July 17, 2017
Dear Friend,
The defense of our nation begins by fulfilling a basic need - the ability to feed ourselves. Our First District farmers play an essential role in that effort. Every year, they hope Mother Nature will cooperate as they invest their time and energy into cultivating crops that feed and clothe our nation. Farming has its challenges, but our hardworking Mississippians wouldn't have it any other way. Benton County farmers Matt Ormon and Randy Walker are among the generations of farmers whose livelihood depends on their yields.
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Benton County farmers Matt Ormon (above),
Randy Walker (below) |
Mississippi State University Extension Service Agent Charlie Stokes says corn yields are expected to be excellent this year. Good weather from now until harvest will determine yields for soybeans and cotton.
While our First District farmers wait for harvest and hope for a solid return on their investment, my colleagues and I on the House Agriculture Committee will continue to listen to their concerns as we work on the next farm bill. Farming is a way of life for Matt and Randy and thousands of other Mississippi families. It is our pledge to make sure their voice is heard on Capitol Hill.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Human Trafficking
Human trafficking takes place across the globe - including America. To date, the House has passed 16 bipartisan bills - including three this week to demonstrate our commitment to strengthen laws which will help law enforcement crack down on trafficking and do more to protect Mississippians and all Americans from these horrific crimes against humanity. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 2664, The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, H.R. 2480, The Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Act, and, H.R. 2200, the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act.
Update: National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY18
The House passed, with my support, H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 by a vote of 344-81. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, my colleagues and I remain committed to making sure our military men and women have the tools they need to keep America safe. This legislation sends a powerful message to the world that our fighting forces will continue to have the support needed to provide for the common defense at home and around the world. To read more about the NDAA for FY18, click here.
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Tippah County Veterans park
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It is important to show the men and women who have fought to protect our nation how much we appreciate their service. In Tippah County, an effort is taking place to honor service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The Tippah County Veterans Memorial is in the planning stages. The American Legion Post 81 and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4881 are leading the project. The memorial, which has been endorsed by the city, will be located at the City of Ripley Park. When complete, it will include a M60 main battle tank, flag pole, and walkways.
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MARINE CORPORAL (Cpl) CLIFTON BLAKE MOUNCE MEMORIAL 5K WALK/RUN
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In July 2005, Marine Corporal (Cpl) Blake Mounce was killed while defending our nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Four years ago, this brave soldier's family found a great way to honor his memory. The Marine Corporal (Cpl) Blake Mounce Memorial 5K Walk/Run has become a tradition in his hometown of Ecru.
The walk/run begins and ends at the Blake Mounce Memorial Park where he was laid to rest. Pat Mounce, Blake's mom, says they recently had a great turnout for the event. To learn more about Cpl Mounce's service, please read the "Honoring Fallen Soldiers" section down below.
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Itawamba Community College president Dr. Jay Allen
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Itawamba Community College has a new leader. It is my honor to welcome Dr. Jay Allen and his family to the First District. Dr. Allen previously served as the president and CEO of Hopkinsville Community College, which has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students and a satellite center at the Fort Campbell Army Post and the Todd County Career Path Institute.
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Itawamba Community College President
Dr. Jay Allen, wife, Melinda, and daughters;
Emma Grace and Mollianne |
Dr. Allen has also served in leadership roles at Hinds Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College - Perkinston, and the George County Center. He earned his doctorate in higher education from the University of Mississippi.
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Corinth girl scout on a mission
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It is encouraging to see our First District young people remember the sacrifices our military men and women have made and continue to make to keep our nation safe. Caroline Grisham of Corinth is working to give veterans a special honor - their very own parking space.
The 15-year-old Girl Scout and daughter of Jason and Beverly Grisham, is building support from city and county officials to place a veterans parking sign in front of the Corinth City Hall, Corinth Public Library, Alcorn County Justice Center, and the Alcorn County Courthouse. She recently appeared before the Corinth Board of Alderman to lay out the details of her proposal.
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influential women 2017
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Congratulations to 2017 Influential Woman of the Year Award recipient, Bev Crossen. Bev, co-owner of Blairhaus and The Farmhouse in downtown Tupelo, has demonstrated her devotion to improving the quality of life for scores of residents in Tupelo and Lee County. She serves in leadership roles for the Community Development Foundation, Downtown Tupelo Mainstreet Association, and the Link Centre, just to name a few. She was also named "Volunteer of the Year" in 2015 at the Mississippi Governor's Conference on Tourism.
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| Beverly Crossen |
In all, 20 finalists were chosen. They are: Alison Buehler, Amy Pietrowski, Dr. Barbara McMillin, Chasity Jernigan, Contanna Purnell, Doyce Deas, Dr. Jan Reid-Bunch, Haley Moffitt, Dr. Jessica Lilley, Kay Mathews, Lisa Hawkins, Meredith Martin, Zell Long, Amy Tate, Debbie Brangenberg, Jima Alexander, Lori Tucker, Helen Monts, and Windy Faulkner.
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a week in pictures
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For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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| Sharon, Billy, Bradyn Denton, and Sarah Butts |
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Elizabeth Jones, Kevin Jones, Sr., Ethan Jones,
Kevin Jones, Jr.,
and Zachary Young |
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Judge Kelly Luther, Kyle Walker, Kaelen Loaeza,
and Christopher Figueroa |
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Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
summer intern Taylor McNair |
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| Mississippi Economic Council CEO Scott Waller |
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DeSoto County Regional Utility Authority (DCRUA)
Board President B.J. Page and
Executive Director Bill Austin |
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Children's Defense Fund intern Tyra Floyd
of Tupelo |
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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