August 21, 2017
Dear Friend,
It is a top priority to make sure Mississippians and all Americans are safe. As we continue our work in Congress to rebuild our national defense readiness capabilities, we must also focus on the relationships we build and maintain with our allies. If there is a threat to our country or theirs, we have to have a spirit of cooperation - and a joint plan of action.
We have that relationship with Israel, America's most reliable friend and democratic ally in the Middle East. At the invitation of the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), my colleagues and I traveled to Israel recently to discuss our shared commitment to democracy and freedom. We talked with commanders and soldiers at Israeli Air Force Bases who experience firsthand the threats and turmoil in the Middle East. We examined their rocket defense systems which are supported by the best technology has to offer. We traveled to Israel's borders with Lebanon and Syria to view checkpoints, their last lines of defense.
We have much we can learn from this young, powerful nation. The conversations we've had and will continue to have will be our best defense in this dangerous world.
North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery
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Last week, I joined federal, state and local officials for the dedication of the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael. It is the second state veterans cemetery in the state and the fifth in a network of state and federal veterans cemeteries in Mississippi. The cemetery is a special tribute to those who proudly wore an American uniform and served our nation. Following the ceremony, my colleagues and I unveiled the interpretative plaque for the carillon, the centerpiece of the cemetery. The inscription describes what the carillon represents - the strength and resolve of those who defend our great nation.
Every service that takes place will be an opportunity to recognize veterans once more for their service to America. Sue Donnelly was among the hundreds of people who came to the dedication ceremony. Her husband, Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) Eugene Donnelly, was the first veteran to be interned at the cemetery. His funeral was held today.
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| Sue Donnelly and Laura Lee Donnelly Smith |
Laura Lee Donnelly Smith, CWO4 Donnelly's daughter, said her father was the most patriotic person she's ever known. "I'm very proud of him," Mrs. Smith said. "He loved every minute of his service which included fighting in the Korean War and 32 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves."
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library of congress history project
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Every person who has served our nation in times of war has a story to tell. We want to hear them. Earlier this year, William Brooks became our Veterans Outreach Coordinator. He travels throughout the First District assessing the needs of veterans who may need assistance through our office.
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William Brooks interviews WWII Veteran
Harold Turner of Okolona |
William is also working on a special project with the Library of Congress. He is interviewing veterans to record the details of their service. He captures their stories on video for the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center. His work will be placed in the archives so that future generations may hear directly from veterans to understand the realities of war. He recently interviewed Harold Turner, a WWII veteran and Okolona native. William, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, says he is honored to talk to others who have fought to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. For more information about the project and to recommend a veteran, send William an email at William.Brooks@mail.house.gov or call him at (662) 687-3518.
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Vietnam veteran Lloyd Young
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Mississippi's Vietnam veterans hold a special place in my heart. So many fought for our nation, but did not return home to a hero's welcome. They deserve our upmost respect for their courage and bravery. Recently, I met Lloyd Young, a Vietnam veteran who lives in Eupora. He trained to become a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1968 until 1969. It was during one of his many dangerous missions to rescue wounded soldiers that his helicopter was shot down over south Vietnam. Lloyd is proud of the training he received in the military which led to his next job back home. He was one of the first helicopter rescue pilots in Mississippi.
Lloyd is among the thousands of Vietnam veterans nationwide who are being honored in a special way. As part of the 50th commemoration of the Vietnam War, he will be eligible to receive a book called A Time To Honor: Stories of Service, Duty, and Sacrifice. Last week, Governor Phil Bryant announced that Vietnam veterans can begin the process to request a free copy by calling the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board at (601) 576-4850.
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listening to our constituents
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The best part of being your First District Representative is being able to spend time with you. We will continue to travel throughout the district during the month of August to listen to your concerns. The best way to affect change on Capitol Hill is to begin with your suggestions on issues of national defense, the economy, healthcare, and burdensome regulations.
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| Meeting with Eupora constituents |
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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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Alice Ricks, Chloe Page, and Kylie Holbrook
from Montgomery County |
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Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander
Norm Copeland |
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Governor Bryant and Mississippi Speaker
of the House Philip Gunn |
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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