September 20, 2019
Dear Friend,
It is an honor to be selected as a conferee for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Committee for Fiscal year 2020. We have the greatest fighting forces in the world, who need our support. As Members of Congress, it is our sworn duty to provide the best tools available to our men and women in uniform. For years, they have endured substandard equipment and training which has resulted in fatal accidents and numerous mishaps on land and at sea.
As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel of the House Armed Services Committee, I am committed to working with my colleagues to strengthen our Nation's military might and make sure all branches of the military have the tools they need to successfully carry out their missions - both active and reserve.
To read more about the House-Senate Conference Committee announcement, please click on the link.
| committee action |
This week, I joined my colleagues on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel to discuss domestic violence in the military. We listened to compelling testimony from witnesses who said they were victims of domestic violence inflicted by a service member.
Domestic violence in the military has lasting negative effects on not just the family, but also in the military community. It is imperative that the Department of Defense (DOD) have a comprehensive prevention and response program to ensure that military families have the resources needed to identify and prevent domestic abuse, and that survivors of domestic abuse have the legal, medical and behavioral health resources needed to rebuild their lives.
To watch an excerpt of the hearing, please click on the link.
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| constitution day in the first district |
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Pictured are: Polly Grimes, DAR Regent for
Aberdeen, Jack Hamilton, President of the Sons of the
American Revolution, and Maurice Howard, Mayor of
Aberdeen Photo credit: Monroe Journal |
On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers of our great nation signed the Constitution. Every year, America recognizes Constitution Day to celebrate this document which is the foundation for the freedoms we hold dear. In Aberdeen, the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution gathered on the steps of City Hall to honor the father of our constitution, James Madison, and to remind one and all what freedom means.
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| celebrating our first district athletes |
Chamberlyn Grubbs, a Saltillo native, is a University of Mississippi cheerleader. Tryouts for cheer were extremely competitive, but Chamberlyn made the cut this summer! Every week, cheerleaders commit to a rigorous exercise routine that includes three days of practice. Chamberlyn is no stranger to athletics. As a five-year-old, she began what would become years of devotion to gymnastics. In the Saltillo Public School District, Chamberlyn participated in a variety of sports, including soccer, cross country and cheer.
"I have always been involved in some kind of sports," Chamberlyn said. "Cheer at Ole Miss is a continuation of my love for athletics. It is a big commitment to participate in cheer because I divide my time between studying and practice. I'm taking 17 hours this semester and it's football season!"
Chamberlyn is the daughter of Mark and Beth Grubbs. I am sure Chamberlyn makes her family proud every day with her long list of accomplishments. I look forward to featuring more of our First District athletes in my newsletter and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you would like to nominate someone, please contact a member of our team.
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| a week in pictures |
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| Meeting with Senior Sergeants Major |
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GEN Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard
Bureau, Lt Col Ben Leestma, Maj Gen Sherrie
McCandless, and CSM Christopher Kepner |
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Novo Nordisk, Inc., representatives Ashley Longwitz,
Brian Kelly, and Matt Strum |
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Caitlin Brooking, Janis Lane, Mamiko Vuillemin, Monica
Ritchie, and Gary Matthews with Volunteer Mississippi |
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Richard Wilkerson, President of Anderson-Tully Lumber
Company, and Geoff Henderson, Sales Manager of
Anderson-Tully Lumber Company
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GEN Joseph Martin, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army,
and BG Brian Eifler |
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A.T. Johnston, Deputy Asst. Secretary of Defense for
Military Community and Family Policy, and Kenneth
Noyes, Assoc. Director, Military Readiness and Family
Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense |
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| Tanya Mohawk and Mary Kitchens |
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B.J. Page, President of the DeSoto County Regional Utility
Authority, DCRUA Board Members Donnie Chambliss,
Ray Denison, Bill Austin, DCRUA Exec. Dir. and DCRUA Board
Attorney Nick Manley |
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| Uzbekistan Ambassador to the U.S. Javlon Vakhabov |
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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