November 9, 2023 Dear Friend,
Speaker Mike Johnson is a strong leader who has a proven track record as a conservative. He is a great man who is honest, hardworking, and principled. With our Speaker at the helm, House Republicans unanimously passed a resolution in support of Israel, America's most important ally in the Middle East. We stand strong with this sovereign nation, whose citizens suffered a brutal attack at the hands of the Iranian-backed Hamas.
Additionally, I joined my colleagues in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calling for the immediate delivery of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) aid to Israel. Read more HERE. |
November is Veterans and Military Families Month. We are proud of these men and women who have defended our great Nation and are deeply appreciative of their families who make service possible.
It is an honor to introduce you to U.S. Marine Corps 1SGT (Ret.) David Erhart and his wife, Teresa. Recently, the Erharts celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Mr. Erhart is a resident at the Mississippi State Veterans Home-Oxford. Teresa is her husband's constant companion in Oxford.
In October 1969, Mr. Erhart enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The following year was a busy one for the new recruit. He completed basic training and married his girlfriend, Teresa. His first deployment was to Vietnam, where he served as a Military Police (MP) officer. During Mr. Erhart's 21-year military career, he also distinguished himself in service as a senior drill instructor and recruiter. "I always wanted to be in the U.S. Marine Corps," Erhart said. "My father was a sergeant in the Corps, serving at Pearl Harbor during World War II."
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On Sunday, November 5th, U.S. Marine Corps CPL (Ret.) Willie James Humphries received the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his outstanding service during World War II. The ceremony was held at the American Legion Hut in Columbus. Mr. Humphries was among the first African Americans who were allowed to enlist in the Corps via an Executive Order issued by President Roosevelt. These recruits became known as the Montford Point Marines in reference to their training facility in Montford Point, North Carolina. These Marines distinguished themselves in service during some of the fiercest battles in the Pacific. Mr. Humphries' service will always be remembered. |
Mississippi's peanut harvest season is underway. Brian Atkins, Birdsong Peanuts Buying Point Manager, said the latest weather conditions have been ideal for peanut growers. Trucks, loaded with peanuts, arrive throughout the day at the peanut buying point located in Prairie.
"This is the best year to date for peanut farmers in north Mississippi, including those grown by our family," Brian said. "There are 18,000 acres of peanuts grown statewide." Recently, Brian provided a tour of the operation, discussing the inspection process.
Brian's brother, Alan Atkins and nephew, Jamie Dean Atkins, have been finishing up their peanut harvest in Monroe County. In addition to peanuts, the family grows corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat on 4,000 acres. Like other producers, they have been forced to pay more for fertilizer and other inputs. In October, I joined my colleagues in a letter calling on the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Gina Raimondo to address the financial burden duties are placing on farmers. Read more HERE. |
World War II Veteran Andrew Carter passed away on November 4, 2023. The Tippah County native was 102 years old. In 2021, we introduced you to Mr. Carter when he was celebrating his 100th birthday. He maintained an active lifestyle with daily trips to his favorite coffee shop in Ripley. Mr. Carter also enjoyed telling stories about growing up in rural Mississippi, and his days of service in the U.S. Navy.
On May 17, 1944, Mr. Carter was inducted into the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the Merchant Marine Liberty Ship SS Felipe De Neve. After the war, Mr. Carter married Naomi Street, and the couple had six children together.
We are thankful for Mr. Carter's service, and that he was able to enjoy a long, healthy life.
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Aberdeen Mayor Charles Scott, Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, Brian Atkins, and Monroe County Supervisor Fulton Ware in Prairie
North Mississippi Medical Center
Paul Anglin, Linda Anglin, Dan Bishop, Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, Brenda Sisk, and Paul Sisk
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, Paul Sisk, Tracy Mask, and Carney Walden in Pontotoc
Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation representatives Colton McMurry, Andy Shannon, Ty Jones, Alton Harvey, Sandy Harvey, Drew Broome, and Justin Ferguson |
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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