December 30, 2020
Dear Friend,
This year has been an extraordinary one for Mississippians and all Americans. We faced unprecedented challenges, but Mississippians and our fellow Americans united to help our neighbors in need. That's what we do in times of crisis. Heroes, on your street and mine, emerged to check on each other, deliver a meal, and to offer a helping hand. Front line and essential workers came to the rescue in more ways than can be measured. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year. May God Bless Mississippi and the United States of America.
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Gold Star families hold a special place in my heart. These great Patriots have experienced the loss of a loved one in service to our great Nation. The best way to ensure they have the services they have earned and deserve; it is critical that they have a strong voice on Capitol Hill. It was my goal to create a program that would give these families an active role in the legislative process - a direct line of communication on policies that impact the lives of Gold Star families.
In October 2019, it was an honor to receive support from my colleagues for the Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act. I am pleased to announce the launch of the program beginning in January 2021. The legislation establishes a twelve month, fully funded fellowship in a Congressional office of choice in either a district or Washington, D.C., office for the siblings, spouses, or children of Service Members who have lost their lives in service to America. Look for updates on the program throughout 2021!
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In November, America recognized Military Family Appreciation month. We have many military families who live in the First District, serving important roles in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and the Mississippi Army National Guard. It is my pleasure to feature Lieutenant Colonel Buck Benton and his wife, Ella. Lt Col Benton was the Introduction to Fighter Fundamental (IFF) Commander and is currently a Deputy to the Operations Group Commander. He is also an instructor who relays his years of experience as an F-16 pilot to future fighter pilots. Prior to his pilot training role, Lt Col Benton served two tours in Iraq in 2006, and 2009.
The Benton's have two children; Mary Lauren, a professor at Baylor University, teaching Bioinformation, and Josh, a senior at Texas A&M, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. Ella said military life has been a great experience for the whole family. "One of the neatest things you get to see is the world and meet so many amazing people," Ella said. "We have friends all over the world and that is such a blessing. It was great for the children to experience that culture because they really do reap the benefits."
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America's Service Members come from all walks of life, but they do share a common bond - patriotism. When our great Nation calls on men and women to serve, they have always answered in Mississippi and across our great land. Rian Botts, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt), enlisted in the service when he turned 18. The Nebraska native had a long and distinguished career spanning 20 years and included assignments in Asia, Panama, Cuba and the United States.
After he retired from military service, Rian traded the cold Nebraska winters for the balmy summers offered in Mississippi - more precisely, Itawamba County. These days, Rian pursues an altogether different mission in the form of short stories and poetry. Much of his written work is dedicated to men and women who wear the Uniform - past and present. I am thankful for Rian's dedication to his craft and, above all, his devotion to all our great Patriots! |
I am pleased to announce that Camryn Colter of Louisville High School is the winner of the First Congressional District's 2020 Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The CAC, an initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, invites middle and high school students to create an informational app. Camryn, a 9th-grade student, created an app called, "Mississippi Census 4H Counts". The app gives information to the user about the Mississippi Census and how to complete the survey. The CAC is a great program that encourages the development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills. For additional details about the program, please visit www.Congressional AppChallenge.us.
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We have a great team of professionals who are ready to assist you in Mississippi and in Washington, D.C. Navigating a federal agency can be challenging, but you will not have to accomplish this task alone. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us and we will do everything in our power to help. To get started, please contact a member of our team.
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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