February 26, 2021
Dear Friend,
This week, I was pleased to announce the passage of H.R. 208, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 West Main Street, Tupelo, Mississippi, as the "Colonel Carlyle 'Smitty' Harris Post Office." The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in a recorded vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. The next step in the process requires a U.S. Senator to introduce a companion bill in the Senate.
Colonel Harris's F-105 fighter-bomber was shot down over North Vietnam on April 4, 1965. He was the sixth American to become a Prisoner of War at the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton." During eight years of captivity, Col. Harris employed the tap code to communicate with his fellow prisoners. Despite the constant threat of torture, he taught other prisoners how to use the secret code.
After a 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Col. Harris retired to the town that took such great care of his wife, Louise, and their three children - Tupelo. After completing law school, he joined the Mississippi Bar Association in 1981. Col. Harris's accomplishments are many, yet he remains a humble man.
This week, I had the opportunity to speak on the House Floor about Col. Harris - a man I am honored to call a friend. To watch the video, please click on the link.
|
In October 2019, I was proud to receive the support of my colleagues through the passage of Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program. The legislation established a twelve-month, fully-funded fellowship in a Congressional office for siblings, spouses, or children of service members who have lost their lives in service to America.
Frayser Hawkins, a U.S. Navy Veteran and native of New Albany, is the first Gold Star family member to be selected for the fellowship. He is an excellent advocate for Gold Star families. His distinguished military career, coupled with a love for God and Country, will play an essential role as we formulate meaningful legislation on their behalf. "I am thankful for this opportunity to advocate for Gold Star families, including my own," Frayser said.
On December 14, 2005, Corporal Michael Brandon Presley, Frayser's brother, died from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq. Frayser said he and his brother were close friends with a great deal in common, including their proud commitment to serving America in the U.S. Armed Forces. Frayser said that Brandon joined the U.S. Marine Corps not long after 911. "I want to honor my brother's memory by giving back. This fellowship is a way to make sure we can do all that we can for Gold Star families. There are things that we can do on Capitol Hill for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and their families," Frayser said.
|
Gold Star Altitude Act
This week, Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-13) and I proudly introduced the “Gold Star Altitude Act.” This bill will allow Gold Star family members to use travel benefits to fly on military aircraft when there is available space to select locations.
The Space Available travel program is a military benefit that allows active and retired members of the Armed Forces to travel on military aircrafts to select locations when unused space remain open on the aircraft. While families of the active and retired family enjoy this benefit, Gold Star families – families who lost their servicemember while actively serving our country - have not been included in the benefit. When someone pays the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of America, the least we can do is ensure their family enjoy the same benefit as those who are currently serving or retired from service. I’m extremely proud of this legislation, and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to see that it is signed into law. |
As your First District Representative, it is an honor to nominate young people to attend one of America's prestigious service academies. Our first appointment for 2021 is Ben Williams, an Alcorn Central High School senior. He is an outstanding student who has distinguished himself in and out of the classroom. Ben has devoted himself to numerous civic organizations and community service projects. Additionally, he has excelled in athletics - all great examples of leadership skills.
Ben received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is interested in studying civil engineering while attaining the skills necessary to serve as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ben is the son of Frank and Leanne Williams. He said his father influenced his decision. "My father is a pastor and always said to find someone to serve," Ben said. "I wanted to go as far as I can in life. Service to my Country represents everything that I wanted to achieve."
To learn more about our service academy nominations program, please visit TrentKelly.house.gov or email Robert.Smith@mail.house.gov.
|
It was a great honor to participate in the Franklin Academy Bicentennial celebration in Columbus. This is the first public school in Mississippi.
Franklin Academy's administrators and teachers - past and present, are to be commended for building a solid foundation, carving a pathway to provide the skills necessary to be ready for college, the workforce, and military service.
|
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to appear on SuperTalk Mississippi to discuss issues that are important to our constituents. To listen, please click on the link.
|
Columbus Air Force Base Commander Colonel Seth Graham
Columbus Air Force Base Mission Support Group Commander Colonel Jeff Welborn
Franklin Academy Centennial Celebration from left: MS Representative Lynn Wright, Dr. Cherie Antoinette Labat, Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith, MS Representative Kabir Karriem, MS Representative Dana Underwood McLean, MS Senator Chuck Younger, and Philip Gunn, Speaker of the House, Mississippi.
|
|
Thanks for reading,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
|
|
|
|
