Representative Trent Kelly

August 27, 2021

Dear Friend,

The deadly attacks on our American Service Members and innocent civilians are tragic and heartbreaking. My prayers go out to those who were injured and to the families of those who were killed.

I demand action from this administration to address this crisis, which they created with a lack of leadership and silence. This chaotic withdrawal has allowed our enemies to take advantage of the situation, which placed people in harm's way.

President Biden must take decisive action to protect our troops, our citizens, and our allies without regard for an arbitrary deadline, and make sure our troops have all the support they need to carry out their mission to help American citizens and allies evacuate safely. This week, Representatives Michael Guest, Steven Palazzo, and I stated our concerns in a letter to President Biden.

To read the letter, please click on the link.

honoring a korean war veteran

In November 1950, Tony Austin answered the call to serve our great Nation in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. During his three years of service, Mr. Austin's excellent carpentry skills were put to good use in building bridges and other structures that were critical to their missions. In 1953, he was released from active duty, having risen to the rank of sergeant. Among Mr. Austin's many talents was his ability to entertain his fellow soldiers by playing his guitar and singing his favorite bluegrass tunes.

When Mr. Austin returned to America, he worked at a Memphis skating rink where Elvis Presley frequented. He met the "King of Rock and Roll" but the real star in his life was his wife, Betti Jo, whom Mr. Austin also met at the skating rink. Over the course of a long and happy marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Austin had four children. During that time, he worked as a Memphis Police Officer and eventually worked in the termite business, which the family continues to operate.

In 1991, Mr. Austin retired and lived his remaining years surrounded by his loved ones and friends. We are thankful for this great Patriot who demonstrated what it means to be devoted to God, Country, and family.

tennessee-tombigbee waterway

It was an honor to be a guest speaker at the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway conference. I had the opportunity to discuss the waterway's impact on the economy, both locally and nationally.

benjamin williams: an update from the u.s. military academy at west point

As your Representative, it is an honor to nominate young people from Mississippi's First Congressional District to attend one of America's prestigious service academies. In June, Benjamin Williams reported to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Recently, Benjamin completed six weeks of New Cadet Basic Training by completing a 12-mile hike from Lake Frederick to the U.S. Military Academy's central area. The March Back is the culmination of Cadet Basic Training, also called "Beast." It was an arduous journey, with each cadet required to carry up to 40 pounds of issued equipment in their rucksacks.

Frank and Leanne Williams, Benjamin's parents, said their son is doing exceptionally well. We are all proud of Benjamin's commitment to serve and defend America. To learn more about Service Academy nominations through our office, please click on the link.

welcome to fall intern samantha nanney!

I am pleased to introduce Samantha Nanney, who is serving as a fall intern in our Tupelo District Office. Samantha is a senior at Mississippi State University, where she is majoring in Communications. The Pontotoc native has demonstrated leadership through her studies as well as by participating in a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

Additionally, Samantha enjoys giving back to her community by participating in community service projects. While serving with Team Kelly, Samantha will learn all aspects of the legislative process. For more information about our internships program, please click on the link.

pictures in the district

Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin

Lt. Col. Joe Sahl, Commander, USACE, Nashville District, Mitch Mays, Tenn-Tom Waterway Administrator, and Paul Housel, District Field Director for U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt

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Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress