July 21, 2025 Dear Friend,
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We are proud to recognize U.S. Army National Guard veteran and DeSoto County Services Officer Michael "Mike" Reed for his decades of dedicated service to both his country and his community.
Mike began his military career in 1986 with the United States Army and served until 1992. From 1986 to 1988, his first duty station was in Berlin, Germany, 110 miles inside enemy territory and surrounded by the Berlin Wall. He later joined the 82nd Airborne Division's Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and deployed during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
In 2005, Mike joined the Mississippi National Guard and was deployed to Iraq in 2009 and 2010. Over the course of his military career, he served 21 and a half years and retired with the rank of sergeant first class (E-7). His service earned him several honors, including the Bronze Star Medal.
In addition to his military career, Mike spent 30 years in law enforcement, working with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, and the Southaven Police Department before retiring in 2017.
In 2018, while preparing for another deployment, Mike interviewed for a position with the DeSoto County Veterans Services Office. He retired from the military in 2019 and accepted the position, where he continues to advocate for local veterans. "God put me here, and this is God's office," he said.
Known for his compassion and dedication, Mike has become a trusted resource for veterans seeking help with benefits and services. He is also actively involved in multiple organizations and groups that support veterans in need. His lifelong commitment to service, both in uniform and beyond, continues to leave a lasting impact.
We thank Mike Reed for his outstanding service to our nation and for all he continues to do for the veterans of Mississippi. |
Representative Kelly and Mike Reed in 2018
In 2015, four civilians and a former professional football player launched a series of golf tournaments across the country to support veterans. One of the largest of these events is held annually in Olive Branch and has become a cornerstone of veteran outreach in the region.
Mike Reed, DeSoto County Veteran Services Officer, first participated as part of the honor guard at the Olive Branch tournament. Moved by the event's purpose, he joined the tournament's board that same day and has been an active organizer ever since.
This year's tournament will begin on September 25 and will once again take place at the Olive Branch Country Club, recognized as the first Purple Heart Country Club in Mississippi. The event focuses on supporting veterans and the organizations that serve them, with a focus on improving the lives of local veterans and their families.
Mike and fellow board members have worked tirelessly each year to ensure the event's success. Their dedication has helped strengthen the community's support for those who have sacrificed in service to our nation.
We are grateful for their commitment and proud to support efforts that honor and uplift Mississippi's veterans. |
Reed Falkner grew up on his family's farm in Oxford, Mississippi. What began as a hobby farm with a few horses and limited livestock has grown into a thriving small business known as Falkner Farms.
Reed earned both his undergraduate and master's degree in exercise science and sports management from Delta State University. In 2018, he began coaching football at Coffeeville High School. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he made the decision to return to his roots and expand the family farm into a full-time operation. "It's been a journey," Reed said. "We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go."
Today, Falkner Farms manages about 70 head of grass-fed and finished cattle and roughly 1,300 pasture raised chickens. The operation spans 100 acres of family-owned land and 250 acres of rented pasture. "We use the land and animals in harmony," Reed said. As demand grew, so did the business. Reed now sells grass-fed beef and eggs at local farmers markets, grocery stores, and restaurants.
This year's heavy rainfall has brought both challenges and benefits to farmers across our country. The extra moisture helped improve grazing conditions for the livestock, but it also delayed Reed's hay production and created fencing issues due to high winds and soft ground. "We've had to move the animals more often to keep up with the wet ground," Reed said. Despite the hurdles, Reed remains committed to building his farm and raising his family on the land he loves. "That's my main goal," he said. "I love the family aspect of it."
Reed's wife, Elizabeth, grew up raising sheep and shares his passion for farm life. Together, they're raising four daughters - Annie, Dolly, Sadie, and Allie Reed - on the family farm.
We are grateful for hard working farmers like the Falkners who help feed and serve communities across Mississippi's First Congressional District. |
Jedidiah Dupray, a 10-year-old in Olive Branch, is already making a meaningful impact in his community. For the past three summers, he has been mowing lawns free of charge for veterans, seniors, single parents, and individuals with disabilities.
Jedidiah's journey began at age 8 after he saw the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Services Challenge on Facebook. The national initiative encourages giving back through lawn care. He accepted the "50 Yard Challenge" and has since mowed 185 lawns. He's now working on the Military Challenge, aiming to mow lawns for veterans from each branch of the U.S. Military.
This is something Jedidiah is passionate about. "Just seeing their reactions and seeing them happy makes me happy," he said. His long-term goal is to mow 1,000 lawns before graduating high school.
Jedidiah and his mother, Rachel, moved to Olive Branch from California three years ago. Rachel has supported him every step of the way. "We didn't know anyone when we moved here, so it was also a great way for us to get to know our community," she said.
We are incredibly proud of Jedidiah and grateful for the difference he's making in Mississippi's First Congressional District. |
Mashed Potato Love, founded by Robin LeBleu, is a group dedicated to supporting local veterans through fellowship and service. On the first Wednesday of every month, the group gathers to provide lunch to veterans at New Life Community Church in Olive Branch.
Inspired by her husband, a proud veteran, Robin noticed how easily he connected with fellow veterans, even strangers. She wanted to create a space where veterans could meet, share stories, and build lasting friendships.
Now more than two years in, Mashed Potato Love welcomes about 40 veterans each month. Kim Price, Hallie Brown, and Carrie Beaker help prepare and serve the meals, providing not only food but a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
We are grateful for the care and community this group has brought to veterans in DeSoto County. Thank you for all you do to serve those who have served us. |
This week, a ceremony was held at the Prentiss County Courthouse to dedicate a monument in memory of Chief Warrant Officer Derek Abbott and Chief Warrant Officer Bryan Zemek. Thankful for the hard work and dedication of VFW Post 4877 members who raised money to purchase the monument.
"I am thankful for the city of Booneville and the community for keeping Bryan and Derek's legacies alive," said Chandler Wood, a recipient of the Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship. Chandler is the Gold Star child of Chief Warrant Officer Derek Abbott.
The service and sacrifice of these great patriots of the Mississippi Army National Guard will always be remembered. |
We are proud to welcome Cole Tacker as the new field representative for our Hernando office, serving DeSoto, Marshall, and Tate Counties.
An Olive Branch native, Cole is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he earned a degree in business administration. He previously interned in our Washington, D.C. office, gaining firsthand experience with the legislative process and constituent services. "What stuck with me the most was how much the office prioritized helping constituents," Cole said. "Whether assisting with tours, casework, or correspondence, I really came to appreciate the role our office plays in connecting people back home with the resources and representation they deserve. That's the kind of work I find most meaningful."
Public service runs in Cole's family. His grandfather served as a Mississippi state legislator, and his grandmother currently serves as an alderman in Olive Branch. Growing up with these role models instilled in him the importance of accessibility, leadership, and responsiveness to the needs of the community.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Mississippi's First District and excited to get started in this new role," he said.
We're excited to have Cole on Team Kelly and look forward to the great work he will do on behalf of the people of Mississippi's First District. |
We would like to recognize a remarkable group of women who are making a lasting impact in their community and surrounding areas. The VA Divas, a group of nine disabled women veterans, work to support and uplift fellow veterans in need across Memphis and DeSoto County.
Members of the group include Sharon Gatrell-Lawson, Eula Little, Frances McNeil, Linda Woodard, Bianca Mervin, Vanessa Buckely-Lyles, Laurie Hope, and Debbie Baker. Each year, the VA Divas select a different group of veterans to serve. This year, their focus is on veterans facing homelessness and addiction. The group is working to help these veterans recover and transition into permanent housing.
They are working with a Memphis-based organization that provides supportive housing and assistance to veterans reentering civilian life. Team Kelly was honored to meet and speak with these dedicated women.
We thank the VA Divas for their service to our country and their continued commitment to serving others. |
Meet George Wade Mohamed, one of our summer interns. A Greenwood native and rising senior at the University of Mississippi, George is majoring in finance and marketing. This summer, he's enjoyed giving Capitol tours, and researching agriculture and finance policy.
We are 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 ctkinternships@mail.house.gov. |
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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