily tasks, attend training, perform administrative duties, and aid in constituent services in an educational capacity.
If you would like to apply for an internship through my office, please complete our online application. For more information, please visit trentkelly.house.gov or contact our intern coordinator at ctkinternship@mail.house.gov |
Gabby Batkin, Northrop Grumman Vice President for Legislative Affairs, Sean Jackson, Vice President, Programming Management, Congressman George Whitesides (CA-27), and Brad Champion, Northrop Grumman Director for the Triton Enterprise |
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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