October 9, 2025 Dear Friend, |
We are honored to recognize U.S. Army Ranger and Vietnam veteran Jim Guy. Originally from Memphis and now a resident of Hickory Flat, Jim comes from a proud legacy of service – his father was a lieutenant in World War II, and his grandfather also served before him. Jim attended UT Martin, where he participated in ROTC, and graduated in 1967. The following year, just before deploying to Vietnam, he graduated from Ranger School.
Jim served one year in Vietnam as a company commander under the leadership of Colonel David Hackworth, one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. history. During that time, he carried out night-hunter missions that took place at night on armed helicopters to identify and engage the enemy. On his second tour, he was wounded and spent two months recovering in a hospital in Japan.
Over the course of 10 years in the Army, Jim served as a company commander both in the U.S. and in Germany, where his son was born. He also tested scuba gear in Key West and evaluated new parachutes for the Army Special Forces at Fort Bragg.
After his military career, Jim followed in his father's footsteps in construction, building apartment complexes across the country for 40 years. Jim holds a rare and distinguished honor – he is the only non-aviator in Mississippi to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross. He earned numerous decorations for valor, a testament to his extraordinary bravery.
Jim Guy's life of service is truly remarkable. We are deeply grateful for his courage, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation. America is stronger because of heroes like him, and we remain forever indebted to all who have worn the uniform. |
World War II Veteran Drew "Preacher" Smith will celebrate his 100th birthday in November. This milestone marks the culmination of a year filled with remarkable events in his long and full life. Team Kelly was proud to be on hand for his birthday celebration, dedication of his new home, and to present this proud veteran with his well-deserved medals.
Preacher grew up on a farm in Wildcat Botton, a rural community in Marshall County. Life on the family farm came with plenty of chores, earning him the nickname "Preacher." As a youngster, he would often stand on a cotton bale "preaching" about his dislike for picking cotton.
In 1943, 18-year-old Preacher was drafted into the U.S. Army. Following basic training, he was sent overseas where he served in the 10th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge. He was shot 28 times, earning the Purple Heart and three Bronze Star medals. He spent a year in the hospital recovering from his wounds.
In 1946, Preacher returned to Marshall County, where he raised a family in the Mount Pleasant community. Earlier this year, Preacher's home of 77 years was destroyed by a tornado, taking with it his possessions and World War II medals. When word of his losses spread, people far beyond the county line stepped in to help.
Robert Luna, a retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer, was walking across America at the time to raise awareness for mental health support for veterans. After a chance encounter with Preacher, he set the wheels in motion to restore his independence. Cathy Christiansen, a veteran's advocate, joined forces with Luna and many others to build a new home in just 12 days. Cathy also reached out to our office to help replace his lost medals — and we were honored to do so.
Kathy Goode, Robert Luna, Cathy Christiansen
On Saturday, September 27, a "Mission Complete Celebration" was held on the grounds of Preacher's new home. Veterans traveled from North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, and Mississippi to join family, friends, and dignitaries for the event.
On November 6, Preacher will turn 100. We are deeply grateful for this patriotic Mississippian's service to our great nation and wish him continued good health and happiness. |
I was honored to join Snow Lake Mayor and Fire Chief Harry Leuer, the Mississippi Forestry Commission, local leaders, community members, and Vietnam veteran Jim Guy at the Snow Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Benton County may be one of the smaller counties in Mississippi's First Congressional District, but its true strength lies in the heart of its people and the unity of its community.
It was a privilege to visit with members of the Mississippi Forestry Commission and forestry firefighters. These men and women answer the call at any hour, often in the most dangerous conditions, to fight fires that few others are equipped to handle. Their courage, skill, and dedication protect lives, safeguard homes, and preserve Mississippi's natural resources for future generations.
Forestry firefighters may not always receive the recognition they deserve, but their service is invaluable. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to Benton County and to our state. I am proud to represent Benton County in Congress, and it was an honor to spend time with this strong and resilient community. |
Last week, Digital Innovation came to Tupelo, bringing together world-renowned leaders in technology and innovation to showcase the latest advancements in digital transformation, tech solutions, and emerging trends shaping the future of business and education.
As part of the event, they hosted the 2025 Splicing Rodeo with Tombigbee Fiber, where high school juniors and seniors — the future of fiber optics — competed in three challenging rounds. These students demonstrated incredible skills as they showcased their knowledge of fiber splicing.
Attendees also heard from expert speakers, including keynote addresses by Brett Johnson, former U.S. Most Wanted cybercriminal turned cybersecurity expert, and Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity.com, as well as a panel discussion with industry leaders. Organizations such as Itawamba Community College, CREATE Mississippi, Tennessee Valley Authority, and SuperTalk MS were also in attendance.
This event was an outstanding opportunity for students, businesses, and community members to learn about the cutting-edge technology shaping Mississippi's future. Team Kelly was proud to attend and see the continued effort to promote innovation and opportunity across the region. |
I am proud to announce that the deadline to participate in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge is October 30, 2025. All the student participants must register and submit their application online by this date.
Hosted annually by the U.S. House of Representatives, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition designed to inspire middle and high school students to explore computer science and coding. Students of all experience levels are encouraged to participate.
Participants will compete within Mississippi's First Congressional District by developing and submitting an original application. Entries must be original in concept, design, and execution. Students may participate individually or as part of a team of up to four members.
Winning apps will be eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on the official House of Representatives website, House.gov. Winners will also be invited to showcase their app at the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill reception in Washington, D.C.
Students can register and submit their apps through the Congressional App Challenge website. For more details, contact Melinda Whited at [email protected] or visit trentkelly.house.gov. |
We are proud to recognize a mother-daughter owned small business in Pontotoc. Cindy Collums and her daughter, Karley Warren, are the owners of True Blue, a women's clothing and accessories boutique in downtown Pontotoc.
After the passing of her husband, who owned a manufacturing plant, Cindy decided to pursue her own business. From day one, Karley knew she wanted to join her mom. "It was God's way of opening the door to do something we love together," she said. This October, True Blue will celebrate 15 years in business, named after Cindy's oldest daughter. Rooted in their faith, they live by the motto: God, Family, Store.
What makes True Blue unique is their deep commitment to their community. Cindy has been an active member of the Pontotoc Chamber and Main Street Association for a decade, serving on the Chamber of Board for three years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, local businesses, including True Blue, came together to support first responders and started the Have a Heart project, uniting the community in prayer during a difficult time.
Karley also launched "Tuesday Trends at 12," a live social media series showcasing new merchandise, an idea that helped the store thrive during the pandemic and inspired other small businesses in Pontotoc to follow suit. Together, these small businesses share a common goal, helping one another grow and bringing more people to downtown Pontotoc.
Small businesses like True Blue are the backbone of our communities and economy. Cindy and Karley's story is a shining example of faith, family, and entrepreneurship, and I am proud to highlight the work they are doing to strengthen Pontotoc. |
|
Thanks for reading,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
|
|
|
|
