Update from Congressman Trent Kelly

September 12, 2023

Dear Friend,

Mississippi's First Congressional District is home to scores of Veterans, and we are proud of them all. Kevin McGregor is an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran. In 1991, the Pontotoc native joined the Mississippi National Guard. He was just 19 years old. In 2005, he was deployed to Iraq. While there, Kevin was among the many who witnessed the first democratic elections. He was amazed to see the huge voter turnout; citizens showed up at the voting precincts - even as mortars were being fired in their direction. "We saw the resilience of the Iraqi people who wanted their voice to be heard," Kevin said. "They dipped their finger in ink to prove they had voted, despite the dangers."

In 2019, Kevin retired from the Mississippi National Guard after 28 years of service. "No college can teach the skills that I learned in the military," he said.

Currently, Kevin serves as the director of the Pontotoc County Agri-Center. He is the proud husband of Christy and the father of Clay, Madelyn, and Rylie. We are thankful for Kevin's commitment to God, Country, and family. His service to our great Nation will always be remembered.

Rylie, Clay, Rheanna, Christy, Kevin, Madelyn McGregor, and Luke Willard.

farm bureau roundtable

Food security is national security. Our First District farmers are an essential component in America's food production capabilities. Recently, the Mississippi Farm Bureau hosted an Agricultural Workforce Roundtable in Pittsboro. Area farmers attended the event to discuss their thoughts and concerns. Their input is greatly appreciated as the House Agriculture Committee continues our work on the next Farm Bill. We want to thank Farm Bureau President Mike McCormick for moderating the roundtable and Arkansas Representative Rick Crawford for participating.

educating the future agricultural workforce

Northwest Mississippi Community College has joined forces with John Deere to cultivate the next generation of agricultural workers. In August, Arkansas Representative Rick Crawford and I met with NWCC President Dr. Michael Heindl, faculty, staff, and students to take a closer look at this outstanding program. NWCC's Agriculture Technology program also recertifies technicians for the latest products and software on the market.

As fellow members of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Crawford and I recognize the important role NWCC plays in supporting Mississippi's agriculture industry.

Photo courtesy: Carly Fox, photographer, Northwest Mississippi Community College

welcome to intern parker ray

I am pleased to introduce fall intern, Parker Ray. He is a graduate of The University of the South, also known as Sewanee. Parker majored in Politics. Additionally, he lettered for four years on the football team. The Columbus native said he applied for an internship through our office to learn more about the legislative process and to build relationships on Capitol Hill. Upon completion of his internship, Parker plans to attend law school. He is the son of Rod and Julia Ray.

To learn more about internships through our Washington, D.C., office and in Mississippi's First Congressional District, please click on the link.

pictures

Joe and Melissa Edmondson with Caleb Englert in Pittsboro

Calhoun County Economic Development Association Director Shelia Freely and Arkansas Representative Rick Crawford

Alan Blaine and Matt Walden in Senatobia

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Thanks for reading,

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