An Update from Congressman Trent Kelly

January 1, 2024

Dear Friend,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope that you had the opportunity to enjoy the holidays and to fellowship with family and friends. We live in the greatest nation on earth where we are free to convey our thoughts and to worship without the fear of persecution. These freedoms are made possible through the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. As we celebrate the new year, let us remember those who are watching over us at this hour.

It is an honor to serve as your Representative in Congress. I will continue to work diligently on your behalf, ensuring your voice is heard on Capitol Hill. My team and I look forward to 2024, and to providing the best of constituent services to Mississippi's First Congressional District. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have questions about our services or legislation before Congress.

field representative willy weddle

One of the most honored positions on Team Kelly is the field representative. These men and women work and live among the citizens of Mississippi's First Congressional District, offering a listening ear and a helping hand. Reverend Willy Weddle truly embodies the spirit of a faithful servant and demonstrates this daily in Webster, Choctaw, Winston, and Calhoun counties. In January 2024, Willy will retire from his official duties. Willy has been with us since 2015, helping to meet the needs of those who have reached out to our office. He especially enjoys caring for veterans, ministering to their physical and spiritual needs. We will miss his enthusiasm and great wit and, above all, his calming presence. Willy's congregation will continue to enjoy his many attributes. We wish Willy many more years of health and happiness.

(Pictured are Rep. Kelly, Willy, Liz, and John Weddle)

vietnam veteran barry hall

In 1968, Barry Hall enlisted in the U.S. Navy. The Tupelo native wanted to serve in the Vietnam War. "I wanted to serve because it was the right thing to do," Barry said. During his 2-year tour of duty with the Navy Seabees, Barry drove a wrecker used to retrieve vehicles in need of repair or replacement. "I am proud of my military service. I enjoyed it.," Barry stated.

We are thankful for all the veterans who have defended America. It is an honor and a privilege to tell their stories in my newsletter. Be sure to thank them for their service. They have earned and deserve a special place in American history. If you would like to nominate a veteran to be featured by our team, please send an email to [email protected].

congressional app challenge winners

I am pleased to announce the winners of Mississippi's First Congressional District 2023 Congressional App Challenge (CAC), a competition designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding.

Oxford High School students Riley Gray, Jack Speed, and Dylan Wishon created their app called "Life Lesson." While in use, the app limits the amount of time the user can spend on social media. When their time is up, the student is redirected to a learning space where they are given information on a variety of subjects. A quiz follows that requires the student to score a B or higher to gain more time on social media. Oxford High School Software Development/Exploring Computer Science Teacher Misty Whitehead served as their advisor.

"Winning CAC was one of the most considerable, exhilarating experiences in our coding careers," Dylan said. "It's the feeling of our communal assiduous endeavors paying off."

"I was nervous about what we submitted, so when we made first place I was shocked," Matthew said. "It was a team effort and I'm glad we were able to make something that could impress people."

"I was really excited when I found out because we didn't win last year," Jack said.

The winners will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The winning app will also be eligible to be on display in the U.S. Capitol, honoring winners from across the country. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, please contact our competition liaison [email protected].

2023 highlights from the district to dc

House Agriculture Committee first hearing to discuss the 2024 Farm Bill

Tour of Ingalls Shipbuilding

Submarine Industrial Base Council Suppliers Conference

Stennis-Montgomery Association (SMA)

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence hearing to discuss strengthening national security

Speaking on behalf of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Meeting with the Mississippi Society of Washington

Meeting with sweet potato farmers Joe and Melissa Edmonson and Caleb Englert in Pittsboro

Meeting the next generation of the agriculture workforce at Northwest Mississippi Community College

Dedication ceremony for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at Tupelo Veterans Park

Birdsong Peanuts tour with Aberdeen Mayor Charles Scott, Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, Brian Atkins, and Monroe County Supervisor Fulton Ware in Prairie

stay in touch

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Thanks for reading,

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