Update from Congressman Trent Kelly

January 31, 2024

celebrating our veteran-owned small businesses

From the time he was a young boy, Bryan Simmons aspired to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1995, he enlisted, embarking on a long and distinguished 20-year career. His service included a deployment to Afghanistan, numerous assignments as a member of the Military Police, and three years as a recruiter in Tupelo. In 2015, Bryan retired as a Gunnery Sergeant. "I wouldn't trade military service for anything in the world," Bryan stated. "The military gave me the ability to accomplish anything I set my mind to."

In November 2021, Bryan decided to make the most of his gunsmith skills by opening Gunny's Corner in Fulton. Inside the store, Bryan proudly displays flags, medals, and memorabilia, honoring his family's long history of military service.

Three U.S. Military veterans work in the store. David Willcutt is a National Guard and U.S. Army veteran. Noel Midkiff is a U.S. Marine Corps and National Guard veteran. We are grateful for their service and wish them success as small business operators.

honoring a world war ii soldier

Sgt. James Edward "Ed" Blevins grew up on the family farm in Fulton and later in Phil Campbell, Alabama. He was one of five children raised by J.A. and Cathern Blevins. In July 1942, Blevins entered World War II, courageously serving our great Nation in numerous military engagements. In 1944, he paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of the Bulge near Luxembourg, Germany. The 24-year-old was initially buried at the Hamm American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg. At the conclusion of World War II, Blevins' remains were returned to his family and interred in Itawamba County's Banner Community.

Recently, Mike Collum, Blevins' nephew, reached out to our office in hopes that we would share the story of his uncle's service and sacrifice.

We are thankful for this young man's service, recognizing his life as a testament to the patriotic spirit deeply ingrained in us as Americans.

working for our veterans

Navigating a federal agency can be a complicated process. Team Kelly can intervene on behalf of our constituents by cutting through federal government red tape. Although we cannot override the decisions made by a federal agency, we strive to obtain answers to questions and help find solutions.

One of our key services is assisting veterans. The Veterans Administration has scores of pending claims for various types of benefits. Because of this, some veterans may feel their case is being overlooked. We can request the VA keep close watch on a particular case and update our team throughout the process.

Additionally, we are a resource for Veterans Service Offices located in Mississippi's First Congressional District. Jason Baker, Itawamba County Accredited Veterans Service Officer, is often the first stop for veterans seeking assistance in his county. He is a 20-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a distinguished record of service, including leadership administrative roles at the Pentagon. "I have a unique background," Jason said. "I know what works to get things done. Mike Patterson, Congressman Kelly's Veterans' Services Coordinator, has been a great help to our mission."

We are proud to collaborate with Jason and other veterans resource officers upon their request.

"Congressman Kelly's office is a great resource for us," Accredited Veterans Service Officer Lynette Simmons said. "They have really helped us make sure veterans receive all the benefits they have earned and deserve."

welcome to Congressional defense fellow joseph mason

I am pleased to introduce Joseph Mason, who is serving as the 2024 Congressional Defense Fellow in our Washington, D.C., office. He is working with our defense policy team to develop legislation that supports our service members, their families, and the constituents of Mississippi's First Congressional District.

Lieutenant Colonel Mason was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors (cum laude) in Political Science from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He also earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Additionally, Lt. Col. Mason is a graduate of both the Expeditionary Warfare School and the Command and Staff College. Currently, he is pursuing a master's degree in Public Policy at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.

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Thanks for reading,

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